SOUTH AFRICA, January 4, 2007: Moreland, the property development company of Tongaat-Hulett, has officially handed over the land on which stands the Brake Village Sri Siva Soobramaniar Alayam temple, reflecting the group’s commitment to its surrounding communities. Moreland facilitated and expedited the subdivision and transfer of the Tongaat-based property, handing over ownership of the land to the Temple Management Committee on December 3, 2006. The gesture, which coincided with the Hindu festival of Karthigai Deepam, holds particular relevance to the community as the temple approaches its centenary in 2009. In recent years, Tongaat-Hulett has donated key religious sites within their property holdings to the relevant entities.
Moreland is one of South Africa’s leading private land developers. Established in 1981, the company concentrates on the development and selling of serviced land to developers and individuals for residential, industrial, commercial and resort buildings. The move forms part of Moreland’s over-arching philosophy to sustainable development. This commitment balances the economic, environmental and social imperatives within the communities in which Moreland operates. Moreland corporate services director Bongani Gumede said the group supported the communities around which it conducted business. Donating the land on which the Brake Village temple stands was an extension of this commitment.
HPI adds: Tongaat is the oldest Indian community in South Africa. The Brake Village temple is the site of the annual Panguni Uththiram Kavady Festival. It is an important pilgrimage center for Muruga bhaktars.