1st Gurdwara in Mossel Bay South Africa (January 2016 update)

FIRST SIKH TEMPLE IN MOSSEL BAY, SOUTH AFRICA

The Garden Route in South Africa runs for over 800 km and there are about 200 Indians in 40km radius of Mossel Bay. There is no Sikh or Hindu temple along this route. The nearest Hindu temples are 400 km either side of Mossel Bay in Port Elizabeth and Cape Town; or about 1750 km away in Durban and Johannesburg. We came to Mossel Bay in April 2006 and decided to retire here for a few year. In April 2009 my mother passed away leaving £50,000 for providing food to the poor. We decided to use the money to build a langar hall like Makindu but the official red tape was against us.

At the 2009 Diwali function held in George, concern was expressed that due to lack of facilities and information the Indians outside Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg, have virtually forgotten their rich heritage and cultural values. Recently, because of non existence of community activities, and guidance, Indian women and children in South Africa have started moving away from their faiths and converting to other religions. To try to rectify this problem, the entire Indian community felt that there was desperate need for an Indian place for congregating.

On 18th November 2009 a plot of land was acquired to build the much needed cultural centre incorporating the first Sikh Gurudwara in the area.

The total cost of the project including land was estimated at £450k including cost of land.

Initially the aim is to start providing food for the local poor people once a week, increasing this service to seven days a week like at Makindu Temple in Kenya. We intend to extend facilities to replicate Makindu as we grow. Eventually we hope to add a library, religious and educational activities and skills training,

A number of local supermarkets are willing to donate bread and vegetables for the daily charity kitchen. The project as at this week is complete up to first floor and some photographs are attached

However, we still need at least £200,000 to complete the construction and, are seeking, more financial support of all our well wishers to turn this ambitious project into reality. Our charity number in the UK is 1138676

Above - The current state of construction as of January, 2016

Please support us to revive and maintain the Indian culture in South Africa.

All donations will be appreciated. Please pay directly into any of the following accounts:

AJEET SINGH GILL, MBE
15th December 2015