The legacy of Dr Devi Moodley Rajab: a life of impact and inspiration

HAPPY CHILDHOOD

- NADIA KHAN

RAJAB enjoyed ballet from a young age.

(Supplied)

AS A PSYCHOLOGIST, award-winning columnist and author, Dr Devi Moodley Rajab has not only made significant contributions to her field, but has also carved a unique space in the hearts and minds of many through her profound writings.

Rajab, who will celebrate her 80th birthday tomorrow (November 6), shared her interesting journey across cultures, religions and continents over a period of history from apartheid to democracy.

Early years

Rajab, who lives in Westville, said her family’s history in South Africa dated back to her paternal grandfather, Ramiah Moodley, who hailed from the south of India.

She said at the age of 19, he left his hometown in Karnakul, and travelled first to Mauritius and then came as a ship passenger to South Africa.

“As a young boy, my grandfather had initially travelled from India to Mauritius with his parents where they had set up a business in a place called Flacq. Their plan was to make money and return to India. Not believing in banks, they buried their money in tin cans only to find out later that much of it had corroded and had been eaten by termites.

“Despondently, they returned to India. When his mother passed away, my grandfather felt little need to stay in India with his father who began gambling in cockfights. My grandfather, as the story goes, then boarded the SS Truro and headed for Natal.

“Upon his arrival, recruitment agents offered him a job as a supervisor of labour at the railways. Later he started working as a messenger between the British and Boers during the war. He also used to wash their clothes on Sundays.