The title of the German hard rock band Scorpions suits the current situation at the POST newspaper, as the publication's offices are experiencing 'winds of change'. In addition to the newspaper being acquired by National Media Group, a new leader has emerged—Executive Editor Marvin Naidu. He is familiar with the publication, having previously worked as a sports correspondent at POST and worked at other publications within this group.
The author warmly welcomes Naidu's return, with whom he enjoyed working during his time as Deputy Editor at POST. He shares what he learned about him. The first impression of Naidu was that of a somewhat reserved person, but as he got to know him, the author discovered him to be a refined gentleman with broad knowledge in various fields, impeccable manners, and high competence in media.
At the time, the author also hosted a national radio show for a popular music program. It was then that he learned about Naidu's extensive musical knowledge, and they discussed this topic. One topic remained memorable to the author years later: Naidu asked if he had heard the early song by Michael Jackson called 'Ben'. The author admitted he hadn't and quickly found it after falling in love with the melody. Naidu also told him who Ben was, whom Whacko Jacko sang about so tenderly. Naidu intends to encourage readers to research this fact themselves.
The author adds that he is not flattering Naidu, but reminds him that he himself officiated at his wedding. He wishes success to the outgoing editor Yogash Nair, who managed the front page of POST when the author started working at the publication. The author notes that Naidu, Nair, and he all worked under the guidance of the legendary editor Bridglall Ramguti, a man who seemed to have 'ink in his veins'. The newspaper is in safe hands.
It is impossible to speak of past POST editors without mentioning Dennis Pazer, who tragically passed away in December 2025. They became close friends over many years, and the news of his death deeply shocked the author. He was an outstanding person and became like a brother to the author, whose media experience he admired.
How to cope with the stopping of a force, the departure of a person who was a model of professionalism in the media? How to silence the voice in the desert of the newspaper forever? How to lose a skilled hand working on the anvil of life? This deviation, which unfortunately is beyond our control.
The author introduces the 'Durban League of Extraordinary Gentlemen'. There were once four of them. Now two have left, but they never missed the bi-weekly lunch. This regular meeting always took place and was attended by the two deceased legends, Pazer and Aziz Hashim, Tayalan Reddy, and the author himself. The four were connected by the written word, which they usually created themselves. Three of them were writers, and the respected academic, Mr. Reddy, held a higher position as a retired chief English consultant at the University.
The sacred place where their friendly gatherings and soulful get-togethers took place is still the popular Britannia Hotel near Umgeni Road. The wonderful meals they hosted were surpassed only by the camaraderie they valued. Refreshing themselves with ice beer or good whiskey, they laughed, greeted each other, and solved many pressing world problems.
Dennis possessed a love and zest for life hidden behind his shy demeanor. Shy did not mean in a negative sense; he was a brave man. His creativity and career attest to this. His presence is felt in Durban's social and media circles. It was the end of an era and a legend. However, such a bright person as Dennis cannot be forgotten. The author will never forget the moment his sweet face softened into a slight smile, and the whole world became right again.