Nongqai Vol 17 No 8A – Platoon 5, 1984

Keywords

South African Police Service (SAPS), Platoon 5 Ladies,

Cato Manor Training College,

Policewomen,

Reunion,

Friendship,

Camaraderie,

Service,

42-Year Reunion,

July 1984 Intake,

KwaZulu-Natal,

Suncoast

Discipline,

Integrity,

Loyalty,

Commitment,

Shared Memories,

Women in Policing,

Heritage,

Lifelong Bonds,

SAPS History,

Reunion Publication

Abstract
This publication commemorates the 42-year reunion of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Platoon 5 Ladies who commenced training at the Cato Manor Training College in July 1984. It celebrates their enduring friendship, shared experiences, and dedicated service while reflecting on the values of discipline, integrity, loyalty, and commitment instilled during their training. The reunion, held on 24 July 2026 in KwaZulu-Natal, provided an opportunity to reconnect, honour absent colleagues, and preserve cherished memories. Beyond celebrating their policing careers, the publication recognises the diverse paths these women followed after service while highlighting the lifelong bonds they forged. It stands as a tribute to their legacy, resilience, and lasting contribution to the history of women in the South African Police Service.

Brigadier Heymans

Special Edition of Nongqai please !

Thank you.

Logan

Cover photograph

SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE

PLATOON 5 LADIES

42 YEAR REUNION

Group photograph of the ladies of Platoon 5 that attended

INTRODUCTION

On 9^th July 1984, 18 young women proudly began their journey by joining the South African Police Service (SAPS). After six months of demanding training at the SA Police, Training College for Ladies, Cato Manor, 16 successfully completed the course and started their careers as policewomen. Little did they know that the friendships they formed during those early days would last a lifetime.

Over the past 42 years, these remarkable women have remained connected through regular contact and reunions. On 24^th July 2026, they gathered once again at Thava Restaurant, Suncoast, KwaZulu-Natal, to celebrate 42 years of friendship. The reunion was filled with laughter, shared memories and heartfelt conversations as they reflected on their time together and the special bond they have built over more than four decades. Although some members could not attend, they remain an important part of the group’s story and are remembered with great affection.

The reunion celebrated more than years of service. It honoured the values they learned as members of the old-school SAPS discipline, integrity, loyalty and commitment. These principles shaped not only their careers but also the lives they have led since leaving the police service.

Looking back, it seemed like only yesterday that they stood together on parade with polished boots, smart uniforms and determined minds, ready to serve their country. They supported one another through demanding training, long working hours and the many challenges of policing. Together they faced difficult times, celebrated achievements and built friendships based on trust, respect and shared experiences.

Today, although they are no longer in uniform, the bond they created remains as strong as ever. Life has taken each of them on different paths. Some continued their careers in policing, while others became mothers, grandmothers, business owners and volunteers. Whatever direction life took, they have carried with them the values, strength and pride of being policewomen.

This reunion was a celebration of friendship, service and treasured memories. It was also a reminder that true friendships can stand the test of time. As they look to the future, they hope to remain connected, supporting one another through life’s joys and challenges, while creating many more happy memories together.

Here’s to 42 years of friendship and to many more years of laughter, love and lasting companionship.

Logan Govender – [LG]

(Compiled and prepared for publication by Logan Govender – [LG]. Based on information provided by Roshini Sebastian; Val Reddy; Priscilla Govender.)

[LG]

“The Nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten.”
– Calvin Coolidge

A Reunion of Police Women: 42 Years of Friendship

SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE

CATO MANOR

PLATOON 5 LADIES

JULY – DECEMBER 1984

A group of the ladies that attended

L-R, Roshini Sebastian; Vino Govender; Maggie Govender (Brigadier); Premie Ramghulam

Group photograph of the ladies of Platoon 5 that attended

A group of the ladies that attended

L-R, Mavis Sewbalas; Sharitha Venketsamy; Neerie Shunmugam; Coleen Paul

On 9^th July 1984, 18 young women joined the South African Police Service (SAPS). After six months of intensive and vigorous training at SA Police, Cato Manor Training College, 16 successfully completed their training.

Over the years, the group has stayed in touch and continued to meet. On 24^th July 2026, they celebrated 42 years of friendship at Thava Restaurant, Suncoast. The reunion gave them the opportunity to reconnect, share memories, and celebrate the lasting friendships they have built over more than four decades.

A group of the ladies that attended

Vino Govender; Premie Ramghulam; Valarine Reddy; Mavis Sewbalas

A group of the ladies that attended

L-R, Priscilla Govender; Roshini Sebastian; Kantha Ganesh; Maggie Govender (Brigadier)

A group of the ladies that attended

L-R, Priscilla Govender; Jane Govender; Valarine Reddy; Neerie Shunmugam

Although some members could not attend, they remain an important part of the group’s journey and cherished memories.

The reunion celebrated not only their years of service but also the values they learned as members of the old school SAPS, discipline, integrity, loyalty and commitment.

Looking back, it seemed like only yesterday that they stood together on parade, with polished boots and determined minds, beginning their careers in policing. As young women, they supported one another through training, long shifts and the challenges of the job. They stood by each other during difficult times and celebrated each other’s achievements.

Today, they are no longer in uniform, but the friendship they built remains as strong as ever. Life has brought many changes. Their families have grown, they have followed different careers, and they have gained many years of experience and wisdom. Yet the bond they formed in the police service has never faded.

A group of the ladies that attended

L-R, Mavis Sewbalas; Sharitha Venketsamy; Neerie Shunmugam; Coleen Paul

The reunion was a time to remember their first days in the force, the long hours, the unforgettable experiences and the kindness they showed one another throughout their careers. It was also a chance to renew friendships that had been separated by transfers, promotions and family life.

Some members remained in policing, while others followed different paths as mothers, grandmothers, business owners and volunteers. Whatever direction life took, they continue to carry the values and spirit of being policewomen.

The group hopes to stay connected, offering friendship and support through life’s joys and challenges. By keeping in touch, sharing news and planning future gatherings, they can continue the special bond that began over 42 years ago.

The reunion ended with gratitude for the service they gave to South Africa, the friendships they have kept, and the many memories they continue to treasure.

Here’s to 42 years of friendship, and to many more happy years together.

A few of the ladies that attended

L-R, Priscilla Govender; Kantha Ganesh; Premie Ramghulam; Maggie Govender (Brigadier); Valarine Reddy; Neerie Shunmugam; Sharitha Venketsamy

Acknowledgement

I wish to recognise and thank the Editor in Chief of Nongqai, Brigadier Hennie Heymans for his tireless, often unseen efforts in helping with the creation and publication of this magazine.

Brigadier Hennie Heymans, Editor in Chief of Nongqai

An experienced and highly skilled officer with an exceptional memory. His Dad was stationed at Somtseu Road and Mount Edgecombe during the 1940’s. Brigadier holds a master’s degree in Strategy. Was stationed with Lieutenant-Colonel (Ray) Mathura Munilall at Wentworth. He was also based at King’s Rest (Brighton Beach); and amongst others, Soweto Region, The Public Relations Officer at Head Office and later a District Commandant at Welkom in the Free State Province.

I must also acknowledge the outstanding contributions and enduring commitment of those who strive to preserve our policing heritage.
My sincere thanks go to:

Roshini Sebastian; Val Reddy and Priscilla Govender;

And finally, to my family, for their patience, encouragement, and understanding throughout the journey of researching, compiling and refining this tribute.

“Each day, millions of police officers do the selfless work of putting their lives on the line to protect civilians, frequently responding to or preventing crises completely with no recognition.” – Letitia James

“agnoscere et honorare servientibus” –

“to acknowledge and honour those who served”

“Soli Deo Gloria” – “To God Alone Glory”

Logan Govender