AWARD WINNING BUSINESSMAN AND PHILANTHROPIST
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ABOUT
Vivian Reddy is a renowned entrepreneur and visionary leader known for his exceptional business acumen and innovative contributions across the power, property, hospitality, and casino industries. With a relentless drive for excellence, he built a distinguished career marked by groundbreaking achievements and a transformative impact. His entrepreneurial journey began early, leading a successful power industry business where he drove revenue growth, market expansion, and cost reduction through strategic planning and innovative execution. Alongside his business ventures, Reddy has a deep commitment to philanthropy, spearheading projects that uplift underprivileged communities in Durban and beyond. He collaborates with local organizations and government agencies to implement sustainable solutions and has provided strategic guidance to various organizations, leveraging his expertise in finance, governance, and marketing to drive growth and organizational effectiveness.
EARLY LIFE
Vivian Reddy, born on February 22, 1953, in Greenwood Park, was the youngest of nine children in a modest family. His father, a school teacher, inspired Reddy’s early leadership and philanthropic spirit. At 16, Reddy represented South Africa at the Boy Scout World Jamboree in Japan, where he met Neil Armstrong, whose words, “If you can dream it, you can achieve it,” deeply influenced him. Reddy’s passion for community upliftment began with establishing Boy Scout branches in KZN and continued through his role as a National Director of the Boy Scouts Association of South Africa. Despite challenges, Reddy’s entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to community service earned him 58 international and national and community awards, including the JCI Senate Award and the Rotary Paul Harris International Community Upliftment Award. He played a significant role in various organizations, including serving on 25 welfare and community organizations and contributing to Columbia Primary School as the governing body’s chairman. Reddy also fostered social cohesion during turbulent times in KZN through close relationships with leaders like Nelson Mandela, Jacob Zuma, and King Goodwill Zwelithini.
BUSINESS
Vivian Reddy, after being dismissed from a company during apartheid for supporting black workers, founded his electrical business with R500 and a borrowed bakkie. Facing challenges in securing contracts from larger white-owned firms, he rebranded the company as Edison Power and turned it into the largest electrical company in South Africa.
Through grit and determination, he expanded into sectors like casinos, postal services, healthcare, media, leisure, and property development. His Internatianal Award -Winning landmark R4.5 billion, 250,000 bulk sqm Oceans Umhlanga development is the largest new mixed-use project in South Africa, that features the Radisson Blu Hotel Durban Umhlanga a luxury mall with international brands such as Gucci, Dolce & Gabanna, Burberry, Versace and many more , 340 luxury residential Apartments and timeshare. the development won the eThekwin Investor of the year award and the 2023 SAPOA – (South African property Owners Association) for best Mixed-use development, amongst others. Reddy chairs both the popular Sibaya Casino Resort and the Oceans Umhlanga Development and sits on boards of numerous companies.
Driven by success, Vivian embraced innovation and technology to expand his reach. His growing wealth and influence have empowered him to advocate for social change and economic empowerment nationwide.
PHILANTHROPY
Vivian Reddy is not only a successful entrepreneur in South Africa but also one of its most prominent philanthropists. Through his foundation and associated trusts, he has contributed over R250 million to more than 150 welfare and charity organizations, positively impacting the lives of 60,000 people.
LOOKING BACK
