An arrangement that works
Sparks flew at the beginning, and the embers continue to glow, for a happy Verulam couple whose parents arranged for them to be married half a century ago
FOR MANIE and Saras Govender, of Verulam, not knowing who they were arranged to marry excited them.
“I used to constantly pester my parents because I wanted to know about their choice for me. They finally gave up and told me it was Saras.
“I saw her at functions and parties that both our families attended. But that was it. After that, I couldn’t stop staring at her and soon took a liking to her,” said Manie.
Saras said that, after they were introduced, sparks flew.
“We clicked almost immediately and I was so happy when we got engaged in front of our families.”
The couple, who lived a distance apart, often called each other.
“I lived on a farm in upper Inanda and she lived in Stanger (now KwaDukuza),” said Manie.
“My family owned a sugar cane farm but I ended up becoming a teacher and not a farmer,” he said laughing.
After the school bell rang, indicating that it was time to go home, Manie said he would call Saras just to hear her voice.
“He would visit twice a month and we would sit at the table, eat and chat, while my family prepared for us to go to the movies,” she added.
Three years after they were introduced, the couple tied the knot at the Shri Siva Subramaniar Alayam on November 19, 1967, in front of 400 guests.
Manie, who was 28 at the time, wore a beige suit, while his 19-year old bride opted for a banana-fibre sari.
They settled in Inanda. After getting married, Monie left teaching and joined the family construction business, GP Govender and Sons.
“My grandfather was an indentured labourer and worked as a builder at a sugar cane company in Tongaat (now oThongathi).
“He later started his own small business and his five sons, which included my father, got into the profession. It was later passed on to the next generation.”
The couple were blessed with six children – Maggie, Prema, Semba, Thavie and Desagie. Their son, Yogan, was born afew years later.
Manie then decided to return to teaching and joined a special-needs school, Golden Steps, in Verulam where he and his family later set up home.
But he eventually had enough of working, and retired, said Manie, aged 78.
“When I stopped working, Saras and I began travelling as often as we could. We’ve visited many countries such as Turkey, Malaysia and Cambodia.”
Saras, aged 69, said their marriage was built on patience.
“Couples must be understanding and listen first before speaking. They must try to understand each other’s points of view.”
They recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and their children are planing an overseas getaway for them.