Edwin Naidu
SHE may come across as feisty, but Devi Sankaree Govender is a friendly face with a warm smile. I once bumped into her at a famous Fourways eatery which made the best Cornish chicken curry on a Saturday. She posed for a selfie.
But get on her wrong side and one would easily become a dog’s breakfast. The many tales of woe from those who have crossed paths with her cannot make for happy reading. But that is what happens when you play with fire.
One of the country’s foremost investigative journalists and consumer champions, stet Devi is fearless. She made her name during 18 momentous years on Carte Blanche and is currently stirring up a hornet’s nest among baddies on Devi, herself titled 30-minute weekly blast on e-tv on Sunday evenings at 6pm.
Asked how difficult it was to crack it in investigative journalism, in a male dominated field and what hope is there for young girls and boys who want to follow in her footsteps, stet Devi told Inside Education that television journalism may seem to be a really glamorous career choice but there is nothing glitzy about it.
“Behind the scenes there is a lot of slog, and you can forget working normal office hours. But, if you feel you have the gees for it, put your head down and get on with it,” she added.
(left) Principal Mr WS Moonsamy and (right) Mr K Ramsugit.
She has received several awards and accolades, including the 2022 GQ Woman of the year. But her goal is not awards. Instead, Devi, who has two children aged 22 and 20, is happiest fighting for the underdog. Taking on bullies is par for the course.
At 15 Devi watched Carte Blanche and made up her mind that her future lay in television.
But her route to national television actually began as a teacher for a year before she joined the SABC’s Radio Lotus, which has spawned many a talent plying their trade on the national stage. Speaking about her school days at Umzinto Secondary School on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, Devi shared her story on her favourite teacher.
- What was his/her name?
Radha Guypersad Lalla
- Name of school attended and year/s?
I attended Umzinto Secondary School from 1985 to 1990 - How did your favourite teacher endear herself to you?
When I started high school, which in those years, you joined in Standard Five (Grade 7), I was always so fascinated by Mrs Lalla. She wore a sari to school every day and always had her hair in an updo. She looked so beautiful and really glamorous.
My admiration for her was certainly from afar because she only taught Standard Nine and Matrics – so I had to wait a bit longer before I could join her class.
- What subjects did she teach you?
English. It was my favourite subject. I loved everything about it. The set-works, the grammar, the creative writing and most important of all – the class speeches. I had always been a voracious reader and gobbled up books at a fast pace.
I also had a flair for speech and creative writing – I really did look forward to opportunities where I could flex myself.
- Did you look forward to her subject?
Absolutely!!!! Without a doubt. She was just so smart, and she did the cryptic crossword every day from the Natal Mercury. I felt we were kindred spirits and I love how she bent her mind, and mine too! - What did you like about your teacher?
I had to wait till Matric when I finally got to sit in her English class. I loved how she challenged me and kept pushing me to experiment with new writing styles. - What was your favourite subject at school?
English. There was no contest there! - Has this influenced your choice of career?
Mrs Lalla and I shared a deep love for the English language. I knew that writing would be the backbone of any career I chose. - What was the one phrase from any teacher that stuck with you or inspired you?
Mrs Lalla’s famous line was “do not be a one trick pony.” - Have you kept in touch with your favourite teacher?
I did stay in touch with her, but she sadly passed away a few years ago. The outpouring from her former pupils was testimony to the impact she had had on so many of us, growing up in apartheid South Africa. - If so, what was the first meeting like beyond being a learner in the classroom?
She spoke to me for the first time when I was in Standard 5. I had won an essay competition where you had to write an impactful piece on road safety. I titled it “Licence to Kill” and I still remember that moment when she came up to me as I was leaving the principal’s office and congratulated me with these words: “If you continue writing like that, then you will get an A in English in matric. But, you must continue to work hard at it.” I was beyond thrilled that Mrs Lalla, herself, had acknowledged me.
- Why are teachers so important to society?
Teachers shape young minds. They provide safe environments where their young charges can explore a variety of subjects.
Most parents are so focused on getting their families across the breadline while teachers provide spaces where you are able to nurture your true self.
- Finally, what advice do you have for learners?
Don’t be a one trick pony!!! - On final final were you naughty inquisitive or chirpy at school?
I was very well-behaved. Head Girl of my high school. Extremely inquisitive and a bundle of energy. - Did teacher’s sigh: Oh here comes big mouth Devi?
Probably – but I doubt the majority would have. I was extremely supportive of teachers, and I wouldn’t say I was argumentative.
- Is there anything you felt that was not asked and should have been?
All through school, I was surrounded by the most remarkable teachers – which is probably what motivated me to become a teacher myself! I’m a qualified senior phase educator. I taught for a year – Effingham Secondary (1994) and Nilgiri Secondary in (1995) before I joined SABC Radio fulltime.
- Anyone from your class (I know there is a huge Umzinto brigade in Jhb) doing amazing things and still in touch with you?
Three decades later, the Class of 1990, Umzinto Secondary, still shares a very strong bond. We are in daily contact via a WhatsApp group and everybody has done well in their own fields.
INSIDE EDUCATION
