Pillay served as the councillor for Bombay Heights and Mountview from 1996 to 2000 and owned the well-established business Nu-Print in Pietermaritzburg. Nizamia Islamic School principal Mohamed Saeed remembered Pillay for his human rights activism, kindness, compassion, and warmth, describing his death as a profound loss.
Babu Baijoo, former Msunduzi Speaker, and his wife Vija called Pillay a close friend, comrade, philanthropist, and mentor, noting his absence creates a significant void across civic and cultural spheres. Tributes poured in on social media from many who described Pillay as a mentor, friend, community leader, and father figure to the community members he knew.
The ANC Northern Areas in Pietermaritzburg described Pillay as a neighbour, friend, brother, and father figure who lived among and knew the struggles of the community. Pillay was remembered for his contribution as a humanitarian, sports administrator, and spiritual leader alongside his political career and business interests.
The ANC Northern Areas extended condolences to Pillay’s wife Ranie, his children, grandchildren, and the wider Pillay family for their loss of a community giant. A tribute highlighted that Pillay was honoured for clothing children, reflecting his deep community engagement and humanitarian efforts.