PMB paramedic and isiZulu content creator makes SABC 2 debut
Govender, who works as a paramedic for the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, said his time in Creighton strengthened his understanding of the language
Pietermaritzburg paramedic and content creator Cliffy Govender made his television debut on SABC 2 last Friday, sharing how language, culture and his upbringing shaped his identity.
Govender, known on social media as the “ZuluGuy”, spoke about his journey of learning isiZulu from a young age and how the language has helped him connect with patients, colleagues and his wife’s family.
His love for the language began during childhood when his mother, a single parent, employed a nanny affectionately known as MaNdlovu to care for him and his brother while she worked.
My mum was a single parent and worked a lot, so she hired MaNdlovu to look after my brother and me. She came from Ixopo to Pietermaritzburg to work and she could not speak much English.
“I was five years old when she started and nine years old when she left. By then, I already had a good grasp of isiZulu. We are still in contact with her,” said Govender.
Govender, who works as a paramedic for the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, said his time in Creighton strengthened his understanding of the language.
“I was surrounded by isiZulu every day. I even learnt to read and write isiZulu because the newspapers available in that area were Isolezwe and Ilanga. My colleagues at the Creighton EMS base helped me because I did not get the opportunity to learn it at school,” he said.
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He said learning the language of the community one lives in creates better understanding. “People should learn the language of the province they are in. It benefits both themselves and society,” said Govender.
IsiZulu has also played an important role in his career as a paramedic. “When I attend to an isiZulu-speaking patient, I do not need a translator. I can ask important questions and treat the patient as quickly as possible,” he said.
The language has helped him in his personal life too, as he is married into a Zulu family. “When we visit my wife’s family, I can speak with them and I am not the odd one out,” he said.
Govender has since used his passion for isiZulu to create content online, building a following of more than 315 000 people on TikTok.
People are amazed when they see an Indian person speaking isiZulu fluently.
“It has opened doors for me, including opportunities to work with businesses, host events and engage with different communities,” said Govender.
Govender, who was born and raised in Pietermaritzburg, is married to Diann Nkanyezi Govender and they have two daughters, Kylie (8) and Riann (7). He said he is thankful for his greatest supporters.
