On June 5, 1950, in Dannhauser, a somewhat exhausted Muniammah delivered a bouncing baby boy for her beloved husband Pithambar Ramkhelawan.
The young dad was so elated that almost every Indian home in the quiet mining town was made aware of the new arrival who was christened Anand. Pithambar, who was a very popular man in Dannhauser, worked diligently for a Muslim family.
With the increase in his obligations to his family, he was reluctantly released to seek employment in the much larger town of Ladysmith.
The family’s arrival in Ladysmith was not without difficulties, but the loving couple persevered and overcame all obstacles.
Within a few decades, three other sons were born in the Ramkhelawan home – Anil, Ashwin and Sham.
Mr Ramkhelawan carved a niche for himself by becoming an expert in repairing Singer sewing machines.
The couple inspired their children to pursue education as high as possible.
Anand started his schooling career at the Madressa School in upper Murchison Street. When the ML Sultan school opened its doors in 1960, Anand joined the scores who were absorbed there. Upon completion of his primary school education, Anand attended Windsor, where he made an indelible mark both academically and in extracurricular activities.
He excelled in soccer and athletics, and was one of the four drummers in the bugle band which was the first Indian school bugle band in the country.
Having completed his schooling career, Anand worked for short intervals at Leach & Brown and Canvacor.
But it was when he joined Ladysmith Municipality in an admin capacity that he showed his true worth and became a favourite with most of those he worked with. He worked his way up the ladder and worked there for 35 years.
For many years, he used to be seen driving the small bakkie every Monday night checking on street lamps that were out of order.
After his father’s death, it was Anand who treasured the Mazda NKR 6162 – a car that his father owned. Anand maintained it in pristine condition.
My relationship with Anand blossomed in the Klip River District Football Association (KRDFA).
He started his playing career with Hilites FC, which eventually won the Junior Natal Cup in Pietermaritzburg. He hung up his boots to concentrate on football administration and served as the records clerk when I was president of that august association for a number of years.

He also officiated as referee and selector during the heyday of the KRDFA.

Anand passed away last week after an illness that was diagnosed late last year. He is survived by his wife Saras (whom he married in 1974), his two daughters Shoba and Deshnie, and three grandchildren. It is common courtesy to speak well of a person who has passed away, but with hand on my heart, I can say that Anand was an amiable person who maintained a pleasant disposition even under the most trying of circumstances.
May his soul rest in peace and may God Almighty give his elderly mum and the rest of his family strength to bear this huge loss. I, and many others, share their grief.