Mobeni Heights businesses pick up the pieces following unrest

Prime examples of this are the key establishments located within the Mobeni Heights district in Durban, namely Moodley’s Supply Stores and the Meranti medicine depot, which did not survive the onslaught.

Moodley’s Supply Store, a superette, which operated from the Mobeni Heights Shopping Centre, was ruthlessly ransacked and looted.

The store started from humble beginnings when Mr Valaithum Moodley arrived in South Africa over 100 years ago, and opened for business in Cato Manor, Mayville.

However, during the riots of 1949, the store was looted and burnt to the ground.

Unfazed, and determined, the Moodley’s operated for six months from their home in Mayville while the store was being rebuilt. When the Group Areas Act was implemented, the Moodley’s were moved to Mobeni Heights, where they started over.

Over time, the store was passed down and is currently run by Trevor Moodley and his wife, Lucinda. Their humble plea to the community is to help them rise from difficult times once again. Anyone able to assist can contact Lucinda on 072-126-4872.

The source for the community’s medical needs, Meranti Pharmacy, on the other hand, has been serving Mobeni Heights and the greater Chatsworth area for more than 30 years.

The business was founded with the key tenets of providing convenient and exceptional heath care services to the community.

Owner and pharmacist, Charmaine Govender, said, “Unfortunately, our pharmacy was not saved as it was looted and totally destroyed. In this tough time, our community rallied around us and provided incredible support. For that, we are incredibly thankful. Currently, we are in the process of rebuilding and we are determined to come back stronger than we were.”

At present, Meranti is assisting affected customers at 40 Collier Avenue, Umhlatuzana. For more information, call 031 401-3435, 071-784-5734 or 078 319 3251 (WhatsApp).