Esperanza Barracks-born author, Neville Naidoo continues to inspire a new generation of writers with his recently launched book titled ‘Trust The Struggle’ garnering attention at the Durban International Book Fair, held at the Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom recently.
The book is a tribute to Naidoo’s life struggles that he encountered as a young man under the apartheid government. The former Umzinto Secondary School learner said chances of furthering his studies were put on hold due to his family’s financial restrictions at the time.
He said: “People lived in appalling conditions under the apartheid regime. Initially, the Indian Indentured Labourers were housed in the barracks with no electricity, running water, no bathrooms and people had to use communal toilets. The environment we lived in was untidy due to a lack of proper facilities. The government treated people badly in the work environment and in society. My parents therefore could not afford to send me to college or university when I finished my matric.”
Naidoo said these challenges inspired him to put his story on paper and find solutions to explore new opportunities. “The introduction of my book gives an insight as to how the Indian Indentured Labourers, including my grandparents, migrated from India and the challenges that they faced on their journey by ship to South Africa. Thereafter I outline how my grandparents lived in South Africa and the pains that they endured and the sacrifices they made to support their family while living under apartheid. The book then covers my childhood days, living in the Esperanza Barracks under harsh conditions. I share insights into my schooling, working career, challenges I faced before marriage and go on to highlight how educating myself made me successful” said Naidoo.
The qualified motor mechanic and holder of a Master of Business Administration degree said launching his book, which took him almost two years to put together, is a dream come true. “It was an honour to launch my book at the Durban International Book Fair and I hope that people will use the book to relate to their current life situations and get inspired for a turnaround,” said Naidoo.
A copy of the book can be accessed directly from Neville Naidoo via email at simadharinaidoo@gmail.com or info@skntraining.com.
