Taking a leap, making a home
LOOKING to broaden his horizons, Muthu Kumarasamy applied for a job in South Africa, having no clue about the country or its people.
The 40-year-old engineering lecturer at the University of KwaZuluNatal has been living in Morningside, Durban, for 10 years with his wife Vanitha, 37, who works in IT, and his son, Daaruk, 7.
“I grew up in a village in Tamil Nadu and we were fortunate enough to have electricity, running water and proper sanitation – unlike other villages in the country,” said Kumarasamy.
“I lived a simple life with my parents and siblings.”
After he completed school, he enrolled to study engineering at the Bharathiar University and later completed his masters degree in Chennai and his PhD with the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee.
“I then started working as a researcher for the institute and began looking for jobs abroad. I came across a vacancy for an engineering lecturer on the UKZN website and despite not knowing anything about South Africa, I applied.”
He also applied for a similar job in a few other countries and since UKZN was the first to get back to him, he accepted the post.
“I remember feeling happy and sad – happy to start this new chapter and sad to leave my family. Before I could come to South Africa I did some research on Durban and read about the Indian community here, their beliefs and culture. I also read about the arrival of Indians to the country in 1860 as indentured labourers.”
He continued: “It is remarkable how they started by toiling in the fields and today many of them are businessmen and businesswomen, while others have created such great lives for themselves.”
In 2008, he left India and made his way to South Africa.
“When I landed in Durban I loved everything about it; the people were friendly and warm and it felt a bit like home.”
Once he settled in his new job and life, he returned to India and got married.
“Today, we are all permanent residents of this beautiful country, where we are proud to raise our son. The education system is also quite good.”
When Kumarasamy is not attending his son’s sporting activities at the weekends, the family enjoys walks on the beach and exploring Durban. They try to visit family in India once a year.