Juggie bows out but won’t hang up his pen
AFTER years of “pounding away” on the keyboard, respected journalist and researcher Juggie Naran entered retirement this week.
Naran, 72, best known for his days as a journalist with the old Leader newspaper and as the co-ordinator of the Tribune Herald, said farewell at a gathering of close friends and colleagues.
But the quietly-spoken Naran said he’s not done yet. “In the new week I will start writing a book about politics,” revealed Naran, who caught the attention of readers, especially during the days of apartheid, with his analysis of the then political climate.
Naran said his book will focus primarily on former Black Conciousness Movement operatives. “I want to profile people like Steve Biko, Barney Pityana, Strini Moodley and others who I got to know about.”
Since 2011, Naran has largely dedicated himself to research work, teaming up with academic Collin Thakur, who heads the Enterprise Development Unit at the Durban University of Technology. “I’ve been able to write many of my papers because of Juggie’s assistance,” Thakur said.
Anti-apartheid activist Sam Moodley said: “Juggie had a passion for writing… He was fearless. He would defy banning orders and security police to be with me and other activists.”
Former newspaper editor Dennis Pather said he and Juggie went back many years, “when we worked at the Leader”.
“I salute you for the contribution you made to journalism,” he told Naran.
Pather said the hallmark of Naran’s career was his “hard work and honesty”.