Kuben Moodley

sport of choice for Moodley, and he still plays in a competitive league.

His family also got involved with the local Delta Badminton Club, which still operates out of the same community hall in Isipingo as it did in the 1960’s.

Moodley’s mother was also an avid badminton fan, playing in the local women’s league.

At school, Moodley was known as the principal’s son and in the 1980s he became the mayor’s son, when the Borough of Isipingo appointed his father as mayor.

“All it meant was that I had to be well behaved at all times. And, I was,” he said.

Once he completed schooling, Moodley’s heart was set on studying agriculture, but this was not available to all South Africans in 1972.

The SA Indian Council championed for its own division of agriculture, which ultimately led to him registering with the ML Sultan Technikon to study agricultural extension in 1975.

“This was uncharted territory for Indian people. The other challenge was translating notes from Afrikaans to English.”

Later, he went on to study sugar cane production, business management and is completing his masters in food security.

Moodley’s passion for agriculture shone through in his work, helping him progress as an extension officer and ultimately as an authority in agriculture.

“Dedication, passion and seeing the value in agriculture aided my progress, especially my ability to give correct advice.”

Now that he’s the head of SASAE, Moodley will be relied on to “develop a strategic plan” and take the organisation’s efforts to help SA farmers forward.

Moodley remembers how, as an extension officer, he went to great lengths to help sugar cane farmer Thunga Pillay, who celebrated her 80th birthday in 2013.

“I spoke at her birthday function. When you’re an extension officer, you become a part of the family.

“Farming is a calling. It is not about the money, it’s about love for the profession. You cannot rest while there are hungry people out there.” Kuben Moodley with ANC treasurer-general Zweli Mkhize and, right, a six-month-old Kuben with granny MM Moodley.

Kuben Moodley with his father at the back, Chreesan, his mother, Indira Devi, and Komala Devi. Picture: Karthis Chetty - Fiat Lux. Below: Nathi Mhlongwa and Malini Govender with Moodley.