Visiting professors revisit their South Coast roots
Former South Coasters paid tribute to the enormous sacrifices their forefathers and the community have made.
Cousins and academic professors, Gonam Joe Raju and Steve Naidoo paid a nostalgic visit with their maternal families to their place of birth and early childhood years in the Bazley Farm, Band Farm and Langalibalele areas recently.
Both visiting academics traced their humble roots and upbringing to these small farming communities.
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Professor Gonam Raju who emigrated from South Africa in 1976 is now a Canadian citizen. He is an Associate IBOLT director and professor at Vanguard College, Alberta, Canada while his cousin, Professor Steve Naidoo is an internationally respected independent forensic pathologist and medical professor, and former head of forensic medicine at Nelson R Mandela Medical School (UKZN).
The professors paid a special visit to one of the oldest temples and religious sites here on the South Coast, the Umzimkuluwana Shri Siva Soobramoniar Temple which they feel should be considered a heritage site as it was associated with the Indian indentured labourers who settled there.
Both academics acknowledged and paid tribute to the enormous sacrifices that their forefathers and community elders had made in ensuring they were given an education by ensuring that community schools were built so that they could have a better life. It was this education and community values that paved the way for their own success.
“I love visiting my rainbow nation here in South Africa and KwaZulu-Natal, especially the South Coast, one can’t ask for better weather in the world.
“Winter here on the South Coast is perfect and what I love most about visiting my hometown is the family and friends who are so welcoming and friendly,” said Professor Raju.
Professor Raju was a former teacher and vice-principal at Port Shepstone Secondary. Since his departure in 1976, he has made numerous visits back to the South Coast visiting family and friends and says he will continue to do so.
Professor Naidoo completed very little of his schooling here but has strong family bonds and visits family quite often. Both men said they love Port Shepstone and attribute who they are to a humble upbringing and strong family bonds.
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