Page 157 - KZN Top Business LEADERS-eBook

VIVIAN REDDY

ivian Reddy is the founder and chairperson it was during this time that I met many political His team discovered a company called Orasure
of the Edison Power Group. From humble activists,” explained Vivian. His relationship with Technologies, which had developed the world’s
beginnings, armed with little more than a the African National Congress deepened, and he first AIDS oral testing device, using a gum swab that
Vborrowed bakkie and R500, he has built a provided financial support to leaders like Winnie could diagnose HIV in minutes. The venture became
business empire that spans multiple industries. Mandela with whom he shared a close relationship. a massive success, demonstrating once again
Vivian’s ability to seize opportunities in unfamiliar
Vivian’s entrepreneurial career began in the This support forged a bond with Nelson Mandela. industries.
apartheid era, where being a non-white business “After Mandela was released, I was invited to a home
owner came with numerous obstacles. “When I where he and Winnie were visiting. I’ll never forget Vivian’s ventures continued to expand to be one
started my company, it was called Reddy Electrical, the moment when he hugged me and introduced of the founders of YFM radio. His property devel-
but we couldn’t get any contracts because of my himself as ‘Nelson Mandela,’ as if I didn’t know who opment portfolio includes award winning projects
surname,” he recalls. Recognising the barriers he was,” Vivian laughs. Over time, Vivian would such as Oceans Umhlanga, Africa’s largest mixed-
created by the political climate, he changed the accompany Mandela on several international trips, use development. The R4.5 billion project includes
name to Edison Power. “Suddenly, people started including a ticker-tape parade in New York and a the luxurious Radisson Blu Hotel and the Oceans
calling and I had to pretend to be Mr Edison to get visit to London’s Trafalgar Square, where nearly a Mall, a high-end shopping mall featuring global
work.” This tactic, born out of necessity, laid the million people gathered to meet Mandela. fashion brands like Gucci, Burberry, and Versace,
foundation for what would become one of South and 560 residential units.
Africa’s leading electrical companies. SEIZE OPPORTUNITIES Throughout his career, Vivian has remained

Vivian’s first job was a steep learning curve. “I thought Vivian’s success extends beyond the electrical committed to philanthropy. His company and
I knew what I was doing as I was highly technically industry. He ventured into the casino business, associated trusts have donated over R280 million
qualified but financially, it was a disaster. We worked fulfilling a dream he’d had since his youth. to charitable causes and supports 180 welfare
tirelessly to get the contact completed but my lack Eventually, Vivian owned five casinos, including organisations. They provide 20,000 meals a day
of business acumen meant the job almost ruined the Sibaya and Pietermaritzburg casinos. Despite via various feeding schemes. “Our contributions
me.” However, Vivian refused to be defeated. His having little experience in the gaming industry, he have helped change the lives of over 86,000
people
under-privileged
in
KwaZulu-Natal,”
motivation was fuelled by an encounter he had as partnered with experts, a strategy that served him Vivian says proudly. He believes that businesses
a teenager when he met astronaut Neil Armstrong well in other ventures. must contribute to society to create sustainable
at the 1971 World Scout Jamboree in Japan. Vivian’s business instincts led him to opportunities, prosperity. “We cannot live on an island of
Armstrong’s words stuck with him: “He told me, ‘If such as entering the banknote industry. A chance prosperity surrounded by a sea of poverty. That’s a
you can dream it, you can achieve it. Perseverance meeting with the Governor of the Reserve Bank of recipe for disaster.”
prevails when all else fails.’” Australia sparked his interest in polymer banknotes.
“I was fascinated by these new polymer notes that Vivian’s philosophy of constant and never-ending
Vivian clung to these words when a client went couldn’t tear and lasted much longer than paper improvement (CANEI) drives both his personal
bankrupt, leaving him owed R26 000 at a time notes,” Vivian recalls. He saw an opportunity to and professional life. “Every day, I ask myself, ‘How
when a new bakkie cost R7 500. Yet, remembering market these notes in Africa, a move that proved can I improve?’ Not just in business but in how I
Armstrong’s advice, he was determined not to let highly successful. treat people, my family, and myself.” At 71, Vivian
this setback defeat him. He approached everyone remains active and energetic, attributing his vitality
he owed money to, explained his situation, and During the South African Post Office’s outsourced to regular exercise, a healthy diet, and a positive
promised to repay them. “Nine months later, I had management process, Vivian’s consortium, includ- mindset. “If you don’t look after your health, no
paid off all of my debts,” Vivian proudly states. ing New Zealand Post, won the contract to manage amount of wealth will matter,” he advises.
Through this, he learned that people appreciate the service. Over four years, his team and the New
honesty and transparency. “It’s when you run away Zealand partners transformed the South African Vivian shows no signs of slowing down, with
from your problems that you lose people’s trust.” Post Office, delivering over a million post boxes, ongoing projects in Dubai and South Africa, he
especially in rural areas, and turning it into a continues to pursue new ventures. His advice to
As his business grew, so did his involvement in profitable venture. entrepreneurs is simple: “Dream big, take risks, and
South Africa’s political landscape. In the 1990s, as never stop learning. And most importantly “NEVER
apartheid was ending, Vivian’s company was one of Another example of Vivian’s approach came during EVER GIVE UP”. The world is full of opportunities,
the few contractors working in South Africa’s black the World AIDS Conference in Durban, where he you just have to be bold enough and act as an
townships. “We electrified hundreds of schools, and saw an opportunity to enter the healthcare sector. eagle to seize them.”
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