Vathasallum Reddy, born February 22, 1953, better known as Vivian Reddy, is a renowned South African businessman and internet personality. He founded and currently serves as chairman of the electrical firm Edison Power Group, as well as having banking, healthcare, real estate, and gaming interests.
Vivian Reddy Bio:
| Full Name: | Vathasallum Reddy |
| Date of Birth: | February 22, 1953 |
| Place of Birth: | Greenwood Park, Durban |
| State of Origin: | Durban |
| Nationality: | South African |
| Occupation: | Businessman |
| Net Worth: | $300 million |
| Wives: | Mogi Naidoo & Sorisha Naidoo |
Early Life and Education
Reddy, born on 22 February 1953 in Greenwood Park, Durban, was classified as Indian during apartheid.
He grew up in a family of nine children, with his father being a teacher. At 16, he represented South Africa at a Boy Scout Jamboree in Japan, where he had the chance to meet his idol, Neil Armstrong.
Following high school, Reddy initially enrolled at Springfield Training College but soon realized his passion for becoming an electrical engineer.
Career
Following his dismissal from an engineering apprenticeship, he took the initiative to establish Reddy’s Electrical, an electrical contracting firm, starting with a modest R500 loan and a borrowed bakkie.
Eventually, Reddy’s Electrical was rebranded as Edison Power. The company engaged in several government contracts, including deals for smart electricity meters in Johannesburg.
An initial independent investigation in November 2013 found no evidence of irregularities in a R1.25-billion contract with City Power.
However, a subsequent forensic investigation, initiated by the City of Johannesburg in 2017, revealed irregularities in one of the related contracts, which did not adhere to legislative and administrative regulations.
In 2019, Reddy faced allegations of corruption that also implicated former Free State Premier Ace Magashule.
Vivian Reddy’s connections to former President Jacob Zuma are well-known, as he became a member of Zuma’s political party, the African National Congress, in 1990.
Vivian Reddy Net Worth
Vivian Reddy’s net worth is $300 million. He earned fame and wealth through his entrepreneurial skills and businesses.
Personal Life
Reddy has three children with his first wife, Mogi Naidoo, Yavini, who is a paediatrician, Shantan, and Kuber, an IT student.
In 2003, he tied the knot with his second wife, Sorisha Naidoo, a media personality, actress, and cast member of The Real Housewives of Durban. Together, they have two children: a son named Saihil and a daughter named Kalina.
