Vivian Reddy: a self-made entrepreneur’s journey without a degree

IN A WORLD where degrees often seem like the only way to success, Vivian Reddy, a Durban-born businessman and the founder of the Edison Power Group, rose to success with pure determination.

- MONISHKA GOVENDER

Without any formal educational background, the now 72-year-old carved his own path to achievement. His story challenges conventional definitions of success and proves that the absence of a degree does not mean the absence of potential.

“I did not have a university degree when I started. My education is only a diploma in electrical contracting management. Most of my education came from the real world, from mentors, from trial and error, and from hard lessons,” said Reddy.

“While I always respected formal education and encouraged others to pursue it, I knew that my path would be carved through grit, experience and self-education. In many ways, that taught me resilience and resourcefulness early on.”

Reddy said he knew who he was meant to be from an early age — a man with purpose.

“From a young age, I was drawn to the idea of creating something of my own, of being in control of my destiny. Bringing in the Box Scouts organisation shaped my thoughts.

“The defining moment came when I saw the socioeconomic challenges in our communities and realised that entrepreneurship could be a powerful tool for both personal growth and upliftment of others. I wanted to build a business that not only created value, but created opportunity.”

He said his background influenced his approach to business.