Tributes pour in for doyenne of Tamil culture

The world of Tamil culture, arts and broadcasting has lost a towering figure with the passing of Mala Lutchmanan on Wednesday, December 18.

The beloved author, radio presenter, and cultural stalwart dedicated her life to celebrating heritage and enriching the lives of countless individuals.

Her vast influence on South African broadcasting and her unwavering commitment to the preservation of Tamil culture will be remembered for generations.

Lutchmanan, a resident of Yellowwood Park, retired from Lotus FM in June after a remarkable 28 years of service.

She was widely loved for her popular Friday evening show, Isai – Mazhai (“A Shower of Sweet Music”), enchanting listeners with its melodic charm and cultural richness.

She had also presented The Best of Kodambakkam on Sundays.

On Wednesday morning, December 18, Ms Lutchmanan, 64, had complained to her sister of breathing difficulties. She passed on before the ambulance could take her to hospital. She had just come back from a tiring trip to India and Malaysia.

Ms Lutchmanan was a qualified maths and English teacher, and taught at a Learners with Special Education Needs (LSEN) school until her retirement a year ago. She was a teacher for 29 years and taught in India and Sussex in England.

Alan Khan, senior director of corporate affairs at Durban University of Technology, and a fellow radio personality, expressed his sadness at Ms Lutchmanan’s passing.

“It is with immense sadness that I learnt of the passing of the legendary Mala Lutchmanan. I had the honour of working alongside her for seven years during my time at Lotus FM. Mala was a truly remarkable person, consistently kind, sincere, and loving in every way. Her contributions to the community, broadcasting, and the arts were immense. Mala’s presence touched the lives of so many,” he said.

Sureshnie Rider, a former Lotus FM presenter and current Vodcast host for Boston Media House in Arizona, USA, also paid tribute.

“An absolute doyenne of culture has passed away. The incredibly talented and gifted Mala Lutchmanan – or ‘Aunty Mala,’ as we fondly called her – truly steered my knowledge of South Indian music and cinema. She was also related to my mum, so there was a cousin Mala version we all enjoyed,” she shared.

“If there is a person who truly deserves every award for her service to humanity, arts, and culture, it is Mala. Her time and devotion to her culture were unmatched. Rest peacefully, Aunty Mala. May you always be surrounded by the magic of the movies and the soundtrack of Hariharan. Mika nandri for the stalwart you were,” said Ms Rider.

Lotus FM’s official Facebook page also paid homage to their cherished former colleague.

“Today we bid farewell to a lady who touched all our hearts. Mala Lutchmanan was an integral part of the Lotus FM family for over 25 years, shaping our religious and language programmes with her vast knowledge of culture, language, and religion. Her literary works, especially her book on Mandela’s quotes translated into Tamil, stand as a testament to her passion and commitment to preserving our heritage. Her tireless efforts earned her numerous accolades during her visits to India.

“Our heartfelt condolences go out to Mala’s family, friends, and loved ones. Rest in peace, dear Mala. Your memory will be cherished forever.”

She had presented about 3 000 programmes, said Lotus FM programme manager, Alvin Pillay.

Fakir Hassen, former Lotus FM station manager, said he was shocked at the sudden untimely passing of a long-time friend, fellow writer and broadcaster.

“I am shocked because just two days ago, she contacted me about her World Tamil Achievers Award. I was still waiting for her feedback to my request for more information to write a story about it for the local and international media that I work with,” said Mr Hassen.

“Mala was a stalwart of pioneering efforts in the Tamil community with her various books, including promoting Tamil culture in the Zulu community in her home province of KwaZulu-Natal.”

Ms Lutchmanan’s friend and colleague, Dr Kiru Naidoo said she effortlessly filled a room with her presence.

“Always warm and smiling, she could speak as easily to a child as to a revered elder. Her anchor was the Magazine Barracks community in Durban, where she was raised, before the Apartheid forced removals to Chatsworth when she was 8-years-old. She honoured that community at every turn more especially its linguistic, faith and cultural traditions. A scholarship from the Merebank Tamil School Society enabled her to advance her studies in South India beyond the early instruction from her parents and other gurus,” said Dr Naidoo.

He added that earlier this year the Tamil University honoured her as one of its most esteemed alumni. She returned on Monday, December 16, from Malaysia where she was again honoured for her contribution to promoting the Tamil language.

“Over the years I’ve watched her work with special needs children, patiently teach adults, write and translate endless volumes of literature and work as a broadcaster and newspaper columnist for over 30 years. She was never too busy for anyone. Her legacy is the students she taught and the over 30 books she wrote. A few weeks ago she gave me her contribution to a book we’re co-writing on the Tamil heritage in South Africa – alas it will have to be finished without her meticulous attention to detail. Mala was a metaphor for Tamil in South Africa – she honoured a great lineage and one hopes that there will be someone among the youth generation who will pick up her scholarly passion for Tamil literature and culture,” said Dr Naidoo.

Ms Lutchmanan’s former Lotus FM colleagues Jagruthi (JJ) and Vikash Mathura said they met her on her first day at the radio station.

“It was in 1995 when we first saw Mala strutting into the Lotus FM offices at the SABC in Old Fort Road (Durban). With a smile that extended from ear to ear, it was her first day on the job. She was wearing a brightly coloured sari that complemented her grace and elegance. In fact, we cannot recall ever seeing Mala dressed in anything but traditional wear. There was an instant connection with everyone in the room. Mala had that effect on people. Her passion for culture and the Tamil language was unparalleled. And when she spoke the written word in vernacular, it sounded like music to the ears,” the Mathuras said.

“She wasn’t shy to ask questions to fast-track her learning of the nuances of the broadcasting craft, said Ms Mathura. Her biggest goals were to connect with her listeners and to teach the Tamil language and culture. After all these years, Mala achieved those objectives with ease.

“We will remember her for her humility, passion, elegance, and her loud laughs that always filled the room,” said Mr Mathura.

Ms Lutchmanan’s funeral service was scheduled to take place at the Clare Estate Crematorium today, Thursday, December 19, from 1pm to 2.30pm.