The Soutpansberg said goodbye to another member of one of its pioneering Indian families with the passing away of Mr ShantilaI Dosa (81), fondly known as Shanti. He died peacefully on 24 July after being diagnosed with leukaemia earlier in July.
"We are grateful that he didn't suffer for too long and went peacefully," said sons Nishid and Nilan Dosa.
Shanti's family roots in the Soutpansberg stretch back decades, having been born here on 2 July 1942. His family's South African roots, however, date back more than 100 years. His father, Sri Trikambhai Dosa Chudasma, was born in Gadhka Village in the Jamnagar District in India in 1905. He moved to South Africa with his family at the age of 13, joining his father's business in Pretoria. In later years, Santi's father settled in Louis Trichardt where he managed the business H.K. Gokal and was active in Louis Trichardt's social and cultural activities since 1936.
Shanti was Trikambhai's only son and his responsibilities started at the early age of five when his father passed away and Shanti was responsible for taking care of his three sisters and his mother, Puribhen.
Shanti married Jayanta Dhanjee of Durban and he started his working career for the H.K. Gokal family. In 1981, he started his own business, Shansons, followed by multiple businesses thereafter in the Louis Trichardt, Giyani and Thohoyandou areas. In 2003, he sold most of his businesses, but remained active in the business community.
"He had a keen interest in music and photography. He was also involved in various community upliftment and charity initiatives and always helped people in need. He will be remembered for his generous nature and giving heart," said Nishid and Nilan.
The late Shantilal Dosa was cremated at the Samaj Crematorium in Louis Trichardt on 24 July. He is survived by his wife Jayanta, sons Nishid and Nilan and daughters Rakhee Aboobaker and Deepali Kaba, their spouses and five grandchildren.
"We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the overwhelming support and love we have received from the community," said the Dosa family.