Vivian Reddy (born Vathasallum Reddy in Durban) is a South African-Indian entrepreneur. He is the brain behind the establishment of the Edison Group.
Vathasallum hosted an R10m extravagant celebration in honor of his sixtieth birthday. Present to celebrate with him was 150 close family, friends, and prominent political figures at his house.
Profile
| Name | Vathasallum Reddy |
| Other names | Vivian Reddy |
| Born | Durban |
| Nationality | South African |
| Gender | Male |
| Wives | Sorisha Naidoo Mogi Naidoo |
| Children | 5 |
| Profession | Businessman |
| Company | Edison Group |
Background
The businessperson was born into the family of a teacher. His parents had nine children of which he is the youngest. He boasts as the first representative of SA to the Boy Scouts Jamboree, Japan.
This is memorable for him as it created an opportunity for him to meet Neil Armstrong. Today, he has risen to a big name in the industry and has business empires to his name.
The empires have their interests in energy, healthcare, casinos. property development, and financial services.
Philanthropy
Even with the success, he records from his business, he tries to give back to society.
He has sponsored and donated to several originations relating to charities including the Orphans of AIDS Trust Fund.
Donating and giving come easy with this successful figure. One of the notable donations he has done is to the Wingen Heights Secondary School building project.
He also donated to the clinic building project at eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality. Vathasallum donated a huge amount of Six million rand.
Controversy
Even with the success, he has recorded and the reputation he has managed to build for himself over the years, he fell victim to controversies.
In 2013, corruption accusations tabled against Edison Power. His company was accused of being awarded an R1.25 b tender. This allegation was later cleared but has been recorded in history.
Four years later, another allegation followed. In 2017, news reports covered that Reddy’s Edison group’s R1.2 b contract was not in compliance with the legislative and administrative requirements.
Reddy was caught up in another allegation on corruption in 2019. He was reported to be linked to corruption allegations with Ace Magashule.
Wife
Vivian Reddy is married to TV presenter and Scandal actress Sorisha Naidoo.
His first wife’s name is Mogi Naidoo and the love they share made three children. However, he and his second wife and share two children.
Children
With his first wife, Mogi Naidoo, Reddy is a proud father of three children; Yavini, Shantan, and Kuber. He shares two children with his second wife; Saihil and Kalina.
Recognitions
The good works and the impact he has done have been noticed. Many award sponsors have decided to honor him with these awards and recognitions.
| S/N | Year | Recognition |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1992 | Four Outstanding South Africans (FOYSA Award) |
| 2 | 1993 | International Senate Award |
| 3 | 1993 | Distinguished Service Award |
| 4 | 1993 | South African Young Achiever Award |
| 5 | 1998 | Rotary International – Paul Harris Community Service Award |
| 6 | 2003 | Global Indian Entrepreneur of the Year Award |
| 7 | 2007 | Voted the Most Admired Businessperson in KwaZulu-Natal |
| 8 | 2009 | Award for Sustainable Contribution to Engineering and Business |
| 9 | 2010 | Living Legend Award from City of Durban |
| 10 | 2011 | Invited to Bill Clinton Global Initiative |
