Meet the men that give life to a dying business

Published Aug 4, 2011

Share

In today’s column we focus on two family-run companies that bring life to a ‘dying business’. I don’t think when at school and asked by the teacher what you would like to be when you grow up, many would reply, “an undertaker”! Somehow, it doesn’t sound kosher. But it’s a job and someone has to do it and the reality is it carries plenty of dignity.

Let’s start with my namesake, though not related to me – TG Govender and Son, Funeral Directors. The business was established in 1960 in Sparks Road, Overport, by TG (Tommy) Govender with his son Lagoo. Thereafter, Tommy’s youngest son, Abbey, joined the business and opened a branch in Umhlatuzana Township.

As time went by, they opened branches in Merebank and Pietermaritzburg. Abbey turned out to be quite a people’s person and soon became recognised as the face of the business. He became respected in his area and the reputable business that he ran complemented that. Abbey further expanded his network by being active in social and sporting circles.

Then the third generation stepped in and relaunched the business in 1994. Kumar, Abbey’s son, is still driving the business these days, especially after the tragic death of his father in November 2008.

The three generations have seen 50 years in the business and TG Govender and Sons is highly regarded in the undertaking circles. Under the leadership of the hard-working Kumar, who has been known to even get behind the wheel of the hearses sometimes, Tommy’s legacy is sure to live on.

If Clive Moodley was a proud and arrogant soul, he would say his business went from a Volvo to a Limo. But humility prevents that and to squeeze the success story of his Pinetown Funeral Services out of him is like well…..pulling teeth. It was only through a reader of this column, Dhayalan Moodley, that I was able to get the story of this successful undertaker.

Never underestimate a car washer. That's what I say. All that stroking and loving care of each vehicle brings him one step closer to his own.

Clive started off secular life as a newspaper vendor and washed cars. He then went on to drive vehicles for various undertakers. Good forethought compelled him to save religiously while working hard.

In 1993, together with his supportive wife Vanessa, he decided to start his own funeral business. With just one vehicle, the gigantic millstone of apartheid around his neck and countless other negative factors, Clive began to construct the foundation of his empire. This was underpinned by solid principles, respect, trust and communication.

His fleet of 32 vehicles these days comprises of Limousine hearses and family cars of Mercedes, Volvos, BMWs and other luxurious badges. Clive and his family believe in maintaining a close family unit and this is evidenced in part by their daily practice of family altar prayer and then supper.

At these valuable times, members are kept informed of the latest activities, keep in touch with each other and any problems are discussed and thrashed out. The whole drive of the business is aimed at three things: job satisfaction, personal attention and easing the family's burdens.

Clive’s personal recipe for success is sheer hard work, integrity and character, respect for others and God-consciousness. He is known to willingly give to the needy even when it means putting himself in discomfort. Such a character is rare and in the past could only be found in people of noble birth.

The successful undertaker attributes his success to his mother, his wife and brother, Chris.

He left me to conclude with this original saying: “To be successful, the first thing to do is fall in love with your work.”

And I will not say anything more about that lest it sound macabre.

Related Topics: