FOR many Merebank was marked by the sounds of children playing on the streets, doors rarely closed to those living next door and where neighbours knew each other by name. It was a place where your family was not restricted to the people in your home and would stretch to other people in the community that would support one another to turn ordinary moments into everlasting memories. This is the special community that the new Legacy of Merebank: Our People, Our Culture, Our Stories documents. 

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The book was launched by The Merebank Book Project (MBP) at the MTSS Hall on September 12. The launch marked the culmination of more than four years of research and community surveys and contributions.

The book is not credited to a single author but to the different contributions of the community. The MBP said that they wanted to create a book for the community by the community.  The event proved to be a historical night for the community with the hall packed to capacity of residents, historical icons, former stalwarts all returning to their alma mater community. 

The stars of the launch

The launch saw three keynote addresses by Gift of the Givers founder Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman, Professor Ashwin Desai and Professor Managay Reddi. Writer of the book’s forward, Ela Ghandi, also delivered a message of inspiration.

Staggered between the programme were various limerick recitals courtesy of learners from the different schools in Merebank. Another highlight of the programme was the sweet sounds provided by Merebank musical legends like Melvin Peters, Gordon Franks, Ashley Subban and Colbert Timothy.

Process behind making this book

Being able to come to create a book of this magnitude required rigorous discipline, and Viren Singh, chairperson of the MBP, was able to provide that.

“We had to follow certain principles and the principles that we held dear was that of equality, transparency and accountability,” said Singh. He believed that if they worked openly, the community would gain confidence in their project. 

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Professor Brij Mohan, a committee member, said that the book is a celebration of the resilience, sacrifice, unity and extraordinary power of community. 

 “It tells the story of how ordinary people achieved extraordinary things by working together. The book suggests that strong communities are not built by governments and institutions alone, but are built when residents voluntarily care for each other, invest in the future generations and selflessly advance the interest of the community,” he said. 

Sharmla Singh, committee member, added to Mohan’s remarks, saying that the book documents how people had to navigate and rise above the chauvinistic society.

Biographies of place are not uncommon, but according to Ashok Madhunlall, what sets this book apart is who tells the story.

“It’s a story of the people being spoken by the people. It is a story that you would hear in the kitchen, in the classroom or at a football game,” he said. 

Logas Madhunlall, committee member, said it was imperative that they evoke that warm feeling in the reader and added this book is enjoyable for all.

“We hope that younger generations take this book and understand where they come from and the sacrifices and struggles that many of our parents and the past generations had to endure. We hope people close the book and say confidently, this is our story,” she said. 

Kalay Iyman, spokesperson for MBP, said that the launch was a memorable and proud occasion. “It was a celebration of Merebank’s rich history, diverse culture, remarkable people and the stories that have shaped our community. It was also amazing to see the team’s hard work pay off,” she said.

Purchase a book

To get a copy of the book, community members can purchase the book at Junagarth Road Primary School for R450, or they can make a deposit into the Standard Bank account number 063060515, with their name as a reference. Send that proof of payment to 083 775 4401.

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