Meet Logie Naidoo: The inspirational pioneer behind Durban's biggest developments
- Jun 9
- 3 min read
By: Dylan Naidoo
Logie Naidoo was the former deputy Mayor of the eThekwini Municipality and is now a board Member of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. As board member, he oversees operations central to wildlife conservation as well as the promotion of tourism and wildlife education at Ezemvelo. And knowing Logie Naidoo, I can assure you that his role at Ezemvelo is crucial at sustaining wildlife.
Growing up in the small town of Tongaat, Logie grew from humble beginnings. Despite being poor, Logie recalls fond memories of his childhood in Tongaat. After completing high school at Tongaat Secondary, Logie became politically active. In his early years, Logie was mentored by people like Pravin Gordhan. However, straight out of high school, Logie began working for Daimler-Benz South Africa (Now Mercedes-Benz South Africa) in the spares parts department, keeping track of the parts.
From there, Logie continuously moved up, eventually supervising the La Mercy Beach Hotel project. Even though the job was comfortable, Logie realised he was able to achieve more, especially with how well-known his name was, and so he ran for elections and won, becoming the North Ward Councillor. From there, Logie oversaw many of KZN’s biggest projects, including not only the development of The Gateway Theatre of Shopping, but also the development of Umhlanga as a whole.
Logie was amongst those that lobbied for an airport to be built in Durban. It was also during this time that it was the municipal elections, where Logie would win again, becoming the first deputy mayor of colour of the eThekwini Municipality. From there, Logie was responsible for many of the eThekwini Municipality’s major developments, such as the construction of Moses Mabhida Stadium, King Shaka International Airport and uShaka Marine World.
When asked about the best advice he has ever received, Logie looks back on Billy Nair, a political prisoner of Robben Island. He said to Logie, “whenever in doubt, think about what is in the best interest of the people.” In all his decisions, Logie made sure he was working for the people, and that the major development projects he did, was for them, and in my opinion, seeing the projects he worked on is a sure sign of this mind-set.
In terms of the future of KZN, Logie mentions that it is time to “get back to basics”. He wants to see the municipality create a better life for the people and do things to sort out major issues in KZN, such as the water and electricity.
Logie stands as a notable figure for the development of the eThekwini Municipality. Through his vision and leadership, Logie and his team have transformed the eThekwini Municipality from just sugar fields to a sprawling city centre. Through the many inspirational people he has met, Logie still attributes Nelson Mandela as his greatest inspiration.
And now with his new venture into Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, Logie brings decades of development experience crucial to the preservation of wildlife such as rhinos, as well as creating attractions for tourists.
And to me, Logie Naidoo is truly a man that I wholeheartedly respect for his contribution to our beautiful city.
Love all, serve all. Serve all, hurt never – Logie Naidoo | Board Member of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife & Former Deputy Mayor of the eThekwini Municipality
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