Actonville bids farewell to Ramanlal Hira
During the apartheid regime in 1954, Hira faced many challenges, including not being able to attend university in South Africa.
Ramanlal Hira of Actonville, who died on November 1, was renowned as a man of strong work ethic and integrity but, above all, for his empathy and generosity to the people of Actonville, Wattville and Daveyton.
According to his daughter, Hema Tallman, Hira was respected and highly revered by the communities that spanned from Gauteng to beyond the borders of South Africa.
“He was a very determined and tenacious entrepreneur who built his business and success from the ground up. His creativity and innovative thinking were profound. He believed in accomplishing his best through hard work and perseverance,” she said.
His determination and desire to succeed drove him to make the decision to study in London, England, where he completed his A-levels before pursuing a degree in pharmacy.
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In 1960, he married Jamu Hira, who travelled abroad to join him.
In 1963, he started his business in Grolman’s Pharmacy, Bhattay Street, in the Benoni township area.
According to Tallman, he was one of the first Indian men to own a pharmacy in South Africa.
In 1973, the area was proclaimed an Indian area and became known as Actonville.
“At that time, they opened Hira’s Pharmacy on Singh Street, where he practised and served the same communities over the next 50 years.
“They built a reputation in the community as caring and compassionate healthcare professionals.
“He was passionately involved with the Indian community in Actonville and became a member of the Benoni Gujarati Hindu Seva Samaj in 1968.
“He became the chairperson and served in this capacity for 16 years.
“His parting has brought a deep sadness to the people of Benoni who were touched by his wisdom and love,” said Tallman.
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