Clothing pioneer dies in hospital
THE founder and director of the Redbro group of companies Siva Perumal Reddy died at the Entabeni Hospital on Monday morning.
Reddy, who was formerly of Kharwastan, had fallen ill three weeks ago with a disease related to his kidneys.
The 78-year-old opened his first clothing factory in the 70s in a small premises in Rossburgh, Durban.
His son Kovilan Reddy said the first building accommodated 200 to 250 workers.
“Years later my father opened the second factory in a double-storey building in Sunset Avenue, Chatsworth, where approximately 1 000 people were employed,” said Kovilan. He added that later on he opened retail clothing stores in central Durban, Clairwood, Johannesburg and Pietermaritzburg.
“Apart from clothing, my father also imported curtains from Japan and Hong Kong. He also bought and sold property,” said Kovilan.
At the age of 65 the grandfather of seven decided to retire and the retail stores were closed down. Kovilan ran the remainder of the business.
Describing Reddy as someone with a pure heart, Kovilan said his father taught him everything he knew.
“My father respected his staff and their beliefs. We had prayer rooms and services for people of all religions. There was even a crèche for the working mums. He also established an educational trust for his employees’ children in order for them to get proper education,” said Kovilan.
He added that his mother Neela was his (Reddy’s) pillar of strength.
Reddy will be buried today (Wednesday) at the Umhlatuzana Cemetery.