3 days ago
Upholding a family legacy in the police service
Colonel Logan Govender, who is seen with his daughter, Tes, retired in 2000.
POST reporter, NADIA KHAN, shares the inspiring journey of a retired South African Police Service (SAPS) officer, Colonel Logan Govender, whose dedication and resilience have left an indelible mark on the community and the fight against crime. He is also featured in the University of KwaZulu-Natal's Gandhi-Luthuli Documentation Centre's website gallery entitled, South African Police Indian Veteran. The centre serves as both a living archive and a tribute to the Indian community's legacy in South Africa.
Retired Colonel Logan Govender, 71, of Pietermaritzburg, said he was inspired by his father, Mariemuthu, who held the rank of sergeant in the SAPS.
'I wanted to follow my dad's footsteps. In his community, policemen were respected and seen as role-models. I also wanted to protect and serve our communities.'
After matriculating at Woodlands High School, Govender pursued his studies at ML Sultan Technical College.
'I qualified as an electrician and secured an apprenticeship with the City of Pietermaritzburg. However, a close friend, who was a police officer, inspired me to quit my job and join the SAPS. He said it was a better career option. I was enlisted by the same friend to the Mountain Rise police station.
'I attended the SAPS Training College in Wentworth, and was nominated as the best shotist (small arm). I also pursue a national diploma in police administration, which I completed over a few years while working,' he said.
