Retirement of an officer and a gentleman
ASIMPLE twist of fate altered the course of Brigadier Natty Govender’s life. Despite his love for engineering and motor mechanics, he became a policeman. Almost 38 years later, he doesn’t regret leaving behind his passion for cars to become one of the most respected police officers in the country.
Govender, 60, has always been a high achiever and he excelled at anything he set his mind to.
He was born in a rural area in Kranskloof, Glendale Heights, in the Ndwedwe Municipality.
His parents worked at a farm and during school holidays Govender and his siblings would also work there to make pocket money.
“I went to Kranskloof Stateaided Indian Primary School,” said Govender. “I excelled in athletics and academics and completed Grade 11 at ML Sultan High School in Stanger. I was given the best learner award every year.
“And I received the special prize for achievement in physical science, presented by the Foundation for Education, Science and Technology.”
Due to personal circumstances, Govender did not complete his matric then, but in 1985. He had a passion for motor mechanics and engineering. When he dropped out of school in 1973 he got a job as a shop assistant and later as a motor mechanic. He said his love for mechanics got him into the SAPS.
In 1979, when he worked as a mechanic at a farm next to the Glendale police station, he met Brigadier Hariram Badul, now retired. Badul encouraged him to enrol as a police officer and continue as a mechanic at one of the police-owned garages. Badul facilitated his enrolment, including taking him to the SAPS Wentworth College for basic training.
Govender graduated as a police officer at 22 in 1980 and was placed at SAPS Umhlali. He excelled and was honoured with the best student award, and retained as an instructor.
“At the college I dedicated most of my time to the training and affairs of students and was part of