Latest news with #Deonath
![Merewest Community Foundation celebrates graduates [Pics]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.citizen.co.za%2Fsouthlands-sun%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F40%2F2025%2F08%2FMerewest-Community-Foundation-celebrates-graduation.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
![Merewest Community Foundation celebrates graduates [Pics]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.citizen.co.za%2Fassets%2Fimg%2Fcitizen-icon.png&w=48&q=75){kind=icon}
The Citizen
4 days ago
- General
- The Citizen
Merewest Community Foundation celebrates graduates [Pics]
THE Merewest Community Foundation and Mediskills Healthcare Academy partnered proudly as 30 graduates, dressed in caps and gowns, marched across the stage at the MTSS Hall earlier this month to mark the culmination of their first aid, disaster management, and self-defence course. Also read: Merewest community trained in first aid, disaster management and self-defence The event recognised Merebank's dedicated first responders, members of the Chinatown Crime Watch (CTCW), Community Policing Forum (CPF) representatives, security personnel and street patrollers who worked tirelessly to improve their skill sets to help create a safer community. Premilla Deonath, chairperson of the Merewest Community Foundation, said there was a total of 30 graduates, who walked their own unique journey to complete their certification in first aid, disaster management and self-defence. 'What's truly remarkable about this graduation is the diversity of our students. We've had young and old, from all walks of life, come together to learn and grow. It shows that age is just a number and that with determination and hard work, anyone can achieve their goals and make a positive impact. It's a powerful reminder that we're never too old or too young to learn, grow and serve others,' said Deonath. Also read: Southlands sun 15 August 2025 The training was intensive and was offered free of charge to ensure that money would not be a barrier to empowerment. Deonath said all the graduates are residents who patrol the streets at night, respond to emergencies, and bring reassurance to residents at any hour of the day. 'I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to each and every one of our graduates. Their achievement is a testament to their strength, resilience and commitment to serving others. I'm very honoured and privileged to be part of their journey and can't wait to see the incredible impact they'll make in our communities. To our partners and facilitators, thank you for your tireless efforts in shaping these heroes. Let's continue to inspire and uplift each other,' said Deonath. Armed with their new skills and reinvigorated sense of direction, the graduates are ready to use their new knowledge for the betterment of the community. For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox.
IOL News
17-07-2025
- General
- IOL News
Premilla Deonath honoured with Unsung Heroes Award for community service
From left: Unsung Heroes Award recipient, Premilla Deonath, Patricia Michael who nominated Deonath, founder of the wards and chairperson Fawzia Peer and awards chairperson and editor Dr Kogielam Archary. Image: Supplied The relentless effort of a Merebank social activist, Premilla Deonath to uplift her community through social programmes has finally paid dividends after being conferred with Unsung Heroes Award. Founded by the former eThekwini deputy mayor Fawzia Peer three years ago, the awards shine a light on those remarkable individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to uplift their communities. These are the people who offer their time, energy, and hearts without expecting praise, driven purely by compassion, integrity, and a desire to help others. This award celebrates the quiet champions of kindness and service, whose everyday actions spark real change and leave a lasting impact, often without fanfare or spotlight. Speaking after receiving the award, Deonath said she was genuinely humbled to receive the Unsung Heroes Award and never expected. She said she never expected anything for helping her community, which she did out of passion and a sense of responsibility to the people around her. 'Standing there, receiving the medal, seeing the beautiful frame and reading my name in the Unsung Heroes book, I felt an unexpected wave of emotion. Partly joy, but mostly gratitude. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading "I was both honoured and deeply humbled to receive the Unsung Heroes Award. It's not something I ever expected, because the work I do is simply part of who I am. Done quietly, without seeking recognition. Receiving the medal, the certificate, and being included in the Unsung Heroes book was incredibly moving, but what touched me most was being recognized alongside so many others who give of themselves every day without asking for anything in return,' said Deonath. She further stated that her recognition belongs to everyone who walks the path of service. Those who show up without applause, who give their time and heart simply because they care. 'I'm thankful beyond words to those who saw value in what I do and took the time to nominate me. This moment will stay with me always, not because of the award itself, but because it affirmed that quiet efforts do matter,' concludes Deonath. Merebank is a predominantly Indian community, less than five kilometres from central Durban towards the south of the City. Deonath has been a voice and a torchbearer for the community. Through her Merewest Community Foundation which she founded with other local community activists she has organised various social projects which were beneficial to her community.
