Old boys’ spirit of brotherhood is unbroken

In his chairman’s address, Rai explained the journey of the apprentices and the hardships endured which ultimately shaped their future.

After 47 years, more than 30 pioneers of the engineering trade came together at the first ever Venco Old Boys (VOB) apprentice reunion.

The former Venco employees convened at the Newcastle Club on Saturday and reminisced about the ‘good old days’.
The programme commenced with the hoisting of the South African flag and the VOB flag. Thereafter a candle was lit in memory of those who had passed on.

Chairman of the Venco Reunion Committee, Barry Rai and committee members then cut a ribbon to signify the official opening of the ceremony. Each person present had the opportunity to sign the VOB board and be part of the memorable day.

In his chairman’s address, Rai explained the journey of the apprentices and the hardships endured which ultimately shaped their future:

“Out of more than 1 000 applications made to M.L. Sultan Technikon in August 1972, only 30 applicants were successful. After six months of intensive training boilermakers, fitters and turners were successful.”

Rai recalled March of 1973, when a bus of aspiring teenage artisans was dropped off outside St Oswalds Secondary School, with the promise of ‘luxury living’. Unfortunately, this was not the case at first.

Rai said the artisans would forever be grateful to the residents of Newcastle who opened their homes to them:

“With support from the community and sheer determination, we made it work!”

At the time, the first 30 artisans were so successful, Venco continued to employ more artisans who underwent similar training at the technikon and were later deployed to Venco Newcastle.

“We all have become successful in our own right. I am proud to say some of us from our brotherhood are prospering internationally. Let us keep our VOB flag flying high.”

Rai went on to mention that a sub-committee would be formed in Durban to accommodate all VOB members at a reunion, to be held next year.