Naidoo plans to be a leading academic

Rynfield resident Jervin Naidoo (26) is an academic researcher and lecturer at the University of Pretoria and has been granted an opportunity to study further.

Rynfield resident Jervin Naidoo (26) is an academic researcher.

BCT: Tell us about your opportunity to study further.

JN: I was offered two different scholarships to pursue my PhD degree.

One is the British Chevening Scholarship to the UK.

The Chevening is awarded to young professional from 144 former Commonwealth countries to pursue a Master’s or PhD – about 20 South Africans were awarded scholarships this year.

The other is the Managing Global Governance program run by the German Federal Government.

This is a program for young professionals from the Brics countries plus Indonesia and Mexico.

I am one of four South Africans on the program selected from 2 000-odd applicants from SA.

BCT: What do you teach at the University of Pretoria?

JN: I am an academic researcher and lecturer.

I teach in the Department of Political Science and have a column on the online paper called “Pardon my Politics”. My aim is to create debate and to foster critical thinking about politics in our Benonian citizenry.

My field of research includes security studies and the study of the international political economy.

My research involves looking into trans-national organized crime, specifically the trade in illegal wildlife products (ivory, abalone) and poaching, and how this is a major global security issue.

BCT: What inspired you to become a researcher?

JN: The fact that my work offers direct government policy recommendations inspired me because in this way I am able to influence policies to an extent.

Since receiving my first degree, my aim has always been to contribute to society and South Africa as a whole.

BCT: What are your hobbies?

JN: My life is split into four distinct areas: work and studies, sporting hobbies (I have been a club cricketer my whole life with Actonville Spurs and Bedfordview) and white collar amateur boxer (BoxFit Gym, Rynfield).

I am also involved in temple activities at the Benoni Tamil School Board Youth Group in Actonville.

We run various social outreach activities and also promote Tamil culture and Hindu religion.

I also have an amateur photography and book collection; I have over 300 books.

BCT: What are your goals?

JN: To receive my PhD within the next five years – I’d like to be Dr Naidoo before I am 32 .

I also hope to become a leading academic and researcher in Africa, and the world.