By Aerusha Jenal Lalbahadur
Pastor, community activist and a loving father, these are some of the titles that the inspiring Leonard Silas Arjunun holds dear in life. The man of God is all about making a difference in his community and in the lives of those around him. Arjunun has initiated and been involved in numerous initiatives in the Phoenix community. Through his love for cycling he has also participated in races that helped raise funds for worthy causes. The Phoenix Tabloid recently sat down on the couch with Arjunun to find out more about the man himself.
Phoenix Tabloid (PT): Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Leonard Silas Arjunun (LSA): My name is Leonard Silas. Leonard meaning a brave lion and also a saint. I am 57-years-old who likes a simple and uncomplicated life. I dislike proud and arrogant people who look down on others. My favourite foods are dhall, herbs and rice. I enjoy my own company, some me time.
PT: Tell us about your family and what’s your favourite part of being among them?
LSA: Family is a gift or a masterpiece of God. Firstly, my wife and mother of my children, Pamela, takes the lead role. She is the inspiration that we all need. This October, we will have been married for 38 years. We are not perfect but if I had a choice to marry again, I will choose her all over again. It is no secret my family loves Jesus and all my children play a musical instrument. As a father and grandfather, I am pleased with the success of my family. Without Jesus in our lives we would not have achieved all we have. We play music and sing in church. Teaching and training is part of who I am. We meet as often as possible over a braai or a nice home cooked meal. My family is everything to me.
PT: Where did you go to school?
LSA: I started my schooling at Natest Primary School in Mount Edgecombe and attended Mount Edgecombe High School thereafter.
PT: Did you study further?
LSA: This is where there was a sharp bend in the road. In 1982 I was arrested for drugs and expelled from school. My schooling career came to an abrupt halt. I struggled with drugs for many years including the early years of marriage. So, the long and the short is that I had an encounter with Jesus that changed my life.
PT: How did you overcome that situation?
LSA: My life flipped over from drugs and alcohol to a walk for the Lord. There is nothing that God cannot do and without him I am nothing. Pastor Mannie Pillay (Miletus) found me a job in 1988 with the company he worked for (Pick n Pay retailers) and then resigned to attend to the church in full time ministry. Without a matric certificate I learnt to trust in God and to depend on his promises. Today, I am the General Manager of the Arbour Crossing Hypermarket in Amanzimtoti. I am continuously encouraging others to seek God and his righteousness. Only through God I was able to achieve much. I was tried and tested but today I am humbled by God’s grace and mercy. I never passed matric or attended university but have achieved much through Christ who strengthened me.
PT: What are some of the initiatives you have done or been a part of in the Phoenix area?
LSA: We have done various projects, besides being involved in community organised projects, the church has done feedings and other joint ventures to assist those in need. My current venture is in planning stages with Natest Primary School. We will work together with other role players to assist the school in its upkeep. We will also do little hampers for the children and I also work with the SAPS whereby I give talks on substance abuse. I also pastor a small church in Unit 15 Sunford – Team Action Ministry. Doing good can bring you joy and blessings. I’ve done cycle fundraisers for different organisations. I am going to complete the JHB to Durban cycle of 640kms as a fundraiser for Saint Teresa’s Home for Children. It’s not about being known but helping those in need without being recognised.
PT: Why is it so important for you to be a part of such initiatives?
LSA: The Pick n Pay founder, Raymond Ackerman, said, “Doing good is good business”. Helping others brings you peace and joy that money cannot give you. “There are no great things, only small things with great love. Happy are those.” Mother Teressa. I commend all those that take time and resources to assist those in need.
PT: If you could meet someone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
LSA: My parents, they planted seeds in my life that only showed fruit later in life. My mum and dad have passed on to higher services but left my family a legacy. Psalm 22:6 is what my parents did, and they saved my life. My hero’s.
PT: What’s your take on the current state of South Africa? (For example, unemployment rate, raise in petrol, water cuts and load shedding)
LSA: The country is struggling to find its way because it’s lost its way with God. We have hope in every dark moment and God will give the people of our country the courage to stand firm and trust in him. Our leaders need God and divine intervention to unite our beautiful country. “It always seems impossible until it’s done” Nelson Mandela.
PT: what are you passionate about?
LSA: A few things, cooking, cycling, music and plants. My latest is nurturing a Bonsai.
PT: Looking back to how you got to where you are, what would you tell your teenage self?
LSA: Put God first in everything. Then hustle hard and play harder. Many success stories don’t mention the hard-long hours put into it. What you sow so shall you reap.
PT: What motivates you to get up in the morning, to do what you do?
LSA: The fact that you wake up is enough to be thankful and motivated.
PT: What made you get into cycling and why is it so important to you?
LSA: Some 18 years ago Pick and Pay put out a challenge for the 94.9 Cycle race in JHB. All you got was a steel bike. Low and behold Pushie Pillay our PRO was looking for two volunteers and that is how I got started. My friend Shaun and I still cycle together.
PT: How do you balance all your responsibilities? From being a pastor, father and cyclist?
LSA: Its mostly challenging and demanding. You have good days and difficult days. Make peace with what you did not achieve because of time and return to complete it. Never give up.
PT: What is one thing you would like other people to be more aware of and why?
LSA: Crime prevention. There are so many ways you can be vigilant, from security at home on personal matters to on the road, business and community. Shout out to all forums in the community that work together to keep our areas safe.
PT: Lastly, of you had a choice, South Africa or Overseas?
LSA: Proudly South African, I love Cape Town. I did 10 Cape Argus Cycle Races.
