From activism to academia: Harry Naidu's inspiring journey

POLITICAL and sporting activist Harry Naidu and his family are celebrating his extraordinary milestone - graduating with a Master's degree in international relations from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, at age 70. 

Naidu, the former director of sport in Durban and general manager of tourism in the province, said the Master's degree encompassed international law, political science and counter-terrorism. 

He pursued his studies 10 years ago as a challenge to reach a goal - one that he had been "deprived" of in South Africa during apartheid. 

His daughters, Divina and Priyesha, both lawyers in Melbourne, also influenced his decision. 

Following his recent graduation, Priyesha wrote on social media: "Decades ago in South Africa, he was forced out of university not because of his ability or ambition, but because of his political views and his fight for the liberation of the country. 

"Today he walked across the stage with his head high, staying true to his roots, still fighting for justice, still standing firmly in his beliefs, and still leading by example.

"Everything we know about the world, our values, our work ethic, our sense of fairness, and our drive to speak up for what’s right, has come from him. His wisdom, resilience and quiet determination have shaped our lives in the most profound way. We are endlessly proud to be his family. And I am beyond proud to call myself his daughter. Congratulations dad." 

Speaking from his home in Melbourne, Naidu, said his childhood dream was to study law to fight apartheid. 

"I enrolled at the University of Durban-Westville to study B.Com law. I studied part-time because I had to work to help take care of my family. During this time, I attended anti-apartheid meetings and became involved with student boycotts. I was later accused of instigating the student boycotts and was subsequently expelled along with others. I eventually studied toward my B.Com via Unisa but I never quite finished."

Naidu also played a role in the non-racial sports movement as a member of the Natal Council of Sport, which was part of the South African Council of Sport. In addition, he was part of the underground structures of the ANC to effect political change in the country.

While continuing to fight apartheid, life took a hold. He got married, started a family with his wife, Vasantha (Vassie), and his studies remained on hold.

As one of the early deployees of the ANC, and following the party's unbanning in 1990, Naidu went on to work as the director of sport in Durban and as the general manager of tourism. In the latter part of the '90s, he accepted a three-year job offer as a senior project manager with the Queensland Events Corporation in Brisbane, Australia.

He travelled abroad with his family.

Naidu resumed his studies part-time about 10 years ago, obtaining a degree in human rights law at Monash University, followed by post-graduate studies towards his Master's degree in international relations.

He said the most difficult part of studying again - decades later - was attending lectures and being among young peers. But he adjusted and enjoyed interacting with fellow students, who were young enough to be his children.

Asked what he intended on doing with his qualifications, he said: "It does not help me professionally because I am retired and I turned 71 on Monday. I decided to study as a challenge to reach my goal, a goal that I was deprived of while I was in South Africa. It was done for the accumulation of knowledge."

The grandfather of two said it was suggested that he now pursue his PHd but he did not "apply my mind" to it.

For now, he wants to spend quality time with his family, especially his granddaughters, Vida, 5, and Maya, 2. Vassie is now a school principal.

THE POST