Best known in South Africa for his trade union activities, Jay Naidoo has spent the past decade working to overcome poverty and malnutrition on the African continent and around the world.
Naidoo began his journey as a volunteer during the 1970s, rising through the ranks until in 1985 he was elected founding general secretary of the Congress of South African Trade Unions, the largest federation of unions in the country.
He was elected to Parliament in 1994 and joined Cabinet as minister in the presidency in charge of the Reconstruction and Development Programme. He later became communications minister, promoting the development of connectivity in rural areas to offer the poor opportunities for education, communication and work.
After leaving politics, Naidoo moved into business and co-founded the J&J Group as well as the J&J Development Trust. In 2001 he was named chairperson of the Development Bank of Southern Africa, an institution that drives social and economic infrastructure development in Southern Africa.
Naidoo is currently, among other things, the chairperson of the board of directors of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (Gain). Gain uses innovative public-private partnerships to fortify staple food items such as maize and salt, for example, so that they have better nutritional value for poor people.
The organisation assists an estimated 273-million people, half of whom are women and children, in more than 25 countries, including South Africa. “By supporting Gain in its fight against malnutrition, he is making a significant impact in overcoming poverty and stimulating economic development,” said Marina Monzeglio, who nominated Naidoo for a Drivers for Change award.
‘The award will provide him with a unique platform to push for nutrition to become a top political and development priority.” About 3.5-million children die each year from malnutrition and it is estimated that 2% to 3% of a country’s gross domestic product may be lost because of vitamin deficiencies.
“This is unacceptable as simple and cost-effective solutions exist and can improve the nutritional status of populations,” said Monzeglio. Naidoo, whom Monzeglio describes as “charismatic” and ‘inspiring”, has enlisted the support of public figures such as Graça Machel in the fight against malnutrition.
“He inspires others to do things differently because he understands the importance of creating change from the bottom up, by empowering those at the bottom of the pyramid to be grassroots change agents.”
The judges said Naidoo had made a significant impact as an individual and there was the potential for him to expand his influence further. Naidoo has received many awards, including France’s Legion of Honour in 2006, one of its highest decorations. His autobiography, Fighting for Justice, was published in July.