From factory worker to law firm owner, a tale of success for KwaDukuza’s Narrine Perumal

Widowed while five months pregnant with her first child, Narrine Perumal went from factory worker to attorney through hard work and determination to provide for her child.

The KwaDukuza attorney recently claimed first place in the business and entrepreneurship category of the Lotus FM Women of Substance Awards.

The 56-year-old attorney was recognised for her story of overcoming difficult circumstances and years of charitable work.

Born in KwaDukuza, Perumal attended Stanger Manor Secondary before taking a job in a clothing factory after school.

Less than a year after getting married, tragedy struck when her husband unexpectedly passed away. She was five months pregnant at the time.

“I had to move back home and was left heartbroken and unsure of how I could look after my daughter,” she said.

After forming a friendship with attorney Selvie Pillay who dealt with her husband’s estate, Perumal was offered a job as a messenger in the law office.

She showed aptitude and Pillay funded an opportunity for her to write a law entrance exam, in which she achieved over 90%.

This led to a bursary from UNISA where she studied part-time, eventually graduating in 2002 with a law degree.

“I worked as a messenger, collection clerk and article clerk with Selvie before becoming a qualified lawyer in 2005. At the end of the day it’s your life and only you can take responsibility for making changes for the better,” she said.

Perumal launched her own practice in 2005, which focuses its pro bono work helping widows and those who have been abused.

“I am particularly passionate about helping women who try to win maintenance cases or obtain protection orders. We will help those who are deserving for free whenever possible,” she said.

This includes help with wills, an important document that Perumal said is often neglected.

Outside of her work, Perumal served as secretary of the Dolphin Coast Hospice for many years, while also serving on the governing body of Stanger Manor Secondary.

She was one of seven winners in the 2022 edition of the Lotus FM awards. Visit lotusfm.co.za for the full list.

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