Gona Pillay Founder of DVKM Insurance Brokers cc

Gona Pillay was born on the 24 August 1957. He was the 2nd eldest son to James and Devani Ellary / Pillay. He was born in Claire Estate and later moved to his grandparents home in Chatsworth to complete his schooling career at Asoka High.

Gona Pillay met Vigie Pillay in Asoka High School in 1977 and this was the beginning of their love story. They were together for 44 years and shared everything in life, they married on Gona’s 23rd birthday.

When Gona and Vigie relocated to Johannesburg they lived in Honeysuckle Lenasia for 5 years where dad was known for his soccer skills and played for Bluebells.

Gona’s working career in Johannesburg started where he was employed by Reem South Africa. Later he later joined Standard Bank Insurance Brokers, moving onto First Bowring, then to CIA insurance brokers and lastly to AON.

While he was at AON he decided to start a new venture, this was when he decided to open his own Insurance brokerage. On the 14 September 2010 DVKM Insurance Brokers (Gona used his families initials as his company name) opened its doors to the public.

As his business grew and he met a lot of friends they introduced dad to Golf. Dad loved sports, his passion was Manchester United

Gona later joined a religious organisation, SINDCO and this is when Gona’s music career took off. Gona had such passion for music where he and a group of friends decided to start a band together named Eastern Sensations and a bhajan group namely Sathi Vel Bhajans to serve all communities.

He has promoted his own shows and arranged many live shows in aid of fund raising for many cultural organisations. At this point, this organisation was fortunate to have the services of talented musicians namely the late Ronnie Gengan. Ronnie Pandarum, Shane Reddy and Krishna Gounden. These musicians together with my dad and Vashanti Vittie formed an Eastern banned called "Eastern sensation", Gona was appointed the manager of the band whilst the late Ronnie Gengan was the band leader. After 4 years later, they afforded Edward Reddy the opportunity to join the band and grew to be one of Lenasia’s Top Eastern Band. When the band was closed, Gona continued to sing as a back track artist, and I am proud to say that he is the first solo artist to introduce solo back track singing. 

His passion for music inspired him to record 7 CD's thus far

Gona’s UB40 version of Muruga became legendary. For more than 20 years dad has performed at many Blood drives, Diwali festivals, religious, cultural and ceremonial events which made Gona an inseparable aspect of Lenasia and its colourful history. Through all this, recognition wasn’t his concern. He was always ready to support any worthwhile cause.

Gona was an exceptional businessman, musician and sportsman. Aside from that my dad was an amazing Husband, father, grand dad.

Gona was a special man, respected by many but Loved even more. Gona passed on at the age of 63. Too early for any of us, but he touched so many lives, both young and old.

Gona left an impact on every person he met, even strangers (who didn’t stay strangers very long because of his friendly nature). The love Gona spread will continue to grow and will live on, and that is the ultimate measure of any human being.

A heart of gold is what every family member and friend has said about Gona. And it’s incredible to see just how boundless his reach has been. He was the sincerest, most selfless person anyone could ever know with no attachment to material things.