In 1893, Annamma arrived on the SS Pongola
Docking in Durban’s harbour with dreams woven in her sari –
Hopes stitched tight, promises whispered to the waves.
An indentured daughter of Madras, Chingleput, Pandor,
She left behind family, traditions, the known world,
Braving days of ocean’s hunger.
Yet Annamma was no ordinary soul.
She sold vegetables, blossoms – petals and perseverance –
Then flourished: merchant, property owner, moneylender, matriarch.
She built a temple, kindled prayers to kuladeivam,
wore her jewels like victories, fed her family feasts.
Ten children bloomed under her care – Moodley and Vather.
At Vather’s Lodge, her laughter was a lantern.
Grandchildren came, pockets filled with her sweets,
Their smiles sticky with love.
She tended roses, their thorns no match for her hands,
steered a horse-drawn wagon…
