He had various small jobs while still a schoolboy, and eventually, shortly after the end of World War II, Daniels attempted to join the Merchant fleet, but had to defer that ambition till later, in 1954, he was able to go whaling.
[3] After his days at sea, Daniels joined the diamond-mining business in Oranjemund, where he operated large machines to clear the bedrock of sand.
"It was a happy day that I joined the Liberal Party of South Africa (LP), because there I met some of the nicest and bravest people dedicated to the principles of non-racialism and justice.
At the time of having to be confined to the Cape Town Magisterial District, Daniels renewed his friendship with Eleanor Buchanan (now a widow) whom he knew from his Oranjemund days.
Daniels often traveled overseas to speak at events, usually of an educational nature, where he frequently thanked people for support during the difficult years.
The Freedom Swim, from Robben Island to Big Bay, had been struggling at the time, due to the difficult conditions and complicated nature of the event.
Daniels' participation helped breathe new life into the event, and his speech at the prize-giving inspired a new generation of swimmers, many of whom from circumstances akin to his own.