Talent was undeniable
KIRUBAN Naidoo was born on October 28, 1942, and transcended the boundaries of athleticism. As we celebrate his life, we uncover a story of resilience, triumph and inspiration.
Naidoo, now 81, lives at Mount Edgecombe Estate.
He defied categorisation. He was not confined to a single sport but ventured into athletics, cricket and golf.
As a pupil at Gandhi Desai School, he balanced his academic pursuits with sports. His talent was undeniable.
Naidoo’s journey began at the Rosebank Sporting Club of Durban and led him to England’s Hernhill Harriers. One of his achievements was his victory over Harry Jerome, a joint world record holder in the 100 metres in the Interstate Championship in 1973.
Naidoo’s reign as the Natal champion in the 100 and 220 yards from 1959 to 1969 solidified his status as a champion. His leadership as the captain of the Natal and schools teams left a mark on the athletic landscape.
In February 1965, Naidoo, already a South African (black) 100 yards and 220 yards champion, embarked on a groundbreaking endeavour. He submitted an application to the Natal (white) Amateur Athletic Union requesting to participate in the Natal Championships slated for March 20, 1965. His objective was clear: to challenge racial segregation and compete in events divided by apartheid.
Naidoo's achievements spoke volumes. He achieved remarkable times, clocking 9.8 seconds in the 100 yards and 21.8 seconds in the 220 yards.
It was comparable to the records set by white athletes, including “Judge” Jeffries, a 440 yards specialist who represented South Africa in the Olympics.
Notably, Naidoo enjoyed the support and camaraderie of white athletes, with Vaughan Jacklin, the Natal 880 yards champion, extending his co-operation.
Even Bob Calder, the president of the Natal Amateur Athletic Union, bore witness to Naidoo’s dedication during training.
Apartheid’s discriminatory policies extended to athletic trials, with African athletes barred from participation.
In April 1965, four African athletes were turned away from the Natal athletic trials at Kings Park.
A restrictive permit granted access only to coloureds and Indians, exemplifying the prevailing racial biases. In response to this, special trial events were organised to accommodate the sidelined athletes.
Despite a racially-charged environment, Naidoo remained resolute. His pursuit of athletic excellence and equity continued.
His contributions extended beyond the track. As the secretary of the Natal Amateur Athletic and Cycling Union from 1965 to 1966, he played a pivotal role in fostering the growth of sports in the region.
Naidoo’s journey was marked by its share of obstacles. Growing up near Greyville Racecourse, he defied the odds by sneaking past security guards for training there.
Little did he know these escapades would shape his future. His invitation to the UK by Sir Jack Crump, secretary of the British Union, for the UK Athletic Meeting in the mid-1970s, marked a turning point.
His achievement was triumphing over the world champion sprinter Harry Jerome at the Interstate Championship in 1973.
In his mid-twenties, Naidoo clocked 10.01 in the 100 metres. During his 15-year stay in the UK, Naidoo’s name resonated across international athletics meetings.
He also earned a degree in sports management in the UK and was the director of recreation with the Hyndburnes Sports Centre.
Naidoo’s return to South Africa in 1994 was marked not just by his physical homecoming but by his triumphs. His prowess extended to cricket in the Lancashire League and he became an international coach. In 1995, Naidoo found himself on the path to victory alongside Ernie Els, one of the world’s golfing legends.
Two weeks ago, Naidoo and Els clinched victory at a Pro AM tournament in Houghton in Johannesburg, marking a triumphant moment in Naidoo’s storied journey.
What followed was a photograph capturing their joint triumph, commissioned by Els, who also presented Naidoo with a new kit bag.
He now displays these in his offices. They are symbols of his journey from the apartheid-era Struggle to shared victory. and stories related to the ex-Natal Amateur Athletic Association and