Umzinto and Districts mourn the loss of doyen in education… Mr Indra Naidoo

On Friday, April 14, 2023, 77-year-old Mr Indrasagarun (Indra) Naidoo passed on after a short illness. His funeral, held at the Umzinto Town Hall, was attended by a large crowd of mourners comprising colleagues from the fraternities of education, sports, civic, and religion.

Mr I Naidoo, a resident of Umzinto, had his primary schooling at St Anne’s Primary School and later matriculated at Umzinto Secondary School in 1964. Having been a supreme sportsman, and an equally intellectually endowed student, he was elected Head Prefect that year.

His post-matric education includes a 3-year Diploma in Teaching at Salisbury Island College and a 1-year specialisation Diploma in Physical Education at ML Sultan Technical College. Mr Naidoo commenced his illustrious teaching career at Naidoo Memorial Primary School.

He, thereafter, taught at Umzinto Secondary School, Braemar Primary School, and Sezela Primary School. In 1985, he was promoted to Sezela Primary School as a Departmental Head.

In 1996, Mr Naidoo was promoted to Principal of Braemar Primary School. Mr Ravi Naicker (brother-in-law), Mr K P Reddy (Department of Education), Mr Reven Naidoo (nephew), and a message from Mr Vijay Padayachee (family friend and associate) all lauded Mr Naidoo, in their respective tributes, for his immense contribution to the various sectors of the communities of Umzinto, Sezela, and Braemar.

Mr Ravi Naicker spoke fondly of Mr Naidoo as a family man respected and loved by all ages.

“My brother-in-law was always caring, loving, and kind; someone who could broker peace through his ability to be calm, frank, yet neutral. He was also a role model to all persons within the wider family circles – a go-to person in times of crisis.”

Mr K P Reddy captured a kaleidoscope of Mr Naidoo’s illustrious career, alluding to his exemplary work ethic, his contribution to sports and academics, and his mentorship to many a young teacher.

“Mr Naidoo’s passion for sport,” he said, “emanated from his natural gift as a sportsman, having played soccer, cricket, and tennis with consummate ease and incredible dexterity. He used his passion for sports as a conduit to unite families in communities together, as well as to get the school to become an integral part of a community.”

As an educator and Principal, Mr Naidoo’s work ethic and passion for his children were always foremost.

That he left behind a grand legacy is well documented, as was attested by many a mourner from the education fraternity and other walks of life.

Mr Reddy said, “Mr Naidoo was defined by his talents, personality, and character.”

He also alluded to Mr Naidoo’s resilience and sheer tenacity in overcoming the challenges that beset him after a horrendous accident Mr Naidoo, unfortunately, had met only just six months into his retirement 2005.

Mr Naidoo was quite an active member of the SS Temple [Umzinto] Committee, having served in various portfolios in the management of the temple.

Personally, he was a devout Hindu who would religiously visit the temple every Saturday to offer prayer.

Mr I Naidoo is survived by his doting wife, Patsy; his three children, Bavanie, Kalay, Kovilen, and their respective spouses; and his six loving grandchildren.

He will also be sadly missed by his extended family and friends from all spectrums of life within which Mr Naidoo was either active or associated.