Lenasia South’s Uncle Ram turns 90

GLOBE POST joins the Lenasia South community and the James family in wishing a happy birthday to one of its pioneer residents, Ramlingam Chinappen James, who turned 90 on 13 June.

Uncle Ram, as he’s fondly known, is still as ‘fit as a fiddle’ thanks to his love for sports. Our readers may have seen him during his early walks on local streets over the years.

He was born in Kwa Zulu Natal’s Pietermaritzburg in 1933 as the 10th child with 11 siblings, he has outlived them all. He completed his Standard 10 (matric) education at Woodlands High in Pietermaritzburg where he was a senior head prefect.

He first worked as a locum teacher at St Paul’s School in Pietermaritzburg, before briefly working at a shoe factory. He went on to serve as warehouse manager at Barlows Warehouse (modern day Nampak) for 34 years.

Uncle Ram married his soulmate, Kasavaranjenie Jeni James (turning 82 in October) in 1960 and looks forward to their 63rd anniversary this year. The couple are blessed with five children (3 sons / 2 daughters), 13 grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Uncle Ram, a devout Christian, has for the past 37 years attended services at Ennerdale’s All Saints Catholic Church.

He shares nuggets of wisdom with our readers: “Put your trust in God, seek God’s wisdom, knowledge and understanding because he created you with a plan, purpose and potential to run this life’s marathon. Stay the course!” His eldest daughter, Gonam Moodley and nephew, Kovalan Moodley, added: “He never gives up! He is our backbone, being an uncle and father figure to everyone. He is a man of integrity and power, always putting everyone’s needs first, that’s why God has blessed him with long life.’’