Chatsworth High class of 1975 marks 50 years
GOLDEN MEMORIES
Chatsworth High School matric class of 1975.
Image: Supplied
HALF A century may have passed, but the spirit of the Chatsworth Secondary School’s matric class of 1975 still burns bright.
This past weekend, former pupils gathered to celebrate their 50th anniversary reunion, a golden milestone that turned the Umhlatuzana Community Hall into a time capsule of laughter, nostalgia, and cherished memories.
From the days of apartheid, chalkboards, platform shoes, bell-bottoms and a Coke and snowball during the lunch break, to the digital age of today, the reunion was more than just a celebration; it was a testament to enduring friendships, shared history, and the remarkable journey of a generation that came of age in 1975.
Struggle leaders, sportsmen of distinction, industrialists, educationists and other professionals emerged from the 1975 matric class of Chatsworth Secondary School, the first secondary school in the sprawling dormitory township.
Back: From left, Vincent Gramenie, Ronnie Naidoo, Danny Moodliyar, Jason Nomiah, Vin Naidoo, Inderan Govender, Umesh Misra, Dees Moodley, Preggie Govender, Stanley Govender and Jagga Naicker Front: From left, Roseline Gramenie, Shireen Pillay, Kalawathie Reddy, Mabel Marimuthoo, Selvie Nair, Moonira Baig, Sonpathy Durgapersad, Rosy Naidoo, Ram Naidoo and Sadha Govender.
Image: Supplied
While the organising committee managed to make contact with as many former pupils from this crop of former learners as possible, about 50 men and women attended the reunion event, with some absentees having relocated afar and a few having passed on.
The event was a nostalgic trip for pupils as they reconnected with old classmates, rekindled memories of yesteryear and celebrated the school which became a beacon of academic and sporting excellence since first opening its doors in 1964.
From left, Saras Pillay, Poobathy Khan, Shirley Murugen, Rungs Kanny and Fatima Begum Sayed.
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Vin Naidoo, a driving force behind the reunion project, said the event provided a joyous opportunity to reconnect and celebrate shared experiences, to catch up, reminisce about the past, and re-establish friendships.
Naidoo is the managing director of Thekweni Reinforcing (Pty) Ltd, one of the biggest players in the KwaZulu-Natal reinforcing steel industry. With a focus on corporate social investment, the company has supported various community-based projects, including the completion of four halls that comprise the Umhlatuzana Community Centre, and the greening and beautification of the suburb.
From left, Sushie Govender, Stanley Govender, Selvie Nair, Mabel Marimuthoo, Dickie Marimuthoo, Dees Moodley, Rajes Govender and Inderan Govender.
Image: Supplied
Stanley Govender who also attended the event excelled in sports. He was one of the few sportsmen who played first class cricket and professional football concurrently. He was the Natal Cricket Board’s most capped player and played football for Berea in the former Federation Professional League.
The “girls” from the class of 1975 had always proven to be tough competition for the “boys”, both within and outside the walls of the classroom. The head girl, Fatima Begum Sardiwalla, made for a formidable opponent on the school’s debating team. Her eloquence and ability towin an argument made for an excellent attorney. She is the Director of her company, Labour Specialists Employer Solutions.