Shantilal Gandhi

Also, known as Shantilal Gandhi, Mr S A Gandhi was born in Tongaat, Natal, Union of South Africa to Anandlal Amratlal Gandhi and Zaver Gandhi who had officially gained entrance into South Africa from India in 1904.

Shantilal, also a grand-nephew of Mahatma Gandhi, was born on June 24, 1913. He soon went to India and was educated at Alfred High in Rajkot as well as Bhavsingee High and Rashtriyashala also in India. After studying in India, at the age of 21, Shantilal returned to South Africa in 1934. In the same year, he joined the staff of the Indian Opinion, an Indian newspaper established by Mahatma Gandhi. At one time, Shantilal was made Acting Editor of the newspaper. However, in 1937 he left the paper.

In 1939 he established S.A. Gandhi & Co. This he soon built into a very successful firm that was one of the leading fancy good concerns in Durban as well as a fireworks importer. The business mainly consisted of gifts and fireworks wholesalers and Seahaven Private Hotel but also included various other subsidiary companies in the property, investment and commercial fields. This business was based on 371 Pine Street in Durban.

Shantilal, apart from his business, was very involved in his community and served as the treasurer of the Isipingo Beach Hindu Society, a member of the Kathiawad Hindu Seva Samaj, a life member of the Modh Mahadaya Bhavnagar India, the patron of Isipingo Beach Citizens' Association. He also contributed to various charities and was a donor to the Ambulance of the Phoenix Settlement Trust. Apart from this, he was also involved in township development.

Shantilal lived on 18 Bellevue Road, Isipingo Beach, Natal.