* Arguably one of the most decorated students of Windsor was Professor Bridgelal Pachai. He was born in Umbulwane, where he grew up rearing sheep, cattle and goats when not at school. This family obligation left him with very little time to study during daylight. This resulted in him studying under a street lamp post at night. Together with other members of his family, he traversed regularly to Windsor. These hardships helped him ascend the highest rung in the ladder of professionals. Upon qualifying as a teacher, he taught at Windsor but continued studying until he was the first person of colour to achieve a Doctorate degree in History. He lectured in Malawi and the UK, and is currently in Canada, where he has written three books.
The United Kingdom has scores of Windsorians who have taken their rightful places in the communities they serve. Nearly all pay a courtesy call to their Alma Mater when they are in Ladysmith. And each and every one leaves with fond memories of Windsor, its teachers, support staff (like Mr Duma, Mr Jimmy Malinga and others) and fellow colleagues who moulded them into what they are. Each is a story in itself. Each represents the building blocks of a venerable institution that stands proud. They are part of the huge Windsor family!
* “For whom the bells toll” rings so true for the school bell. This little brass-plated bell with wooden handle was a poignant reminder of the school. Besides playing an important role during athletics meetings – when it was vigorously rung at the penultimate round during the 800 yards, mile or two-and-half-mile races – the good bell also signalled the beginning or end of a lesson period or in occasional instances to summon everyone to an emergency assembly. Some of the longest serving ringers were Yusuf Sardiwalla, Errol Maharaj and Essop Seedat. During their years at Windsor, they became known as the “bell boys”.
* The quadrangle was the ‘Mecca’ of the school. Boys and girls assembled in separate lines, with the shortest in front, all facing Wagon Hill. The reason for this direction was to shield the pupils’ eyes from the glaring sun in the mornings. For many years, the quadrangle had marks painted on the ground to ensure that pupils stood in straight lines. It presented quite a sight when viewed by those who addressed the assembly. There was little or no shuffling nor fidgeting during assembly. Those who dared transgress received the glare of teachers like Mr CM Nair, Etty Govender, M Patel, AC Naidoo or even the principal. Little or nothing was told to the transgressor – the stare said it all!
* Cupid, too, plied his trade efficiently at Windsor. Perhaps because Windsor was established on February 14, 1914, on St Valentine’s Day. Many pupils tied the knot with fellow Windsorians once they left school. Many teachers, too, married some of their former pupils!
* Prior to the Soofi Mosque bridge being built, thanks to the generosity of Mr SM Seedat, the Klip River had to be crossed via a low-lying wooden pontoon and before that sand-filled sacks. Diagonally opposite ML Sultan, where the Klip was at its widest, Windsor pupils laid stones on the river bed to permit crossing. Both these crossing points witnessed numerous ‘dunkings’ as a foot misplaced or careless bravado resulted in a pupil going to school red-faced and extremely wet.
Not surprisingly, girls crossing these points coaxed boys to carry school bags on their behalf, and not surprisingly the ‘mules’ never refused. Whether they received any booty in return is debatable. These points were also the only areas that made a mockery of the ‘no fraternisation’ rule that prevailed during the principalship of Mr NG Chetty and a few years thereafter. That rule may have been Draconian, but it took someone very brave to break it. The degree of discipline and adherence confirmed commitment to the motto of the school – Discipulus Tuus Sum (I am thy pupil).
