Reflecting on the life of Thayalan Reddy: activism, education and community service

FROM playing an active role in the fight against apartheid to becoming a teacher and later serving his community, Thayalan Reddy has made a profound impact in the lives of others over the past several decades.

- NADIA KHAN

THAYALAN Reddy, an apartheid activist, featured in This Day newspaper, among those whose names were listed as 'Enemies of the apartheid state'. WITH his wife, Chandrawathie, their children and partners, as well as grandchildren. LEFT: With his parents, Kanniah and Iyalamma Reddy, and sisters, from left, Kisbapathie Nair (standing), Kurupalani Naidoo (seated) and Asogapathie Govender (standing). RIGHT: Reddy graduated with an Honours degree in English at the University of South Africa in 1969.

(NADIA KHAN Supplied Supplied Supplied)

The 86-year-old, of Glen Hills in Durban North, is one of the eight trailblazers, who shared their stories in the book, Reflective Memories - Voices of Indentured Labourer Descendants South Africans born between 1935 and 1955, Volume Two.

Childhood

Reddy, the third eldest of six children, was born in Sea Cow Lake on August 26, 1939.

His paternal and maternal grandparents, who hailed from Vellore in Tamil Nadu, South India, worked as indentured labourers on sugar estates in South Africa.

His paternal grandfather lived and worked in Esparanza, and his maternal grandfather in Riverside, Durban North.

Reddy said his father, Kanniah Reddy, worked at the Coronation brick-and-tile factory. He thereafter worked for Bakers Ltd as a tinsmith.

"One of his tasks was to make the tins that were used to bake the bread. Thereafter, he moved into the hotel industry."

He said his mother, Iyalandam, was a housewife.

When he was a few months old, the family moved to Riverside.

"My father bought land in Rustomjee Road and built us a three-bedroomed house. I remember we had a mango and moringa tree. My mother also had a small garden and grew a few Indian vegetables. I often helped her plant and harvest the vegetables.