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DR KAMALANATHAN NAIDOO

r Kamalanathan (Kenny) Naidoo, the Presi- to navigate these challenges through the influence Welfare Society for 23 years and remained with
dent of the Verulam Child Welfare Society, and support of its members, who come from various the organisation for 50 years. Rajoo’s dedication
began his professional career as a high school professional backgrounds, including the business and leadership have been invaluable, providing
Dmathematics teacher, teaching up to grade community. mentorship and guidance to Dr Naidoo and others
12 at various schools across KwaZulu-Natal. Over on the board. Mr Rajoo was also the architect, of the
time, he was promoted to the position of head of PROACTIVE APPROACH popular Charity Fair, a concept that is used by most
department for mathematics and eventually rose One of the society’s proudest accomplishments is the NGOs today. Dr Naidoo believes that experiential
to become a principal and later, a superintendent development and implementation of the “Platinum, knowledge is far more valuable than theoretical
of education. At the time of his retirement, he was Gold and Silver sponsorship” programme, which knowledge and credits his success to the wisdom
overseeing 66 schools in the Pinetown district. shared by senior colleagues like Mr Rajoo.
encourages companies to donate to the organisation
In terms of educational qualifications, Dr Naidoo’s by providing them with a Section 18A certificate for POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT
journey is both extensive and impressive. He began tax benefits. Dr Naidoo credits his colleague, Mr Pat
with a teachers’ diploma before pursuing a BCom Moodley, for initiating this programme. Through this To keep his team motivated amidst these obstacles,
degree at the University of South Africa. He furthered initiative, and the Spring Ball (initiated by the Nankhoo Dr Naidoo emphasises the importance of positive
his education by obtaining a Bachelor of Education Family), the society has secured several sponsors, reinforcement and emotional intelligence. He recog-
(B.Ed.), and later, a specialised Bachelor of Education partially covering their deficit. Dr Naidoo credits the nises that understanding body language and providing
in Educational Management. Not stopping there, success of the Verulam Child Welfare Society to its timely support to staff are crucial in maintaining
in 2000, he enrolled for an MBA at the University of proactive approach and innovative projects designed a productive and content workforce. Additionally,
Durban-Westville, which he successfully completed. during strategic planning sessions, which have the organisation is committed to fostering public
Dr Naidoo then went on to achieve a PhD in enabled the organisation to sustain itself despite awareness of children’s rights and conducts work-
Education. While serving as a Superintendent of operating with a significant financial shortfall. He shops for educators to equip them with knowledge
Education, he also completed a senior management hopes that by sharing the organisation’s story, more about the Children’s Act and related matters. These
course at Level 13. At the age of 64, he was nomi- businesses will recognise the opportunity to support initiatives have proven beneficial in addressing and
nated by the department to undertake a course in NGOs like theirs, especially given the potential tax preventing child abuse and neglect in the community.
forensic investigation, which he also completed. benefits and the vital role these organisations play in Looking ahead, Dr Naidoo envisions a future where
Dr Naidoo dedicated 45 years to education before complementing government efforts. networking plays a critical role in overcoming
retiring in September 2020, at the age of 65. Dr Naidoo shares that the best advice he has challenges faced by non-profit organisations. He
received on his journey is to avoid procrastination. sees potential in connecting with businesses and
However, his contributions to society extend beyond international organisations that might offer funding
education. While still working in education, in 2001, “Procrastination is a thief of time,” he says, empha- and support to child welfare initiatives. For instance,
he was elected President of the Verulam Child sising the importance of meeting deadlines and through networking, the Verulam Child Welfare
Welfare Society. Reflecting on his purpose, Dr Naidoo tackling tasks immediately. He believes in living each Society recently learned of an opportunity with
explains that whether in education or welfare, his day as if it were his last and attributes his success the “Million Dollar Club” and received a generous
to this philosophy. By prioritising prompt action,
aim has always been to implement the policies of the especially in tasks like writing letters to sponsors, Dr donation of 4,000 USD, which provided significant
organisation and give effect to its constitution. In his Naidoo ensures that the organisation stays ahead of financial relief.
current role, he is focused on enforcing the Children’s the competition and maintains a proactive approach
Act (Act 38 of 2005) and, together with colleagues, to fundraising. DEEP COMMITMENT
maintaining tight financial controls within the
organisation. This is critical as the society operates When asked about his personal motivation, Dr Naidoo In conclusion, Dr Naidoo’s life and career are charac-
with a significant financial deficit, receiving a limited states that passion is key. In his words, “If you’re terised by a deep commitment to service. Whether
subsidy from the Department of Social Development. not passionate about what you’re doing, especially in education or child welfare, his dedication to
in the voluntary sector, you won’t be able to fulfil implementing policies, promoting positive change,
Dr Naidoo recalls the moment he learned that the objectives.” He notes that volunteerism in the and sustaining organisations is unwavering.
the organisation’s subsidy would be cut by 22,000 community is declining and stresses the importance His motto, developed by the society, “Your care
Rand per month due to budgetary constraints. This of being motivated by others. strengthens our care in child and family welfare,”
increased their operational deficit to around 122,000 encapsulates his approach to leadership and service,
Rand per month. Despite the economic downturn Dr Naidoo draws strength from figures like Mr KN driven by passion, persistence, and a belief in the
and reduced donations, the society has managed Rajoo, who served as President of the Verulam Child power of collective effort.
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