South Africa Based Award Winning World Martial Arts Icon, Mr. Sonny Pillay Honored With an Appreciation Day by the Africa Heritage Society

Brian Kazungu, 08/05/2021

South Africa based, award winning World Martial Arts icon, Mr. Sonny Pillay, an 8^th Degree black belt holder who is the President of Karate South Africa (KSA) has been honored with an Appreciation Day by Africa Heritage Society.

Africa Heritage Society is a Pan African, South Africa headquartered Non-Profit Organization whose activities revolve around providing a platform to connect and promote business, social and cultural activities in the African continent.

The martial arts Chief Instructor, Pillay is also the President of Commonwealth Karate Federation (CFK) and Shotokan Karate-Do International South Africa (SKISA).

In an interview with iniAfrica News, the Chairman of Africa Heritage Society, Mr. Mutumwa Mawere spoke highly of Mr. Pillay’s contribution, influence and impact to the African community. He also praised Mr Pillay for creating an enabling environment for others to shine.

“If you are a creator, you must be able to provide the means for your creation to reproduce.” Mr Mawere said.

He also added that “Where-ever Mr. Pillay went and came back with an award or an elevation in the Karate rankings, like what happened in Spain, Japan, Greece and Switzerland among other countries, it’s a message enough to everyone all over the world that there are champions in Africa.

As such, Africa Heritage Society believes that there is no better time to appreciate the critical and defining role of Mr. Pillay in shaping and defining the character of Karate in Africa like this very moment where we celebrate the 10 000 Points of Light which make Africa to shine bright.

As a pro Africa organization, we recognize Mr. Pillay’s unique influence and leadership in making a difference to the African continent.”

In the CERTIFICATE OF PROCLAMATION of a special day to remember and celebrate Pillay’s contribution to the continent, Africa Heritage Society declared that the 7^th of May 2021 will be regarded by its community and the general public as a SONNY PILLAY APPRECIATION DAY

Pillay whose track record in Karate transcends decades has received many awards from around the world in a career spanning over 53 years.

He is also involved in various charity initiatives that seek to promote good health and self-defense through initiatives such as Taking Karate to the Township Children and the Fight Against Women, Children and the Elderly Abuse” program  plus a Social Development / Uplift Program in partnership with the Durban University of Technology.

Africa Heritage Society, Chairman, Mr. Mawere also highlighted and acknowledged that Karate is a philosophy that stresses that people should live in peace and harmony.

“Karate is a philosophy that stresses that people should live in peace and harmony and because of its positive contribution to society, we must celebrate and acknowledge Mr Pillay for being a bridge for the transfer of such priceless value to others.” He stressed.

He also added that even though the spiritual benefits of karate are often overlooked, its real value is in helping individuals to harness their natural strength.

“The practice of karate tones the body, develops coordination, quickens reflexes, and builds stamina. It also develops composure, a clearer thought process, deeper insight into one’s mental capabilities, and more self-confidence.”

Martial arts classes normally begin with meditation and students are expected to concentrate on some thought or object as a way of clarifying their mind. This practice that includes relaxation and breathing is critical in delivering the true promise of life.” He explained.

In his acceptance speech, Mr Pillay acknowledged people who have made his journey a success and re-assured the South Africa karate family their future is bright since there are memorandums that have been signed with various stakeholders to further the interests of the fraternity.

He also promised to continue pushing for the integration of karate in the mainstream school’s curriculum in order towards reaping the fruits associated with such a sport, including good health and discipline plus he added that karate helps to reduce crime in various communities.

The karate master, Mr Pillay took the occasion of being honoured to also honour another veteran South African karataker, Mr Nunu David Nteso with an honorary 7^th Dan grading thus making him a Shihan which is an honorific title for expert, master, or senior martial arts instructors.