Death of an icon: Reverend Danny Chetty mourned
His funeral will take place at Gate Ministries at Casa Hall in Albersville this Saturday from 11:30 to 14:00.
Messages of condolences have poured in from around the world for Reverend Danny Chetty (63) of Port Shepstone, founder of Practical Ministries and member of the KwaZulu-Natal Christian Council.
Rev Chetty died at a Durban hospital on Wednesday after a long battle with brain cancer.
In 2008, Rev Chetty underwent brain surgery due to a tumour. At the time, he was ‘given five years to live’.
A few years ago, the tumour again spread and Rev Chetty spent most of his time in hospital, and most recently with his family at their home in Durban.
Two years ago, groups around the globe heeded the call to pray for Rev Chetty, with prayer meetings and special events being held for a man affectionately referred to as the ‘people’s prophet’. But it was a tiring journey, even for a man with seemingly boundless reserves of energy.
Rev Chetty travelled widely, and through his various work commitments has been to more than 40 countries.
He established Practical Ministries in 1984, which was a non-governmental ecumenical agency that worked in marginalised and violence-torn communities. The aim of his organisation (PM) was to empower violence-affected communities by promoting peace, social economic justice and human rights.
Rev Chetty was an anti-apartheid activist, a defender of people and a dedicated man of the cloth who reached out to people of all faiths.
Some of his accolades include a scholarship for development programme in Social Law and Human Rights. In March 2019 he was honoured with a Paul Harris award from the Rotary Club of Port Shepstone.
He had a great fondness for music and played and sang for many, at weddings, birthday parties or just catching up with close friends at the office or homes of families.
Rev Chetty was born on May 28, 1959 and grew up in Sea Park. He was affectionately called ‘Anna’, the Tamil word for big brother – by his brother Selvan, sister Lavinia and late brother Rajan.
As a single parent, he proudly recognised his children Biko and Kimera as his greatest achievement.
On a more personal note, the South Coast Herald family is deeply saddened by his death, as Rev Chetty was well featured in the paper since the early 70s.
Condolences are extended to his children, Biko and Kimera, his family and many friends.
The Herald hopes to feature more in depth tributes next week.
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