Expelled from uni for his anti-apartheid activities, Harry Naidu graduates at age of 70

Graduating with a degree is something to be celebrated, but especially in the case of someone older, whose opportunity for university education has been delayed.

John Perlman chats to 70-year-old South African Harry Naidu, who has just gained his Master's degree in international relations at the University of Monash in Melbourne, Australia, where he now lives.

Back home, Naidu is known as former Director of Sport and also General Manager of Tourism for Durban.

Naidu relates how his Master's comes about 40 years after his expulsion from university during the apartheid era for his activities in the sports boycott struggle and involvement with the non-racial South African Council on Sport (SACOS).

He returned to university about ten years ago to obtain his first degree in human rights law, largely through the influence of his two daughters, who are both lawyers.

Naidu subsequently decided to pursue a Master's degree at the insistence of one of his lecturers who thought he had 'a bit of potential'.

"So I did a Master's in international relations which encompassed international law, political science and counter-terrorism, all areas I had a lot of interest in which relates to my strong views on human rights."

Harry Naidu, 70-year-old graduate

While it was difficult getting used to attending lectures with his young fellow-students, he soon adjusted to the university environment, Naidu says. 

"One of the most enjoyable parts was being able to interact with my peers, some of whom were young enough to be my kids!. A lot of them gravitated towards me I think because of my experience, especially my experience in South Africa."

Harry Naidu, 70-year-old graduate

His study was not designed to improve his job prospects at 70, Naidu quips.

"I saw study as a challenge so that I was able to reach a goal that I was deprived of in South Africa. Also it armed me with the kind of knowledge to be able to interact with other people, particularly younger ones, to understand the current geopolitics... so it was designed more for the accumulation of knowledge rather than career prospects."

Harry Naidu, 70-year-old graduate

"My master's supervisor has suggested I pursue a PhD..."

Harry Naidu, 70-year-old graduate

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