DR RAJENDRAN GOVENDER
AT 66, Gopinath Krishnamurthy of Chennai, India, has dedicated his life to fostering cultural ties between South India and South Africa. With a BSc in chemistry and a 30-year career with Indian Railways, his retirement ushered in a new chapter as vice chairman of Welcome Tours in Chennai.
This role is a natural progression of his long-standing passion for assisting South Africans, a journey that began nearly six decades ago.
Gopinath’s connection to South Africa began in his youth, inspired by his late father, KN Krishnamurthy, a respected school principal.
KN Krishnamurthy worked tirelessly with South African cultural and religious organisations such as the Natal Tamil Vedic Society (NTVS), the Merebank Tamil School Society (MTSS), and the Saiva Sithanda Sungum.
Growing up, Gopinath was often called upon to showcase Tamil cultural gems when prominent South Africans visited his home. These interactions sparked a deep admiration for South African Indians and their rich heritage.
In the 1960s, Gopinath assisted Dixon Pillay of the Isipingo Arutpa Kazhagam with the publication of Arutpa, a Tamil religious text, marking the start of a lifelong relationship with South Africa. Over the years, he has supported thousands of South Africans, organising travel arrangements, sourcing rare publications, and sharing recordings of cultural and religious significance.
When he visited South Africa in 1994 as a guest of the MTSS, Gopinath was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and hospitality. He received over 500 invitations to homes, with many hailing him as an honorary South African. Some admirers even joke that if he visited today, the Chatsworth Stadium would be too small to host the crowd eager to meet him.
Gopinath’s enduring relationship with the POST newspaper has its roots in a unique encounter. He first came across the publication when Kamatchee Govender, the mother of the late percussion maestro Gopalan Govender, brought South African spices wrapped in old POST pages. Fascinated by the articles, Gopinath became an avid reader, requesting copies from every South African tourist visiting Chennai.
His collection now includes rare editions, such as the POST supplement commemorating 150 years of Indian indentured labourers in South Africa. For Gopinath, the POST is more than a newspaper; it is a chronicle of South African Indian life, capturing milestones, achievements, and the struggles of a resilient community.
He particularly enjoys the obituaries and memorial notices, which keep him informed about the lives and legacies of South Africans he has come to admire.
Gopinath’s home in Chennai has become a treasure trove of South African memorabilia, including books, recordings, DVDs, and cassettes by South African artists. His collection outgrew his home, prompting Welcome Tours to allocate space at the La Woods Hotel in Chennai for a dedicated display. This exhibit has become a must-visit for South African tourists, many of whom discover rare publications and recordings that are no longer available in their homeland.
Beyond showcasing history, Gopinath’s collection serves as an educational resource. Local Indian students use his archives to research the contributions of South African Indians to their adopted country. By doing so, Gopinath ensures that the story of indentured Indians and their descendants is preserved for future generations.
Over the years, Gopinath has embraced South African culture wholeheartedly, even learning colloquial expressions and slang.
He speaks with ease about “bunny chow”, describes things as “lekker” and uses terms like “charou” and “larney” with a playful charm. This linguistic adaptation has endeared him further to the South African community, who see in him a kindred spirit.
Married to Shruthi Krishna, with two children, Krishna and Chethana, working in the USA, Gopinath’s family shares his passion for fostering cross-cultural understanding. His children admire his dedication to preserving the stories and heritage of South African Indians.
Gopinath Krishnamurthy’s life is a testament to the power of connection and community. Through his tireless efforts, he has become a living bridge between South India and South Africa, nurturing bonds that transcend borders. Whether through his extensive collection of memorabilia, his deep knowledge of South African history, or his infectious love for the culture, Gopinath continues to inspire and unite people across continents.
For those fortunate enough to know him, Gopinath is more than a cultural ambassador. He is a true friend to South Africa, a custodian of its heritage, and a symbol of the enduring ties between two vibrant communities.