Nongqai v13 No 10C - W/O V Naidoo

Nongqai

Naidoo

Ms Val Pauquet

A noble and honourable man. A man respected by both peers and prisoners alike. A man for all seasons. A man of action. Just some of the attributes used to describe Warrant Officer V Naidoo by those who knew him. His is a legacy to be proud of, but it was for his humility that this man, who served his country for 27 years will be remembered. Born and raised in Edendale, Pietermaritzburg, at the age of 24 his dream was fulfilled when he was accepted by the South African Police Service in 1964. Through discipline, sheer perseverance and dedication, he worked his way up the ranks, earning medals on the way, before his death in 1991. Having, like so many of his compatriots borne the yoke of racial discrimination during the apartheid years, he died before democracy became a reality. He was not though, a victim of that era and was known for his fervent support and encouragement of young policemen of colour to excel. His sense of humour belied the fact that he was also a strict disciplinarian. He kept his subordinates on their toes. At the same time, he will also be remembered for his kindness, honesty, and the manner in which he conducted himself. Whilst Naidoo’s service to SAPS was unquestionable, it was never to the detriment or neglect of his own family. As a husband (he was a romantic at heart), and as a father of two daughters (whom he adored and they him) he was the family’s hero. His daughters both followed in their father’s footsteps choosing to enter the public service. Before he retired, he was able to use his experience and values as the Head of the Family and Violence Unit. At the end of the day though, for this man of God, the highest honour would be to hear his Maker say “well done good and faithful servant.”

Val Pauquet (Ms)

Nongqai

Naidoo

photograph taken after

MAN OF INTEGRITY WHO ALWAYS STRIVED FOR EXCELLENCE: WARRANT OFFICER VARTHARAJALOO NAIDOO

by his both daughters Ms Chrissy & Crystal Naidoo forwarded by Logan Govender

Photograph: Right Vartharajaloo Naidoo as a Sergeant, photograph taken after 1971. Vartharajaloo Naidoo was born on 1940 01 25 in Edendale location, (approximately 8 kilometres from Pietermaritzburg CBD.)

Photograph: Group photograph of Matric class taken in 1957 at Woodlands Secondary School, Greytown Road (now known as Chota Motala Road. The school relocated to Northdale in the

1960’s and the old building is now occupied by Forest Hill Primary School - Logan Govender [LG]). The young Vartharajaloo is seen 6th from left, middle row.

Naidoo enlisted into the South African Police on 1964 09 15 at Loop Street, Pietermaritzburg (now known as Pietermaritzburg Central, Jabu Ndlovu Street.). He was thereafter posted to Plessislaer.

Photograph South African Police Indian Training Depot Wentworth, Durban August 1965

Front row, seated from left to right Lance Sergeant DJ Lamech (Troop Sergeant, Drill Instructor); Senior Sergeant Govindsamy Reddy (Law Instructor); Sergeant HL Schourie (Station Commander); Lieutenant Colonel W A Griffiths (District Commandant, Durban South District); Lance Sergeant DW Reiners (PT & Drill Supervisor); Lance Sergeant M Chetty (PT and Law Instructor).

Other members identified in the photograph:Second row from left Krishnabathi (Warrant Officer, Mountain Rise, Pietermaritzburg),3rd; Vartharajaloo (late Warrant Officer, Mountain Rise, Pietermaritzburg), 4th. Fourth row from left G Moopanar (Troop Leader), 1st; Trivanamalai 3rd(late, Mountain Rise, Pietermaritzburg); DS (Sharma) Maharaj, late(Lieutenant General, first Indian Provincial Commissioner, Gauteng Province),4th; M Bhoolay(late, Warrant Officer, Mountain Rise, Pietermaritzburg.)last

Naidoo

Photograph: Photograph taken at the entrance to barracks of SA Police, Indian Training Depot in Wentworth in 1965. Second row standing, L R, V Naidoo, 3rd from left

Photograph: Photograph taken within the premises of SA Police, Indian Training Depot in Wentworth in 1965.

row standing, L R, V Naidoo, 3rd from left

Photograph: Photograph taken within the premises of the SA Police, Indian Training Depot in Wentworth in 1965.

Second row standing, L R, V Naidoo, 5th from left

Photograph: Members of the Platoon on Parade at an unidentified location

Letter: Letter of Appreciation from University of Kwa Zulu NatalMr Thiru Munsamy, Senior Librarian Gandhi-Luthuli Documentation Centre. (A copy of this photograph was forwarded to them to preserve for teaching, research, learning and preservation. - [LG])

Photograph: Naidoo and his fiancé during their courting years, December 1974

Nongqai

W/O V Naidoo

Photograph: Wedding photograph of Naidoo with his wife Sarojiniamah Naidoo, 22 March 1975, Civic Hall, Bangalore Road, Pietermaritzburg

Photograph: Sergeants Aaron B Pillay and V Naidoo. In the centre is Naidoo’s first born daughter, Chrissy in November 1976.

W/O V Naidoo

Photograph Sergeant and Mrs V Naidoo with their first born, Chrissy at a birthday party.

Photograph

The first birthday of Chrissy in 1977 as she is surrounded by the Naidoo and Govindasamy family, viz Attorney Poobie Govindasamy, Dr Dickie Govindasamy and Brigadier Balaraman (Ravine) Govindsamy and my uncle Wolfie Govindasamy.

Photograph: Naidoo seated whilst his wife is carrying their eldest daughter, Chrissy

Naidoo

Sergeant V Naidoo dressed in uniform is carrying his first born, daughter Chrissy

Photograph taken with the family at Crystal Thirusha’s first birthday party

Photograph: Naidoo with second daughter, Christal Thirusha Naidoo, at 1st birthday party, March 1977, Obededom

Naidoo

Photograph: Group photograph of working colleagues from Pietermaritzburg Central. Front row L R, Sergeants Aaron B Pillay; Prem Sookay Rear row, standing L R, Sergeants V Naidoo; Kersaval (Bones) Naicker; Ronald Moon.

Naidoo

Photograph From left to right Sergeants V Naidoo & Prem Sookay

Certificate of Award South African Police Medal for Faithful Service and Exemplary Conduct, 10 years on 1979 05 01

After successfully completing the promotion examination he was promoted to the rank of Warrant Officer on 1980 04 01.

1984: CERTIFICATE

Certificate of Award - South African Police Medal for Long Service and Exemplary Conduct, 20 years on 1989 09 15

Naidoo retired on 1990-12-13 after 27 years of loyal, faithful and meritorious service.

Medals

Medals awarded to him in order of precedence during 27 years of active service

1.The South African Police Seventy Fifth Anniversary Medal, 1988 04 01;

2.The South African Police Medal for Long Service and Exemplary Conduct, 20 years on 1989 09 15;

3.The South African Police Ten Year Loyal Service medal, 1979 05 01.

Photograph

Mrs Naidoo with her two daughters

TRIBUTES

Vartharajaloo Naidoo was born in Edendale, Pietermaritzburg. It is reported that in the 1930’s and 1940’s Blacks, Coloureds and Indians lived side by side peaceably, more like family than neighbours. In Naidoo’s instance this was during 1940. He joined the SA Police at Loop Street.

(From the information at our disposal Naidoo enlisted into the SA Police on 15 September 1964 at the age of 24 years old. [LG])

• Colonel Henry Budhram

Retired with more 40 years’ service as the first Indian Communications Officer and Head of Crime Prevention for the Natal Midlands Region.

He underwent his basic police training at the SA Police, Indian Training Depot, Wentworth, Durban in 1965.

After basic Police training, he was transferred to SA Police, Plessislaer approximately a kilometre away from his former hometown.

After his promotion to the rank of Sergeant, Naidoo was transferred to SA Police, Howick. Whilst at Howick in 1972, Sergeant Goordas Budhram, based at SA Police, Alexandra Road (Elder brother of Colonel Henry Budhram) applied for an exchange transfer with Naidoo to Howick. Naidoo was thereafter posted to Alexandra Road.

Whilst a student in 1972 I worked under the supervision and command of Sergeant Naidoo till July 1972, after which I was called up for basic police training.

During 1975 the uniform enquiry branch of Pietermaritzburg Central amalgamated with that of Alexandra Road, the members operated from Alexandra Road and simultaneously the Detectives amalgamated with Pietermaritzburg and all Detectives from Alexandra Road were based at Loop Street. At this stage Naidoo was performing duties in the Enquiry Department at Alexandra Road.

It was during 1980 that Naidoo was promoted to the rank of Warrant Officer and an exchange transfer between himself and Warrant Officer GV Govender took place. Naidoo was sent to Mountain Rise.

Naidoo was married to his dear wife during the 1970’s.

I recall Colonel AB Pillay and I visited him at his home during his long illness. He sadly passed on shortly after that.

Warrant Officer Naidoo was a big-hearted man, very humble and kind to everyone who worked with him. He was a disciplined policeman who was honest. He was most knowledgeable and conversant with all police duties. Never a dull moment was spent in his presence. An experienced stalwart.

Naidoo was a Sergeant at Alexandra Road and I worked as a student in his shift during June and July 1980. He was a very helpful and a disciplined policeman. He encouraged me to study. He was always punctual and of sober habits.

He was the Charge Office Commander and definitely knew his police duties very well. He was well liked by all members. One outstanding aspect about him was that he was humorous and was never angry, always had a smile on his face.

Selva Naick

Colonel Naicker retired as the Head of Family Violence Unit.

Photograph: Lieutenant Colonel Selva Naick

Warrant Officer Mariappa Pillay, late Warrant Officer Pillay retired as a Warrant Officer. He originated from Plessislaer. They lived opposite the Edendale hospital towards Ashdown. He joined the SA Police and was stationed at Plessieslaer. He was with me at SA Police, Mechanical School, Benoni in 1970. He was later transferred to SAP Alexandra Road and he later purchased a home in Trichy Road, Raisethorpe he lived there with his wife and children.

Naidoo

Worked alongside Lieutenant Colonel Aaron B Pillay in the Natal Midlands, Spiritual & Welfare Services.

I recall that he was a Sergeant at SA Police Alexandra Road. We occasionally met for special duties, etc. He was a very disciplined, humble and respectable, a person who was dedicated to his work. He would always give advice to junior members.

A very neat and tidy person. Someone that was upright. He commanded respect. He will always be remembered for his pleasantness and the manner he conducted himself.

My Dad was born and raised in Edendale, Pietermaritzburg. He grew up in humble beginnings having lived in a mud house with home grown vegetables in the back yard. He was schooled at Woodlands and was an excellent student with an aptitude for mathematics. His handwriting was second to none.

He loved his job which he did with great passion and loyalty. He would wake up early each morning and before getting ready for work, make sure to read the Natal Witness from cover to

• Chrissy Yuvershini Naidoo, Eldest daughter

Photograph

Chrissy Yuvershini Naidoo

My Dad, My Hero!

cover while enjoying his morning cigarette and a big cup of tea. Never a day did he complain that he worked too hard or for too many hours. He was an excellent "by the book", above reproach, policeman. He took his job seriously and wore his uniform with pride, always ready and prepared for the next day by laying out his uniform from hat to shoes in order. He used to say that his shoes must be "bone" meaning they mustn't look dirty and dusty, and that he must see his face in them. He would take the utmost care when polishing and shining his service shoes.

He was always ready to assist both on and off duty. He would listen and give clear, lawful advice. I remember as a child how many people would come home asking for help. A man who worked methodically and smartly with such strength, both physically and mentally, a policeman of such integrity, respected by both his peers and prisoners.

He was a wonderful husband, romantic at heart, remembering to bring a rose from the garden to present to his wife. This was a childhood memory that added such loveliness to my childhood, seeing my dad hold my mum, being playful with her, respecting her as an equal partner in their relationship. While he worked hard in the ‘field’ as he called it, my mum kept the home fires burning by taking care of us and bringing us up well and cooking good food. My dad loved his food. He was a good provider and protector of his home and family and gave his children all he could, always ensuring that we understood the importance of education.

He had good friends to share life with, friends he loved to laugh with as well as a wonderful family. His passions when not working, were the horses on a Saturday and going fishing on a Sunday.

While at a young age, his parents died and coming from humble beginnings he promised himself that he would finish school and become a policeman. His dream was realized when he was accepted into police training in 1965. After completion and entering the ranks of Constable, then Sergeant, I remember the pride and happiness he felt when he made it to the rank of Warrant Officer. Back in the apartheid years this was quite difficult to achieve. I can still remember that he would walk around with his cane.

(Commissioned Officers of the South African Police, till about 1988 and Warrant Officers till about 1984 carried under their left arm a cane which represented a symbol of authority. The cane was solid wood but bound in leather. [LG]).

He was stationed at the Plessieslaer police station thereafter moving over to Alexandra and then Loop Street police station and finally, Mountain Rise where he worked until his health started to fail from complications with Diabetes, but which never caused him to miss a day's work.

He was home for a while recovering from surgery and eventually had to retire due to ill health. He was finally called to Higher Service by God on 18th June 1991, he passed peacefully at home survived by his loving wife and two daughters.

He was an extraordinary man who may not have travelled or sat in fancy restaurants but was content with the life he had, working hard and making a difference wherever he could, who loved and honoured his parents in both life and death. He looked forward to retirement and talked of wanting to travel after retirement to England which sadly was never realized.

He lives on beyond the grave by the rich legacy he left behind; impeccable ethos and ethics towards both work and everyday life. He was a noble and honourable man that I am blessed to call my Dad.

My Dad, was One in a Million and a Million in One!

I was only 5 years old when my Dad passed away. I have very few memories of him, all of which I can count on my one hand. One memory I have is of my Dad when he was home and not well. No matter how sick he was feeling, he would wake up from bed at 3pm to watch the Smurfs with me. I remember he had huge hands so I would hold his little finger and we would walk together towards the lounge where the TV set was.

Naidoo

Photograph Crystal Thirusha Naidoo

Growing up, many would tell me stories of him; of what a good man he was, of what a good policeman he was. They spoke of his punctuality and neatness as a man and as a policeman. One of my favourites is that he had a boisterous laugh and was full of humour. However, my most favourite stories, was how honourable my Dad was in every capacity as a policeman, husband, father, brother, uncle, colleague and friend. He exuded honour, that even after 30 years of his passing, I still hear people talk about how ‘straight and narrow’ he was.

My Dad knew what honour was, he knew what duty was and he knew that the mark of a good man, was to fulfil that honour and duty. He had only 15 years with my sister and 5 years with me but he had put everything in place so that we were provided for even in his death; he was a great provider to us and my Mum.

My Mum says that my Dad passed without knowing what it was like to be seated in a fancy restaurant and to be served. He passed in 1991 before the dispensation of the Democratic Era and did not enjoy the freedoms that we all enjoy today. But he never allowed the evil of the Apartheid era to discourage him. He still persevered, he set his mind on entering the police force and he accomplished it, and, as far as he could rise in the police force as a man of colour, he did. He persevered even under difficulties and obstacles; he never gave up. I can only imagine the deprecating manner in which my Dad and other policemen of colour must have been treated during Apartheid, having their rights infringed on every day, not being allowed to function fully as men in their roles as policemen and as head of their homes because of their race. But my Dad still woke up, dressed up and pressed forward not only for us his family, but also for every other young man of colour who would enter the police force.

He helped pave the way for them to excel in public service by setting the bar high and demonstrating through his actions and moral compass, that they have what it takes to be in the police force and were just as good as their counterpart.

My Dad instilled honour and duty in my sister and I by his actions rather than by mere words, we both have understood duty and honour from him and it has caused both of us to enter the public service. My sister is a Registered Nurse, Sister Y. Naidoo, at Northdale Hospital, Pietermaritzburg and I am a Senior State Attorney at the Office of the State Attorney, Pretoria. We are who we are because of our father and we still fall short to be as honourable as he was as a person and as a public servant because he was exemplary.

He excelled as a policeman, as a husband, as a father and in every other title and capacity. He was a man of a man Integrity - he was my Dad! I may have had my Dad for only 5 years but I had a good dad and one day I will see him again on that ‘beautiful shore’. He loved Psalm 23 and would ask my Mum to read it to him all the time during his illness. He was baptised shortly before he passed away.

He was a good Christian and I am sure that he heard his Lord say “Well done my Good and Faithful Servant”. He lived for only 51 years but he lived and he lived with honour. There is no better way to live!

◼ Autobiography:

Vartharajaloo Naidoo was born in Pietermaritzburg on 25th January 1940 and was affectionately known as ‘Porky’ to friends and family. He was raised in Edendale, Pietermaritzburg and grew up in humble beginnings; he lived in a mud house. He schooled at Woodlands High School, Pietermaritzburg and was an excellent student with an aptitude for mathematics and possessed handwriting which was impeccable that many still speak of today.

He enlisted with the police force on 15th September 1964 at the age of 24. He underwent his training at the then South African Police, Indian Training Depot in Wentworth, Durban. He thereafter excelled as an officer and was promoted from the ranks of Constable to Sergeant until his promotion of Warrant Officer on 1st April 1980 which was not an easy achievement for a man of colour during Apartheid years. His promotions were coupled with receiving many awards for Faithful Service together with a Commemorative Medal. During his service in the police force under the Apartheid era, he never aided the evils of Apartheid but rather conducted himself in a manner that helped paved the way for men of colour to be respected. He carried himself out in a manner that demonstrated that he was equal to his counterpart by serving his station, department and country with much integrity despite not being fully recognised due to the colour of his skin.

He was initially stationed at Plessislaer Police Station, thereafter underwent an exchange transfer to Howick. It followed that he later transferred to Alexandra Road and thereafter to Loop Street Police Station until his final transfer to Mountain Rise Police Station, all of which transfers brought him closer to home as he was a true family man at heart. He worked at Mountain Rise Police Station until he retired due to ill heath on 13th December 1990.

He was married on 22nd March 1974 to Sarojiniamah Naidoo, whom he remained married to until his death.

He welcomed his first born daughter, Yuvershini Chrissy Naidoo, on 21st March 1976 and his second born daughter, Thirusha Crystal Naidoo, on 19th June 1986. Both daughters were inspired by their father’s outstanding honourability in fulfilling his duty as a public servant that both have also entered into public service following in their Dad’s footsteps. His eldest daughter is a Registered Nurse at Northdale Hospital, Pietermaritzburg, Sister Y. Naidoo, and his youngest daughter is a Senior State Attorney at the Office of the State Attorney, Pretoria.

He passed away on 18th June 1991 after battling many health complications due to diabetes. He was only 51 years old at the time. He is survived by his wife, his two daughters as well as two granddaughters. He leaves behind his Legacy of Honour and Integrity but above all being a Good Man which is a Title above the rest!

Photograph Attorney Poobie Govindsamy

Principal Director of Govindasamy, Ndzingi and Govender Incorporated, 211 Burger Street, Pietermaritzburg.

BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES OF AN HONEST POLICEMAN, HUSBAND, FATHER, UNCLE, RELATIVE COLLEAGUE AND FRIEND.

Uncle Vadaraj joined the police force, as it was then called, in 1965.

He was always immaculate in his dressing. He took pride in his work and gave both victim and suspect a fair hearing.

He was a respected police officer. One was never afraid to approach him to share a problem and to seek his wise counsel.

I never heard him speak a bad word about anyone.

He loved the races. Playing with just one rand brought his Saturday mornings alive. Glued to the radio, he would find out whether his 10 cent bet on a delightful horse, In Full Flight, had won. I remember my brother Dickie and I, who were frequent visitors to his home, smiling to ourselves and saying, how thrifty Uncle Vadaraj was he would spend a few cents on the races and nothing more.

He loved his wife, my Aunt and his daughters. When Chrissy was born, his world changed from joy to ecstasy, when Crystal was born, the world was his heaven.

W/O Naidoo met and married my Aunt Saro and together they had two beautiful girls. His eldest daughter, Yuvershini (Chrissy), is a Registered Sister who specialises in Stoma Care, Midwifery and Primary Health Care (PHC), Chrissy saves lives on a daily basis like her dad used to do. The

Brigadier Balaraman Govindasamy, Moroka Police Station, Soweto, Johannesburg.

◼ Warrant Officer V. Naidoo, affectionately known as ‘Porky’.

youngest daughter is Thirusha (Crystal) a Senior State Attorney specialising in Civil and Labour Law, who is following in the steps of her dad by supporting law enforcement and defending the state, enforcing the authority of the State. My Uncle loved his wife, children and extended family.

W/O Naidoo was instrumental in causing me to join the force (SAPS). He would always say “son, where would you get an employer that would feed you, clothe you, educate you and still pay you only the (“Cop shop”) will do that so join. I am grateful to him for that advice as today I have achieved the rank of a Brigadier because of his guidance, mentorship and leadership qualities. He instilled in me the core values of being a good cop.

He was absolutely punctual, never late. He reported for duty well before the required 15minutes that was required to stand parade. He was a firm disciplinarian as well and did not act out of fear or favour for anybody.

I, as his nephew, a Constable, served in his relief. He would post me to guard duties just like everybody else. In fact, he was a bit sterner with me as being his nephew I had to be an example to others.

As a Relief Commander he would make sure that he personally checked each and every item in the handing over.

Incorruptible as a Policeman and fair in his treatment of juniors and seniors alike.

Members used to love working with him as he rotated everyone in his relief to do all the duties that was necessary, thus empowering, educating and making everyone feel worthy. Due to this, black members hardly booked off sick as they knew that coming on duty, their Commander W/O Naidoo was going to give them a fair chance to be a cop.

W/O Naidoo was from the old School a great school that made men out of boys, he was part of a generation that made policing such that communities respected the Police, even though he policed during the apartheid era he did not do anything that furthered the cause of apartheid.

AFTERWORD:

MAN OF INTEGRITY WHO ALWAYS STRIVED FOR EXCELLENCE: WARRANT OFFICER VARTHARAJALOO NAIDOO

Logan Govender

Much had changed in the South African Police from the 1960’s to the 1980’s when I enlisted. Disparity in salaries, rank structure and uniforms are but a few. Listening to stories from older members compared to those of the 1980’s, life in the journey of an Indian policeman was by no means easy in the 1960’s. My Dad often spoke of walking the beat at night in inclement weather conditions. Naidoo had his fair share of these challenges as he came from humble beginnings, after living in a mud house. Blacks, Coloureds and Indians lived side by side as a family in the day.

Despite these challenges he excelled and completed his schooling, standard 10 at a renowned secondary, which is still in existence but relocated in another area. His promotion to the rank of Warrant Officer could only have been through a promotion examination which he successfully completed.

Naidoo was regarded a mentor to many young policemen in the area. The number of years of service ensured her acquitted himself extremely well to have enabled himself to tutor others. It is so sad that a prominent policeman of Naidoo’s calibre was forgotten until I reached his daughter, Crystal who was excited and exuberant about recording her Dad’s police career. I am also indebted to Chrissy for like reason.

Sir, thank you for having served. We salute you.

“Honora eos qui servivit” - honour those that served.

Logan Govender

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

My sincere thanks and appreciation to the under mentioned:

1.Warrant Officer V Naidoo's daughters, Chrissy and Crystal for their co-operation, collation of information, their interest, the photographs, unless otherwise specified and their invaluable contributions;

2.Brigadier Hennie Heymans for authorising a Special Edition of Nongqai for our Hero; 3.Mr Karabo Linda Mduli for having colourised the photograph used on the front cover;

4. Ms Val Pauquet for the Foreword

5.Family of Captain Govindsamy Reddy for the Platoon photograph; 6.Warrant Officer Gona Moopanar for a few of photographs taken of recruits on the premises of SA Police, Training Depot, Wentworth;

7.Warrant Officer Mariappa Pillay for the SA Police, Mechanical School Photograph; Logan Govender