12/12/2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Durban, South Africa – 4 December 2025
The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) is thrilled to announce that Prince Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu – former Executive Vice‑President of GOPIO International and newly elected International Africa Coordinator – has revived the GOPIO Durban Chapter. Under his leadership the chapter will serve as a catalyst for expanding GOPIO’s presence throughout Africa and South Africa.
Key appointments:
- Mr Kiru Naidoo appointed Vice‑President of the Durban Chapter, bringing strong local ties and a passion for community development.
- Mr Marlan Padayachee named Co‑Chair of the Media Council , overseeing communications across the region.
- Mr Omie Singh joins the Advisory Board, lending his expertise to shape GOPIO’s strategic direction.
Prince Ishwar expressed his enthusiasm: “We are calling on representatives of the Government of India to continue assisting South African youth with opportunities such as the Know India programme, and to unite our communities in the spirit of ‘service to mankind is worship of God’.” He added that the revived Durban Chapter will host the GOPIO International Business Summit and work closely with the Sivananda World Peace Foundation on peace‑building projects.
GOPIO International, founded in 1989, now has over 100 chapters in 35 countries and aims to strengthen people‑to‑people cooperation, promote entrepreneurship, and foster cultural exchange among the Indian diaspora worldwide.
