Tributes pour in for beloved teacher

A teacher who didn’t demand respect but earned it – that’s how Mr Govender will be fondly remembered.

Mr Govender served as a teacher at Dundee Secondary School in 1977, and after 17 years there, moved to Dannhauser Secondary School, where he taught for another 12 years. He then served as Head of Department at Glencoe Primary, before retiring in 2011.

Mr Govender passed away on July 6. Since news broke of his sudden passing, numerous tributes have poured in.

He was a great teacher and a master in his subject. He always had the respect of colleagues and learners. He was truly a humble man – Mrs F Bana

It was with great shock and sadness that I learnt of the passing of ‘PS’ as we fondly called him. We go back a long way, having taught together at Dundee Secondary and then Dannhauser Secondary. He had a passion for his job and learners alike, having produced excellent results year after year. PS had a great sense of humour and always had a jovial comment for everything. He will be sorely missed by family and friends. Rest in peace. – Mr KG Nair

My relationship with Mr Govender began in 1988 when he taught me English and triggered in all his students, the passion to read. He always wanted us to have a book in class during every lesson and allocated us time to read. This stimulated my interest in reading. His versatility shone through as an educator, thereafter, when he taught me Geography in Grade 11 and 12. His brilliance could never be matched, as we in a class of 19 produced 1 A and 18 B symbols in our Matric year. He was hard working and dedicated to the profession, making us write a test every Tuesday. He would mark the scripts and return them every Wednesday without fail. When I was promoted to HOD for Math and Science and Technology in Dannhauser Secondary in 2003, it was Mr Govender who mentored me. He was more of a father figure to me. We became close as we travelled for eight years together and shared many close moments that friends do. He often spoke fondly of his immediate family and they were his world. I will always treasure his advise and friendship. A true gentleman and an educator worth emulating. – Mr Y Soobramoney

My recollection of PSG (Preggy) can be reduced to a witty comment followed by hearty laughter and a tap on the shoulder…my last recollection of him in November 2003 when I exited the teaching profession. He was a great friend, a professional colleague and a committed teacher. Hambe Kahle Comrade…fondly remembered by a few of us who walked the corridors with him. – Mr T Francis

Sixteen years ago Mr Govender called me back after Geography class. Thinking I was in trouble, I went whimpering, but to my surprise he asked why I was wasting time. He told me that Crystelle (a girl I schooled with) is here and I do nothing about it. Seven years later I married her. Mr Govender did not demand respect, he earned respect by being a dignified, knowledgeable, father figure to many. He epitomised what it is to be a true teacher. – Jonathan Naicker

Mr Govender always seemed to be smiling- you’d never know if he was in a bad mood! I know teachers would get angry and upset and scold students, but he would always be smiling a minute later! Rest well Sir, we will miss you dearly. – Kashmiri Neerahoo Maharaj

My favorite at Glencoe Primary. Condolences to the family. Sir was one of the greatest teachers I have known. He would always show me a smile and nod his head whenever I would be doing wrong in class. Memories is what we have left off you. It feels as if I have lost my best friend. – Shamina Khan

RIP Sir. We would laugh at how he pronounced Zulu and Zimbabwean names in Geography classes. He would laugh and chase us out. – Nokuphila Nokza Ndlela Bayeni

Mr Govender was a wonderful teacher. He always had a smile on his face. He is in all our prayers, may he rest in peace. – Imraan Desai

See this week’s issue of the Northern Natal Courier for the full tribute to Mr Govender.

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