About

The Association came into existence at a meeting convened by the Aryan Benevolent Home Council for the purpose of forming a body for the welfare of the aged on a national or provincial basis with its activities being more community orientated focusing on the institutional care needs of the elderly.

The First Step of establishing such an organization was to convene a conference at which various aspects relating to work of the aged could be discussed with a panel of experts, a proposal would be submitted to a representative meeting for a decision to be made.

Consequently, a provincial conference under the auspices of the Aryan Benevolent Homes was held in Durban on the 30^th and 31^st August 1969. The conference was officially opened by Mr. G.N Oldfield, Members of Parliament, Leading Personalities in the Indian Community and representatives of many welfare organization’s attended the official opening of the conference and its sessions.

The Regional Representatives of the Department of Indian Affairs Mr M.J de wet VAN Eyssen and the Director of the South African National Council for the Aged, Mrs Z. Droskie also addressed the conference. The idea of establishing an organization was supported by everyone. As a result, the conference appointed an Ad Hoc committee with powers to convene an inaugural meeting for the establishment of an organization and also to finalized a constitution.

Mr.B.A Naidoo, from the inception was largely responsible for seeing the organization grow through the AD Hoc Committee and finally to the establishment of the Association. Mr B.A Naidoo was the architect of its formation and was also responsible for drafting the constitution.

Mrs Z Droskie also played a major role in drawing up the constitution. The inaugural meeting was held in Durban on the 5^th December 1970 at which Councillor Mr C.A Haupt presided. The meeting was addressed by Mr J.J Conradie, The President of The Association for the Aged, (Durban Branch).

The Association was fortunate to have the support and expertise of such stalwarts as Dr A.M Moola, Mr C.M Bassa, Mr P.R Pather, Mr V.S V Pillay, Mr M.E Sultan, Mr B.A Naidoo, Mrs P. Ramesar, Mrs S.L Singh, Mrs M.E Saunders.

The organization was opened initially on the ninth floor of ECM Building in Beatrice Street.  A group volunteers had sacrificed their time to perform operational and administrative duties.Results began to show when the first Social Worker and clerk were appointed.

Mr K.T Maistry was elected the 1^st President that served for seven terms. During his term in office the association grew in stature on account of his dedication and tireless efforts. He placed the organization on a firm footing, with a passage of time, Durban Association for the Aged alongside other N.G.O’s  and C.B.O’s gained ground and recognition.

In early 2000, the Association endured severe financial constraints. However, the late Mr A. Odayar managed the organization through difficult times. For a period of 35 years, the Association operated from rented premises. The Association then acquired a property at 145 Lemuria Grove, Arena Park. Management and Members through their dedication and untiring efforts were able to successfully build the administration block, comprising of two floors that was opened on the 1 August 2006.