Meeting 50 years later
HALF a century since they last sat together in their classrooms, cracking jokes while they tried to fathom maths, former pupils of Laudium and Pretoria Indian High School had a reunion recently.
The two schools had a combined matric class in 1968 – due to the apartheid government’s Group Areas Act of 1950. Former pupil Sikander “Siki” Mahomed said the effect of the act was to prevent nonwhites from living in the more developed areas.when a section of the Indian community was gradually moved from Marabastad to Laudium, the pupils were separated and in 1965 Laudium High School was established.
Mahomed, 68, of Erasmia, Pretoria, said his fondest memory of his matric year was the melting pot of cultures – people from all religions being together.
Mahomed was tasked with locating the former pupils, many of whom have settled around the world.
“Our friends came from various different religious backgrounds – but we all like family,” said Mahomed.
“Seeing each other after 50 years was amazing but, unfortunately, many of our friends have passed away.those of us who are around have pledged to keep in touch through a Whatsapp group we started. “We’ve planned a five-day sea cruise soon, so we can all get time to catch up and reminisce.”
Among the matriculants of 1968 were medical professionals Professor Pravin Manga, Dr Farhad Ismail (now living in the US), Dr Iqbal Gani, Dr Nizam Aboo (Durban) and Dr Aruna Ramjee. Businessmen Vryjlal Premjee, Feizel Ayob,arunkumar Desai (UK) and Motilal Bhaga were also in the class of 1968. The reunion was held on April 14 at conference centre A River Runs Through It, in Laudium, Gauteng.
Mohamed said 110 former pupils attended, as well as some of their teachers.the current Laudium High School principal, Daya Chetty addressed the guests. “It was an emotional, enthusiastic and nostalgic evening as the we reconciled after 50 years of separation.as friends moved around the hall, recognising and hugging each other, the time divide of 50 years disappeared as we relived and recaptured our youth, exchanged memories of the good old days and took photos.” “It was also evident that while we have taken different paths, we have carried a little of each other with us on our journey,” said former pupil Sushila Singh.