Pradeep Heralal Bedesi

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The total fees required for enrollment and completion of the course is two thousand four hundred and forty rands (R2440.00). During the December 1991 and January 1992 Holiday period, I worked and managed to save four hundred rands (R400.00) in order to meet the first installment of one thousand four hundred rands (R1400.00) on registration. I had to borrow one thousand rands (R1000.00) from my brother who had been saving for his Technikon study fees for 1992 and this is how I managed to pay the first installment of one thousand four hundred rands (R1400.00). The sum of one thousand rands which I received from you (USSAS) will be used entirely to pay for the outstanding balance of the fees. The balance of forty rands (R40.00) will be paid by me.

Who Am I, and Where Do I Come From?

I am twenty four year old student from the University of Durban Westville. My first name is Pradeep Heralal and surname is Dedesi, everybody calls me Pradeep. I have just completed a B.S c degree through the University of South Africa (UNISA). I started my BSc degree at the University of Durban Westville and was forced to complete it at the University of South Africa. I am currently studying the Higher Diploma in Education (H.D.E.) which is a one year course. It is only after the completion of the Diploma that I would be able to teach. This Diploma will enable me to teach General Science and Biology in a Secondary School. I did not even dream that one day I would go into the teaching profession. It was my fervent wish to study medicine, since I was a little boy. It is frustrating to find out that there are limitations, and I cannot follow my childhood dreams, which is a small yet simple one and that is to be a doctor.

I live in a small suburb, which lies on the outskirts of Durban, called Merebank. Durban lies along the coastal region of Natal. Merebank is a densely populated, highly polluted and heavily industrialized suburb which lies on the South Coast of Durban. Merebank is richly diversified with different classes of people from different socio-economic; religious; political; educational; and philosophical backgrounds. Merebank is the home for heavy industries like mondi and Genref. Generally the people of this suburb care for their neighbours and the rest of their community. Personally I feel that this is a good community to grow up in, but with more environmental awareness, this will be a better area to live in.

My Family Background

I come from a family of seven; my father, mother, younger sister and 3 younger brothers and I.

My father is 58 years old and is now a pensioner. He used to work for the Post Office as a T.V. License Inspector but he has been placed on early retirement due to his ill health. He is suffering from various complications which includes peripheral vascular disease, some spinal problems related to the lumbar and pelvic regions which results in unbearable pain when he is on his feet, thereby limiting his movement and therefore has been placed on pension.

My mother is 48 years old and she is a house wife. My mother is suffering form Sugar Diabetes. It is a heartsore to have both parents that are sickly.

My younger sister is 20 years old. She is studying at the Laudium Teacher Training college in the Transvall. She is in her second year of study.

My brother, Pravin, is 22 years old and he is studying Electrical Engineering at the M.L. Sultan Technikon.

My other brother, Vinodh, is 16 years old and he is in standard nine a the Merebank Secondary School.

My brother, Omesh, is the youngest at home, he is 10 years old and in standard 3 at the Parsee Rustomjee Primary School in Merebank.

All the children are single and living with their parents.

The Financial Circumstances of my Family

My father who is a pensioner is the sole supporter of my family. He finances all our education and it is very difficult. I was, therefore forced to leave full time studying; go to work, save money and study at a part-time basis through UNISA. Pravin also had to work; save money, study until he had exhausted all his savings and then go back to work to save more money to finance his studies. The jobs that we have temporary part-time jobs.

Please find a small balance sheet showing my father’s average income and expenditure for a month. My father has no assets at all.

My School and Post School Background

I attended Parsee Rustomjee Primary School and then completed my matric at Merebank Secondary School in the year 1984. I studied at the University of Durban Westville from 1985 to 1987 and because of financial difficulties, I had to suspend all my studies for a few years and the finally complete my BSc degree on a part time basis through UNISA and I am now currently studying the H.D.E. at the University of Durban Westville.

My Community Involvement

In 1986 I was one of the executive members of the Chemistry Society (Chem Soc) at the University of Durban Westville. I was also a member and then chairman of a youth club called Youthbeat “2000” in Merebank. I later joined the ANC (African National Congress) and I am also the member of ANCYL, i.e. The African National Congress Youth League. I am interested in community upliftment.