Tongaat High School Class of 1976: Standing: Theresa Naidoo, left, Neel Kamal Ramdutt, Naglan Moopanar, Krish Appalsamy (JHB), Raman Naidoo, Rajan Pillay, Kooblall Sarmah, Pravin Maharaj (New Zealand), Peter Chetty (JHB), Vijay Ramnundlall (JHB), Jeeva Govender, Prof Quarraisha Abdool Karim Seated: Devraj Pillay, left, Kishore Ramdhani, Ruben Naidoo (New Zealand), Prof Kogi Naidoo (Australia), Sandy Naidoo, Posy Poonan, Rina Pillay, Suriabashni Padayachee
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ABOUT 90 former Tongaat High School pupils, teachers and guests gathered in Umhlanga recently as the Class of 1976 marked 50 years since matriculation and outlined plans for a school Legacy Project.
They celebrated five decades of friendship, shared memories and achievements. Some travelled New Zealand and Australia to attend the reunion.
For many, the evening was an emotional return to their youth, filled with renewed friendships, laughter and shared stories.
As one classmate beautifully said: “The reunion took us back when we were the young ones and left us forever young.”
Professor Salim Abdool Karim, Professor Quarraisha Abdool Karim, Mrs Krishnaswamy and Mr R Krishnaswamy
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**A class of achievement **
The Class of 1976 has produced an impressive array of professionals and leaders, among them accountants, engineers, educators, businesspeople, academics and professionals from many other fields. Among them is the globally recognised icon in the field of science - Professor Quarraisha Abdool Karim, whose pioneering work as an epidemiologist has brought immense pride to the country.
Professor Salim Abdool Karim and Rina Pillay
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Reflections and tribute
Keynote speaker Professor Salim Abdool Karim delivered an inspiring address entitled ‘Reflections on a life well lived,’ encouraging guests to reflect on their life journeys, the lessons they have learnt and how they wish to spend the years ahead.
Former teachers were also honoured with certificates of appreciation in recognition of the important role they played in shaping the lives and futures of the Class of 1976. Celebration and connection
The evening was filled with warmth and nostalgia as guests enjoyed a buffet dinner, live music and dance.
Classmates had the opportunity to reconnect after five decades. The passage of time had not diminished the friendships formed at school.
As one classmate observed: “The warmth and familiarity were still there.”
**Giving back and looking ahead **
Beyond the celebration, the reunion also marked the beginning of plans for a Tongaat High School Legacy Project, aimed at preserving the heritage of the school and giving back to future generations of learners.
Current principal Maggie Naidoo welcomed the initiative, describing the 50-year milestone as “remarkable” and expressing appreciation for the Class of 1976 and its contribution to the school. The organisers were widely commended for putting together a “fantastic and well-run evening”, bringing together classmates and friends in an atmosphere of friendship, gratitude and celebration.
For the Class of 1976, the reunion was about far more than marking 50 years since matriculation. It was a celebration of friendship, achievement, gratitude and shared history - while also looking towards a legacy that will benefit those who follow.
Fifty years on, they remain, as they so aptly described themselves, ‘forever young’ - with a new legacy now taking shape for the future. The reunion may have ended, but the memories and the legacy continue.
