Jacaranda Gay

By Kay Govinder

This true story follows the author's experiences in her youth, travelling from South Africa to East Africa, and captures her later life with her husband. They lived simply for 50 years without family or religion, cherishing their children as their only pride and joy. In this evocative memoir, the jacaranda tree represents her late husband, who had multiple personalities and who suffered humiliation all his life. Touching and unique, Jacaranda Gay is a story of life and love felt to the fullest. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kay Govinder
• Release date: Mar 26, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224292820

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Copyright © 2024 Kay Govinder

First edition 2024

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or any information storage or retrieval system without permission from the copyright holder.

The Author has made every effort to trace and acknowledge sources/resources/individuals. In the event that any images/information have been incorrectly attributed or credited, the Author will be pleased to rectify these omissions at the earliest opportunity.

Published by Kay Govinder using Reach Publishers’ services,

P O Box 1384, Wandsbeck, South Africa, 3631

Edited by Lorna King for Reach Publishers

Cover designed by Reach Publishers

Website: www.reachpublishers.org

E-mail: [e-mail]

Text Description automatically generated

Kay Govinder

Special Mentions

In loving memory of my late Papa, Kitty Moodley. An icon in photography.

My dearest Ama Rani, with love.

My late sons, handsome and talented Tommy, Arjuna, Rajah and Sammy.

My loving sisters Maliga, Vino, Babes, Killy and Sham

My dear brothers-in-law Juggie, Babu, Chicko, Ashok, Soobs, Vassie and families.

My one and only kind brother Deena and family.

My loving and humble grandson, Chris and family.

To the loving children that know me – Chandra in London (around the world); Vijay in Colombia.

My dearest girls Sundri, Shirley, Sumitra, Rani, Debbie and their families.

My super supportive sons-in-law, Palan, Shaun, Trevor, Steve and Dino.

My charming grandson Wayne Rossell, who loved me and lived with me for 30 years.

A special thanks to Dino Silvino, Debbie and Nazlee for believing in me and taking care of me at the age of 80. Bless you all.

Most of all, to the team at Reach Publishers. Thank you all, you are the best.

Dedicated to Sally Thomas

Foreword

This story only tells a part of Kay’s journey, reflecting on her true-life relationships in the early years of her marriage. As Kay’s youngest sister, I was honoured when she asked me to write this foreword.

I was just eleven months old when Kay (‘Sally’ in this story’) left for Mombasa following the arrangement of her marriage, and so I have no memories of the events she describes in her story. Imagine not knowing anything about a sister who everyone often asks about? For the 27 years she spent away from her close-knit family, she was surrounded in mystery.

This book has brought light to the many unanswered questions I held for just over 60 years. I often wondered about the history of my grandparents and great-grandparents, having no idea whether I was a third or fourth-generation South African Indian. Kay has lifted the veil of secrecy that surrounded our heritage, and for that, I am extremely grateful.

I am also pleasantly surprised that her life in Mombasa was not always as difficult as we were given to believe, bearing in mind the scarce contact we had with her. Her early years in Kenya sound fun-filled and adventurous, but I am sure the next chapter that I hope she will write will demonstrate the hardships she endured—hardships which left our father desperate to have her and her family back in South Africa.

I can’t wait to read the next short story, and am so very proud of Kay. At almost 80 years of age, she has taken her journey down memory lane with positive thinking and a sense of humour. As she would say, You go, girl. Age is just a number.

Shamala Rajah

December 2023

- 1 -

It was a beautiful sunny day as Sally relaxed on her balcony gazing at the sky and trees nearby. The jacaranda trees were in full bloom, their light purple flowers a feast for the eyes. One tree caught her eye – from the roots to the very top. This tree reminds me of my husband, she said to herself, imagining the roots as his feet, the trunk as his steady body, the branches as his hands, and the flowers as his curly hair. She named him, The Jacaranda Gay Guy.

Gays, gays and gays! What is it about them? They are beautiful people in their own unique ways, yet we love to hate them. They are kind, loving and creative people, and are often more talented than most of us, especially in music and the arts. They are also often shy, wanting to hide their secrets, while the rest are bold and show the world what they are made of!

For generations some people have had a double personality, so why is it so difficult to accept this fact? After all, God Almighty created Adam and took one of his ribs to create Eve. Spot the connection?

Sally’s husband Dave was a man with a double personality. His family, who were very against gay people, followed the Hindu religion and treated him as an outcast. Until Dave met Sally, he had led a very stressful life, but Sally was young, kind and understanding, and had no idea what gays were.

Dave was born in Cape Town in South Africa, where his dad worked for Standard Bank. His parents were originally from Durban, and Dave stayed with his father’s