Businessman passes away
Jerry was the first to take ownership of a home in the newly developed Cassim Park (1966).
Well known businessman and pioneer in the Indian community, Kesarnand Ramguthy, better known as Jerry or Ram passed away at the age of 76.
Born and raised in Clairwood, Durban, Jerry entered the tailoring profession, working for his father and uncle, before marrying his wife Munora in 1962.
The couple often visited his father- in law, Mr GM Singh, principal and teacher at the Indian School in Ermelo and soon grew attached to the town and community. They moved here in 1965 where Jerry first started working at Bhoola’a Tailors and Munora started teaching at the Indian School.
With the guidance and skills he acquired from his father, Jerry opened and ran the first Indian upholstery business in town which later grew to three successful businesses.
Jerry was a man with strong family beliefs and always endevoured to keep family and friends together.
At the height of apartheid Jerry longed for a better life for his family. At the time they, as so many others, rented a house in town owned by wealthy businessmen.
But being Indian and living in town during that era was not a pleasant experience, and according to stories told by the elders, their movements were very restricted and they had to live in rooms situated inside or behind their businesses.
On the one hand the government wanted them out of town and on the other, the rich wanted to hold on to their properties.
Determined to give his family a better life, not caring about politics and despite opposition from the wealthy that believed he gave in to the government’s demand on segregation, Jerry was the first to take ownership of a home in the newly developed Cassim Park (1966).
Jerry is described by his brother, Borgs, as:
“a man amongst men, a man of integrity, honour and humility.
He believed that hard work pays off and that poverty is not an excuse for failure.
Jerry stood up for family and friends through tough times and dedicated his life to serving and improving the lives of others, truly a legend in his own right.”
Jerry is survived by his wife: Munora, five children: Alasthara, Kesosh, Munesh, Rajeshree and Rajesh, 15 grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
Jerry’s family thanks everyone for their love and support during this sad time.
