The hall of ML Sultan Secondary School was filled with joy and tributes on Saturday, 30 August, as former acting principal Bridgelal “Uncle Bee” Lalbeharie celebrated his 90th birthday, surrounded by family, friends, former colleagues, and generations of pupils he once taught.
The celebration coincided with the 60th birthday of his son-in-law, Sudesh Barath, marking a memorable double milestone. For Uncle Bee, as he is popularly known, the evening was a reflection on nine decades of a life dedicated to education, family, and community. Born in 1935 in Ladysmith, he lived through World War II, social changes, and many transformations in South Africa.
He married his late wife, Maya Bridgemohan Lalbeharie, in 1966, and together they raised four children — Anitha, Anil, Ashika, and Vinay. Their family now includes grandchildren Nimiksha, Suhan, Latisha, Alisha, Leeyana, Shivani, Cheriska, Sherona, Sohail, and Viaan, as well as great-grandchildren Sanaa, Evaan, and Aariyah. Two of his daughters followed in his footsteps, choosing teaching as their profession.
Having taught at ML Sultan for 35 years and serving as acting principal, his influence extended beyond the classroom. He taught not only his own children, but also hundreds of other pupils, leaving a lasting impact on Ladysmith’s educational landscape.
Family recalled his ability to speak confidently without notes and his emphasis on unity and togetherness. “Uncle Bee is a legend in a league of his own,” said one relative.
Reflecting on his late wife, with whom he shared over 50 years of marriage with, he said: “I have had the greatest pleasure of watching my grandchildren grow and even seeing them have children of their own.”
Lalbeharie shared some of the principles that have guided him over the years. “It has not been easy, but the good old days will remain. Being kind and showing respect to anyone who comes to my home has always been important,” he said.
He spoke about his connection to Ladysmith: “I do have many precious moments in my life, but sometimes my mind gets a little away from me, only sometimes. Living in Ladysmith has been a great experience, and though I spent some time teaching in Dundee, my heart belongs here, and this is where I want to be and teach.”
