Vivian Reddy: Empowering Rainbow Nation
Although after the end of apartheid South Africa’s economy grew, black South African households continued to reel under the decades-old discriminative atmosphere, corruption and a lack of education. As per the World Bank (WB), in the first decade after apartheid, the ANC-led South Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP) rose from $153 billion in 1994 to $458 billion in 2011. The WB further stated that about 10% of the population controls 80% of the wealth in the country. According to a Harward study, corruption and government inefficiency have been the major factors for the economic growth tapering off, with gross debt rising from 23.6% of GDP in 2008 to 71.1% in 2022.
While the quality of infrastructure has declined in general partly due to the crumbling of the coal-powered electricity system that provided cheap power for production and households, it is exacerbating the historical inequalities black communities face. Although the South African government looks to maintain fiscal prudence and macroeconomic stability, it has been focusing on two major fronts to spur economic growth. First, its relentless commitment to implement structural reforms for creating a more productive, competitive and sustainable economy. Second, its focus on unlocking growth-enhancing infrastructure investments, though mostly from the private sector, to boost fixed investment spending. This has been creating a more pro-business environment in the country.
It was in the 1800s the first Indians arrived in South Africa as indentured labourers to work on sugarcane plantations. The Indian population in the country has grown since and is estimated at about 1.5 million. The Indian community makes up about 3% of South Africa's population. The majority of the community lives in KwaZulu Natal, with about 15% in Gauteng and 5% in Cape Town. Durban, the largest city in KwaZulu Natal, is home to the largest Indian population in sub-Saharan Africa.
Vivian Reddy's Odyssey
Vathasallum or Vivian Reddy, born in 1953 in Greenwood Park, Durban, is a South African businessman from KwaZulu-Natal. He is Founder and Chairperson of Edison Power Group, an electrical company, headquartered in Durban. The group has diversified its business into casinos, healthcare, financial services, and property development.
It was way back in 1973, Vivian Reddy started his own electrical company, Reddy’s Electrical, with just 500 rands and a borrowed bakkie (small truck). The challenges then were immense because of the apartheid policies. Government contracts were out of reach for non-white businesses, while private firms often preferred to work with white-owned companies.
Early Life And Antecedents
Vivian Reddy's father was a school teacher and had nine children. He earned a meagre salary that was barely enough to sustain his family. Despite young Reddy seeing the constant financial struggle up-close, the unwavering dedication to integrity and service taught by his father left a mark on him. His father's credo, "Service to humanity is the best work of life," guided Vivian through his life. His parents were committed to education as a way out of poverty.
At the age of 16, Vivian Reddy was selected to represent South Africa at a Boy Scout Jamboree in Japan. After the completion of his high school education, he enrolled at Springfield Training College. But he decided shortly thereafter that he wanted to be an electrical engineer. Subsequently, he was fired from his engineering apprenticeship. Undeterred by the setbacks, he founded Reddy's Electrical, an electrical contracting firm, which was later renamed Edison Power.
Growing up in apartheid South Africa meant that he, as an Indian, was subject to the racial segregation. The nation's segregation policy confined non-white citizens to specific areas. The policy also dictated their education, which barred them from career opportunities. Indians, initially brought to the country as indentured labourers by the British in the 19th century, were politically and socially marginalized, despite them being wealthy and contributed significantly to the nation's economy.
Vivian Reddy landed his first job as an electrician after completing his education at Sastri Park Secondary School. Working at an electrical company in Pietermaritzburg, he rose in the ranks quickly to become a branch manager. But apartheid’s discrimination soon reared its ugly head. Once Vivian was outraged by a 'Whites Only' Christmas party, where non-whites were not allowed. He led non-white workers and gatecrashed the 'Whites Only' celebration, causing an altercation.
Edison Power
Despite the barriers, a determined Vivian wished to make it big in business. However, he realized soon that his company’s name, Reddy's Electrical, was a hindrance in securing contracts. Hence, he made a strategic decision to rebrand the company as Edison Power. The name change gave him better credibility he needed to secure contracts with racially prejudiced clients.
Vivian's efforts and success as a businessman through Edison Power caught Nelson Mandela’s attention. He highly esteemed Vivian's efforts to electrify townships during the apartheid regime, a risky move, which not only demonstrated his business acumen but also his commitment to social upliftment. With Mandela's encouragement he began to form business associations with key business figures who could contribute to the rebuilding of South Africa’s economy.
Edison Power soon secured business with the government, including a series of contracts for the procurement of smart electricity meters for the City of Johannesburg. In the early 2010s, he was accused of certain financial irregularities. However, an independent investigation concluded in November 2023 that there was no evidence of the alleged irregularities of the R1.25-billion contract between Edison Power and City Power. Vivian is also known for his personal and business contacts with the country's former President Jacob Zuma.
Today, Vivian Reddy wears many hats as the founder and the chairman of Edison Power Group, as well as a social activist, philanthropist and reformer. From being raised in poverty to gaining a net worth of R1.9 billion, he has come a long way. He has been instrumental in shaping the post-apartheid story, particularly the legacy of the Indian diaspora in South Africa.
Vivian Reddy and his first wife, Mogi Naidoo, have three children. However, in 2003, he married his second wife, Sorisha Naidoo, who is a media personality, actress, and cast member of The Real Housewives of Durban. They have two children together.
Awards And Recognitions
Vivian Reddy has received several awards and accolades:
- 1992: Four Outstanding South Africans (FOYSA Award).
- 1993: International Senate Award; Distinguished Service Award; and South African Young Achiever Award.
- 1998: Rotary International – Paul Harris Community Service Award.
- 2003: Global Indian Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
- 2007: Voted the Most Admired Businessperson in KwaZulu-Natal.
- 2009: Award for Sustainable Contribution to Engineering and Business.
- 2011: Living Legend Award from the City of Durban.
- 2012: Invited to Bill Clinton Global Initiative.
At 71, Vivian Reddy is deeply committed to philanthropy in South Africa, supporting initiatives, such as the Orphans of AIDS Trust Fund and contributing to projects, including the Wingen Heights Secondary School and a clinic in eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality. Besides, education and healthcare, Vivian has sponsored multiple skills development programs, helping thousands of young South Africans to secure the training and qualifications required to improve their economic prospects.
Vivian Reddy’s most ambitious project to date is the R4-billion Oceans Umhlanga development, a luxury mixed-use property development that includes residential apartments, a hotel, and a shopping mall. The project has not only transformed Durban’s skyline but has also created thousands of jobs, bringing the international attention to the city.
Today, Vivian Reddy’s son Shantan Reddy plays a major role in running Edison Power, ensuring the continuity of the family legacy. Reddy’s impact on South Africa’s economy has been profound and lasting.
(Photo: Courtesy Edison Power)
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