Durban — Tributes are pouring in for former Lotus FM presenter and author, Mala Lutchmanan, 64, who passed away on Wednesday. She was cremated at the Clare Estate Crematorium on Thursday.
Many regarded her as a stalwart of the Tamil language and culture and an irreplaceable figure in the South African media landscape. She was regarded as the doyenne of the Tamil culture.
The Yellowwood Park resident was popular for her show, Isai – Mazhai, which translates to A shower of sweet music, on Fridays. But she was more than a radio personality since she was involved in community building.
She retired from Lotus FM in June 2024 after 28 years. The station described her as having been “an integral part” of the team and played a pivotal role in shaping the religious and language programmes.
“Her vast knowledge of language, culture, and religion had a profound impact on our communities, and her contributions will be deeply missed. Mala's literary works, particularly her book on Mandela’s quotes translated into Tamil, will remain a testament to her passion and commitment to preserving our cultural heritage.
“We remember Mala as a stalwart of Lotus FM, whose tireless efforts and dedication earned her numerous accolades during her visits to India,” the station said in a Facebook post.
Lutchmanan, who wrote more than 20 books, studied at the Tamil University, in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, which is how she became proficient in the language and culture. She was also a librarian at the Durban City Hall.
She completed a four-year degree in art and culture, graduating in 1995.
The degree equipped overseas students to teach Tamil to those who saw it as a foreign language. She landed a job at Lotus FM as a Tamil presenter in 1995.
In 2017 Lutchmanan went on to write a book titled, 10 000 Days – A Prisoner then President, to coincide with Mandela’s birth anniversary. She launched a Tamil version of his biography and said at the time: “Nobody should be denied reading the incredible story of Madiba in one’s own mother tongue.”
Lutchmanan, a former teacher who worked at a school for pupils with special educational needs, went on to write a slew of books. She translated the Thirukkural into isiZulu.
The Thirukkural is one of the most revered ancient works in the Tamil language. It is considered a “common creed”, providing a guide for human morals and betterment in life.
Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Narend Singh said the Thirukkural translation impressed Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi: “She appreciated and promoted all cultures. Her literary work should be an inspiration to everyone, especially the youth. She deserved each of the awards. We need more people to emulate her.”
Television presenter Devi Sankaree Govender said the country had lost an icon. She said Mala taught her a lot and left a legacy, not just for the Indian community, but the whole country. She was one of her greatest supporters when she joined Lotus FM as a young journalist and she supported her when she received “a fair amount of criticism” for her “direct” approach on the airwaves.
“And I’ll be honest, I was asking for it. Because it was the mid-’90s; Lotus FM's viewership was pretty conservative at the time. And then you’ve got this girl from Umzinto in her early 20s telling the uncles off. So, many people were not happy with me.”
“We need to celebrate her amazing and unusual life. Over the 31 years of friendship, she was determined, with an absolutely strong sense of community. She was supportive and exceptionally generous. From humble beginnings she became a trailblazer. She lived her purpose,” Govender said.
Selvan Naidoo, from the 1860 Heritage Centre, said she was the gem of Tamil culture in South Africa and an irreplaceable loss for the Indian African community.
“Her unparalleled dedication to the propagation of the Tamil language in our African homes is a legacy that will never be forgotten. Her love and generosity in translating the Thirukurral into isiZulu speaks volumes of her desire to build this great nation of ours in the land of our birth,” Naidoo said.
Community leader Narendh Ganesh said it was important that people recognise and acknowledged her contribution to the South Africa society.
Media Strategist Marlan Padayachee said: “She was a doyenne of the Tamil language on Radio Lotus, an esteemed teacher-educator, and a prolific author who chronicled the lives of renowned personalities.”
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