Govender is a surname of Indian origin, from Gounder, found among Indian South Africans. Notable people with the surname include:
Karthy Govender, South African human rights commissioner and academic Kessie Govender (1942–2002), South African playwright and actor Maggie Govender, South African politician Pregs Govender, South African activist Rogers Govender (born 1960), Church of England dean Ronnie Govender (1934–2021), South African playwright and writer Venitia Govender, South African activist