Nongqai Vol 17 No 9C – (29) Warrant Officer Kenny (GC) Pillay
SPECIAL NONGQAI VOL 17 NO 9C
SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE
A LIFETIME OF LOYAL AND DEDICATED SERVICE
WARRANT OFFICER KENNY (GC) PILLAY
Keywords
Warrant Officer Kenny GC Pillay, South African Police, Pietermaritzburg Police Station, Estcourt, Lenasia, Mountain Rise, police service, dedication, community service, policing heritage
Abstract
Warrant Officer Kenny (GC) Pillay served the South African Police for more than 30 years.
He began his career as a young Constable in Pietermaritzburg in 1963.
During his career, he served in Estcourt, Kliptown, Lenasia and Pietermaritzburg.
He showed strong commitment, discipline and dedication to the police service and community.
His career remains an important part of the history and heritage of policing in South Africa.
SPECIAL NONGQAI VOL 17 NO 9C
SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE
A LIFETIME OF LOYAL AND DEDICATED SERVICE
WARRANT OFFICER KENNY (GC) PILLAY
Warrant Officer Kenny GC Pillay as a Constable
Authored, edited, set out and submitted for publication by Logan Govender [LG].
[LG]
“The Nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten” – Calvin Coolidge
EARLY LIFE
Warrant Officer Kenny GC Pillay was born in Mason’s Mill, Pietermaritzburg on 18 August 1942. He came from a family with a proud history of service in the Pietermaritzburg police community. His late brother was CT Pillay, and his nephews include the late Captain Backus Pillay, the late Warrant Officer Mariappa Pillay and the late Sergeant Krish Pillay.
Pillay’s nephew Captain Dan (DP) Pillay
(Source Warrant Officer Mariappa Pillay)
Pillay’s nephew Warrant Officer Mariappa Pillay
(Source Warrant Officer Mariappa Pillay)
Kenny joined the South African Police on 1963-06-17 at Loop Street, Pietermaritzburg which was then known as Pietermaritzburg Central.
This group photograph of Indian police members from the Pietermaritzburg District between 1952 and 1955
(Source Colonel Henry Budhram)
The exact names of all the members in this photograph are not known. However, the following members have been identified:
Seated, from the left, CT Pillay, (brother of Kenny GC Pillay and father of Warrant Officer Mariappa Pillay; Sergeant Budram, father of Colonel Henry Budram; Sergeant Ebrahim, whose son served
Loop Street and was in Troop 11; Sergeant Naidoo, father of former Pietermaritzburg Chief Traffic Officer George Naidoo; Sergeant Mariemuthu, my Dad – Logan Govender; Eddie Naidoo
Middle row, from the left, Bally Gokul; Ramsumar Maharaj; Unidentified;
Puckree, whose son was stationed at Loop Street; Unidentified; Unidentified; Cattigan, father of the late Sergeant Dennis Ponnusami of Troop 19, 1973
Rear row, from the left, David; Doop Maharaj, whose son owns Maharaj Coaches; Unidentified; Haffajee, Colonel Budram’s father’s best friend; Abbay Naidoo from Plessislaer, whose son Vis served with RTI
The kind assistance of Colonel Henry Budram is greatly appreciated. He supplied the photograph and helped identified some of the members.
The precise names and surnames of the other members shown in the photograph are not available.
SA POLICE, NON-EUROPEAN TRAINING DEPOT, WENTWORTH, DURBAN
Recruits training on the Parade Ground of the South African Police Non-European (Indian) Training Depot, Wentworth, Platoon 3, 1964
(Source family of Warrant Officer Krish Chetty)
(This photograph was apparently taken whilst the recruits were exercising alongside the garage where the State-owned police vehicles were sheltered. – [LG])
SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE
NON-EUROPEAN (INDIAN) TRAINING DEPOT
WENTWORTH
PLATON 3, 1964
Members identified
First row, from the left, GC Pillay, Warrant Officer, 10th from the left and 4th from the right.
Third row, from the left, S Singh, Warrant Officer Sham Singh, the first Indian Station Commander at Lenasia, Soweto West District, 11th from the left and last, 1st from the right.
(Both Pillay and Singh are still enjoying retirement at the time of publication. – [LG])
Pillay at the Training Depot
Pillay, left with an unidentified troopmate at the Training Depot
Detective Warrant Officer Krish Chetty, Kenny’s Troopmate
(Courtesy family of Warrant Officer Krish Chetty)
After completing his basic police training, Kenny was posted to Estcourt in the Natal Midlands, now KwaZulu-Natal. He was later transferred to Kliptown in Gauteng and subsequently became one of the foundation members of the Lenasia Police Station.
At that time, Kenny was one of the few Indian police members to be transferred out of Pietermaritzburg in the early 1960s.
MECHANICAL SCHOOL
In 1968, he was selected to attend a mechanical course at the South African Police Mechanical School in Benoni. The course included both theory and practical training in the driving, care, handling and maintenance of police vehicles.
The course lasted three months and was considered an advanced and intensive course. Its purpose was to promote the safe use of police vehicles and to protect State property. He successfully completed the course on 23 March 1968.
SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE
MECHANICAL SCHOOL
BENONI
CLASS 1 AND 2
FEBRUARY – MARCH 1968
SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE
MECHANICAL SCHOOL
BENONI
GROUP
FEBRUARY – MARCH 1968
Member Identified
3rd row, standing, 6th I/Constable Kenny (GC) Pillay
He was later nominated to attend another course at the South African Police Mechanical School in Benoni. This course focused on the riding, care and maintenance of motorcycles. He successfully completed the course on 15 August 1973.
Pillay on the motorcycle after the Mechanical Course
Constable Pillay in the closed neck tunic possibly at Estcourt
Constable Pillay in the closed neck tunic possibly at Estcourt
Pillay in the open neck tunic
After being promoted to the rank of Sergeant, Kenny was appointed Deputy Station Commander at Lenasia.
Pillay inspecting the Charge Office registers
(Source Warrant Officer Sham Singh)
Photograph taken at the first police station in Lenasia circa 1977. Singh perusing the Occurrence book
Front, seated, Sergeant Sham Singh, Warrant Officer, the first Station Commander of SA Police, Lenasia
Rear, L-R, 3rd Sergeant Kenny GC Pillay
(Source Warrant Officer Sham Singh)
Photograph taken at the first police station in Lenasia circa 1977
Front, seated, 3rd, Sergeant Sham Singh, Warrant Officer, the first Station Commander of SA Police, Lenasia; 4th Sergeant Kenny GC Pillay
Warrant Officer Sham Singh
(Source Warrant Officer Sham Singh)
Sergeant Pillay possibly whilst at Mountain Rise
Warrant Officer Pillay possibly whilst at Mountain Rise
Kenny at a previous birthday
(Source Warrant Officer Kenny GC Pillay)
He was eventually transferred back to Pietermaritzburg and was based at Mountain Rise Police Station. Together with Warrant Officer Ronnie Moon, he played an important role in helping Mountain Rise become recognised as the “Best Station” in the Natal Midlands area.
PROMOTIONS
Sergeant 1991-07-01
Warrant Officer 1996-06-01
RETIREMENT
Kenny retired on 1997-07-31 after more than 34 years of loyal and meritorious service. During his career, he was awarded several medals in recognition of his dedication and service.
Today, Warrant Officer Kenny GC Pillay remains a respected stalwart and an important part of the history of policing in Pietermaritzburg and beyond.
Service Medals in order of precedence
- 1988-04-01 South African Police Seventy-Fifth Anniversary Commemorative Medal;
- 1993-06-17 South African Police Star for Merit, 30 years;
- 1983-06-17 South African Police Star for Faithful Service, 20 years;
- 1979-05-01 South African Police Medal for Faithful Service, 10 years
His career reflects a lifetime of discipline, commitment, loyalty and service to the community. From his early days as a young Constable to his later years as a senior and experienced police officer, he served with dedication and pride.
His journey also forms part of an important chapter in the history of Indian members of the South African Police. He was among those who helped pave the way for future generations of police officers.
On behalf of the many members with whom he served, their families and the communities he served, we wish Warrant Officer Kenny GC Pillay a very happy 84th birthday.
May you enjoy many more years in good spirits, surrounded by family, friends and those who hold you in high regard.
We salute you, Kenny, and thank you for your many years of loyal and dedicated service.
Captain Kercy Pillay, now an admitted Attorney at Law
A Tribute to Retired Sergeant GC Pillay on His 84th Birthday by Captain Kercy Pillay now an admitted Attorney at Law
Today, as we celebrate the 84th birthday of retired Sergeant GC Pillay, I feel privileged to pay tribute to a remarkable man whose life has been defined by dignity, discipline, service, humility and impeccable manners.
I first met Sergeant GC Pillay when he was transferred from SAP Lenasia to SAP Mountain Rise. When he arrived at Mountain Rise, he was posted to my group, carrying the rather unusual rank of Lance Sergeant. It was, indeed, a rare rank. As far as I can recall, Sergeant G. C. Pillay was the only person I knew who held that rank at that time, with the exception of the Training Staff at the SA Police, Training Colleges.
I later discovered the reason behind this unusual appointment. Sergeant G. C. Pillay had previously served as the Deputy Station Commander at SAP Lenasia, and the rank was necessary for purposes connected with control, supervision, discipline and the signing of the bail receipt book. That little piece of history was only one of the many interesting things I came to learn about a man whom we would affectionately come to know simply as “Sergt GC.”
Over the years, I came to know Sergt GC not merely as a colleague, but as a gentleman and a man of substance. He was a strict disciplinarian, both in his professional life and in the upbringing of his family. Yet his discipline was always accompanied by strong moral values, wisdom and a deep sense of responsibility.
His greatest achievement, perhaps, was the manner in which he raised and educated his children. Despite earning the relatively modest salary of a policeman, he succeeded in providing his children with higher education and giving them the opportunity to build successful careers. His two daughters became admitted attorneys, another daughter became a registered pharmacist, another is an accountant, sons one is a Deputy Director at Statistics SA and the other manages an Autozone branch in Gauteng. This is a remarkable testimony to his dedication as a father and to the sacrifices he made for his family.
He raised his children with strong morals, discipline and character. Their achievements are not merely professional accomplishments; they are a reflection of the values that he instilled in them.
Sergt GC was also a man of impeccable manners. I often jokingly referred to him as a “ladies’ man,” because he carried himself with such charm, courtesy and refinement. He was always well presented, dignified in his conduct and respectful towards everyone he encountered. His manners were not something he put on for special occasions, they were simply part of who he was.
In the workplace, he was a peacemaker. Whenever interpersonal problems arose between members, Sergt GC was often the person who would intervene. He had a calm temperament and possessed the wisdom to settle disagreements without adding fuel to the fire. He was slow to anger, measured in his words and firm when circumstances required it.
He was also a teetotaller, a man who lived his life according to his own principles and convictions. He did not need excess or extravagance to command respect. His character spoke for itself.
Looking back, I realise that people like Sergt GC leave behind more than memories. They leave an example. They demonstrate that one can serve with discipline without losing compassion; exercise authority without arrogance; and command respect without demanding it.
At 84, Sergt GC can look back on a life of meaningful service, a successful career, a family whose achievements reflect his sacrifices, and the respect and affection of those fortunate enough to have known him.
On this special birthday, I salute you, Sergeant G. C. Pillay
May your 84th birthday be filled with happiness, good health, peace and the love of your family and friends. May you continue to enjoy the fruits of the seeds you planted through a lifetime of sacrifice, discipline, kindness and service.
Happy 84th Birthday, Sergt GC.
You were, and remain, a gentleman, a peacemaker, a disciplinarian, a family man and, above all, a man of substance and impeccable manners.
With great respect, admiration and affection,
Happy Birthday W/O GC PILLAY
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I wish to recognise and thank Brigadier Hennie Heymans, Editor in Chief, Nongqai 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 father served in the South African Police, stationed at Mount Edgecombe during the 1940s and later at Durban Central, Somtseu Road, and Rossburgh. The Brigadier holds a Master’s degree in Strategy. In 1964, he was stationed at Wentworth alongside Lieutenant-Colonel (Ray) Mathura Munilall. He also served at King’s Rest (now Brighton Beach), later as Public Relations Officer at Head Office, District Commandant at Welkom in the Free State Province, in the Soweto Region, and at ISU Headquarters.
I must also acknowledge the outstanding contributions and enduring commitment of those who strive to preserve our policing heritage.
My sincere thanks go to:
- All photographs used were from obtain from Warrant Officer Kenny (GC) unless otherwise indicated;
- 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
