Branch Story

The branch was established by a group of very humble and ardent devotees in 1962, Nades
Govender, Munniamah Chetty, Kamatchie Naidoo and Chasa Chetty. Guru Narainsamy Pillay and
Swami Anbanandha were the first gurus who commenced services at the branch. A few years later
Guru Daddy, Guru Douglas and Swami Bhrimananda conducted services until the appointment of
Guru Sivan who is the resident guru of the branch to date.

The branch served the Demat area for conducting funeral services, memorial services and cottage
services whenever the need arouse. Many children have trained for children gala and participated at
programs held at head office. This training helped children to become leaders and secure a place in
society. The branch hosted, annually the cultural program right up to 1995, when many families
moved out and relocated and for this reason we stopped having our programme, from the year 2000 to
the year 2004 the Marianhill Branch joined us in having services due to Swami Anbanandha’s illness.

During this period the branches amalgamated with the blessing of head office. The Marainhill Branch
reopened with the permission of head office to resume as a branch on their own.

The land was initially donated by the Late ML Naidoo of Roos Fountain. The land was sold to Gansen
Naidoo Family Trust who redonated the land to the Sungum since 1975. Presently the land being
allocated due to township developments the precast fencing was donated by Aroo and Krish Odeyar
and Jaya Moodley.

We are pleased to report that the lights for the building were donated by Late Mike Moodley in 1985.
Late Mr Billy Chetty provided the marquees for all our function while late Pat and Logie Moodley
planted the palm trees that stand on our property.

Segie Moodley gives us free transport to Park Rynie every year. We are grateful to all those who served the branch and for their donations.

The congregation is made up of ardent devotees, some of whom travel from the outside areas.  In 2022, the Demat branch celebrated 50 years of existence and continues to propagate the work of the Sungum.