Business, politics and restaurants for Naidu
WORLD renowned restaurateur, Eggie Naidu, has lived a colourful life. It started in the popular Block AK back in the days when well-dressed gangsters ruled Durban’s CBD. Naidu, the owner of the popular Saagries Restaurant, was born with a silver spoon in his mouth – but had to work hard to build his own empire, from the ground up.
Naidu was also involved in the Struggle against apartheid. Through his political involvement, he became close friends with former president Nelson Mandela and other activists.
He said Mandela often dined at Saagries at Coastlands, Holiday Inn, on Durban’s beachfront, in the early 1990s.
Naidu is the grandson of the late Thangvel Moodley – who started the famous Victory Lounge, at the corner of Yusuf Dadoo (formerly Grey) and Betha Mkhize (Victoria) Streets in 1946, along with RR Moodley, RS Naicker, RR Singh and Danseal Moodley.
Naidu hoped to be a lawyer when he was growing up – but his destiny was clear. He would follow in the footsteps of his grandfather. He was raised by his maternal grandmother, Sivagamy Moodley, who lived on 1st Avenue, which was part of Block AK in Durban.
“My granny and I always shared a close bond – she died in the early 1960s but I believe she continues to guide me,” said Naidu. “What I miss most about my childhood was growing up in the Casbah. We were all like family. There were no religious and cultural barriers. People kept their doors open to everyone in the community. There were gangsters and drugs, but we could walk on the streets late into the night and it was safe – the gangsters protected us.”
Naidu said the gangsters back in the old days had some morals, were respected and dressed to perfection. They would often dine at his family restaurants and would carry him on their shoulder and spoil him – he was only a toddler then. But it was the friendships Naidu forged while living in the Casbah that he still cherishes until today.
“Three of my closest and dearest friends lived in the Casbah – Jay Pema, Satish Dupelia and Dinesh Hansjee,” said Naidu. “Our friendship is 50 years old and we still talk to each other every day.
Another great friend and mentor I look up to is Nanda Soobben. I met Nanda when I lived at Isipingo Beach from
1967 to 1979 – we were the first batch of Indians to move there. Nanda took me under his wing and kept me on the right path. I don’t drink or smoke because of him. He groomed me well and saw potential in me. I remember him buying a Mini so we could all learn to drive. He has a heart of gold and I still value his friendship and advice.”
Soobben, one of the country’s leading Murugadas, Romark the hypnotist, Zane Adams, Richard John Smith, Pacific Express and Jonathan Butler, among others, performed at the theatre.
But in 1984, Naidu left home with just the clothes on his back and a photograph of his beloved grandmother, when he decided to build a future for himself.
“I had an expansive mind, I wanted to see Victory Lounge on every corner. My grandfather and uncles were doyens in the industry and I inherited their style and class,” he said.
“But while I was thinking further, my family were content with what they had – my vision and political affiliation is what drove me to follow my own dream. This was around the time I met my wife, Jay, a beautiful, successful businesswoman. She was widowed, with two children, and I charmed my way into her heart. She saw potential in me – she dreamt my dream. She had a gift, which in Tamil we say ‘kai raasie’ – it translates to everything she touches turns to gold.”
Naidu and Jay started Saagries Restaurant in 1988 – during the recession, which was followed by the depression in the 1990s. Despite the economic situation of the country, the couple made the restaurant a success.
His political grooming was carved by the Natal Indian Congress and looked up to activists like now retired judge Thumba Pillay, IC and Fatima Meer, Yacoob Meer, Ravi Bhagwandeen, Krish Makadooj, Ronnie Govender and others.
In 1985, Naidu joined the United Democratic Front. He says he was influenced by his heroes and freedom stalwarts Strini Moodley, Lenny Naidu, Saths Cooper, Pravin Gordhan, Billy Nair and Kessie Govender. His mentors were, Mo and Yunus Shaik as well as Shirish Soni. Whenever he got into trouble for his political activism – now acting judge Kessie Naidu and (later justice of the Constitutional Court Zak Yacoob would come to his rescue.
Over the years Naidu has made numerous efforts to improve tourism in Durban and get white monopoly to do business with people of colour. He formed a team of liberal-minded businessmen and together with the Durban Chamber of Commerce and the municipality tried to ensure the inclusion of all role players in the city’s business matters.
Jay died in 2001 and in 2009 Naidu shut down Saagries in Durban. “Saagries was authentic and unique. In 1997 the New York Times reviewed us and said: ‘Saagries is a temple of culinary authenticity,’” Naidu says.
“Our restaurant will continue to be an educational experience. Indians should be proud of their food – it’s about the flavours and not how spicy it should be.”
Seventy-two years after Victory Lounge was first launched, Naidu’s cousins Tibby and Strini Moodley re-opened the restaurant on May 25 at Umhlanga Rocks Drive, Umhlanga.