Community takes trip down memory lane
GROWING up in Illovo, south of Durban, holds some of the fondest memories for the town’s former and present residents.
From fishing and swimming in the iLovu River, to sharing delicious traditional meals prepared on an open fire, watching soccer matches or playing games with friends until late at night – these are just some of the memories shared at a reunion held at the Illovo sports ground on Sunday.
The day’s events included a float procession, live entertainment, speeches by members of pioneering families, and a cake-cutting ceremony.
A highlight was the “museum” in a tent, which showcased pictures and items used by residents back in the day such as a cane-knife, washing stone, coal iron, paraffin lamps, a grinding stone, a traditional kadai and clock.
The attendees also indulged in a variety of traditional meals such as sour porridge with vegetable curries and pickles, and breyani.
Collin Dasappa, chairperson of the Illovo Reunion Committee, said the event was a culmination of their efforts over the past eight months to bring the close-knit community together.
“Many residents moved away due to work opportunities, or if you were a man that married and did not work at the mill, you had to leave the area. However, many of us kept in touch over the years.
“In the past few years, many of our elderly and pioneers of the community passed away due to illness and the Covid-19 pandemic. We decided it would be great to bring the community together again by having a reunion. It would give both former and present residents, especially the elderly, an opportunity to reconnect and reminisce about the good old days.”
Dasappa, 59, said growing up in the town was special.
“It has a rich history, where many of our forefathers toiled in the sugar cane fields and in the mill. For the younger generation, we enjoyed the simple pleasures. We looked forward to going to school. When we got home, we threw our bags on top of the wardrobes, changed out of our uniforms, and rushed out of the house to watch or play soccer with our friends.
“After the match, we headed down to the river to swim or use a sack to catch fish – which would then be prepared on an open fire, together with other dishes such as porridge or mielie rice, as we did not have electricity. We used paraffin lamps. That is how we studied at night. While we didn’t have the luxuries that we do today, those were the best days of our lives, with the fondest memories etched in our minds.
“The committee was thrilled to see the turnout for the event. About 4 000 people attended. Some had even come from other provinces and abroad. We are looking forward to the next reunion,” he said.
Irene Govender, 61, said despite leaving about 40 years ago, Illovo would always be “home”.
“We grew up in a poor community, but were happy and united. No person or child went hungry. I still remember how much fun it was going to the only school in the area, Illovo Primary. Some of us walked about one kilometre a day. We did not feel the distance because we chatted the whole way. During tea and lunch breaks, we went home to have a meal – sometimes porridge or a sandwich with syrup or a curry. Our friends, who lived further away, also came to our home for a meal.
“Back then, we received food rations such as mielie meal, samp and sugar beans. Rice was a luxury. These were staples in our homes. We also picked herbs from the sugar cane fields, and mushrooms, when in season. My grandfather used to breed ducks and chickens. We always shared. Even if it was a small pot of curry, it fed everyone,” she said.
Thirumalingam Linga “TL” Gounden, 87, said he was overwhelmed with joy after attending the reunion and visiting Illovo Primary, where he taught, and was the principal from 1979 to 1984.
The school first opened in 1951. “I joined the school in the 1970s where I first taught English, maths, science and history, and was thereafter appointed as principal. While the greatest challenge was managing a school with limited resources, community support played a pivotal role in enabling the pupils to receive a fulfilling education, rooted in humility and simplicity.
“I visited the area after many years, and felt grateful and overcome with emotion when I walked through the corridors of the school. I clearly remembered my old office which is now a printing room. However, I was saddened that so many of my contemporaries from the community had passed on, but I was happy to meet their children and their families. I would like to thank the reunion committee for a heart-warming gathering,” he said.
Mothi Rambaran, 77, who worked as a tea boy at the mill, said: “Those were the best days of our lives. I still remember the boys gathering on the grounds, watching a soccer match, or at the river swimming or catching fish. We didn’t have any cinemas close-by, so once in a while we gathered at the school to watch a movie on a big screen. While I no longer live in the area, I often visit my sister. But it was great to see some of my old friends again,” he said.
Sitha Govender, 51, said seeing people she grew up with and considered as family, evoked wonderful childhood memories.
“My greatest memory is growing up in a community where each other was considered as family, and not just a neighbour. Illovo was not just a town we lived in. Everyone knew one another and it was our safe haven.
“One of my favourite activities as a young girl, was playing a game called ‘bumping’, with my friends. Using a stone, we drew a big block with squares, and then stood on one leg and rolled a tennis ball to the next square.
“We hopped on one leg until the end. It was such an intense and competitive game, that we would not notice the time. It would get dark and our parents had to call us home. But it was so safe back then that it did not matter how late