Obituary - Vivian Damane

Founder members of the Zululand Observer, Reg Anthony with beloved colleague and friend - Vivian Damane

Vivian Damane, the first Zululand Observer staff member recruited when the company was founded more than 40 years ago, passed away on Monday after a long illness

‘HI Gogo - Hi Viv’. A mere four words of daily greeting - but an intrinsic part of my daily life for 40 years which fell silent on Monday morning this week when my beloved colleague and friend, Vivian Damane passed away. With his passing there is now a great void in my life which can never be filled, but my memories of that smiling face I will always and often recall with love and gratitude for the privilege of our shared co-existence for more than four decades. Vivian was my first employee in those far-off heady days when, probably more out of ignorance and bravado than sound business sense, I started the Zululand Observer. His job description defied logic - we were a team and shared tea-making, answering of the phone, manning the office, chasing news, but above all, the anticipation when we shot to the printing works to help collate and then distribute our publication of which we were so proud. When Joan Louw joined our team we were a formidable threesome, backed up by Fleabag the poodle who shared the office responsibilities with Vivian when we were out chasing news. As the paper grew, so did his responsibilities. The pride when we acquired his first bicycle for deliveries and then his first motorbike, which was his pride and joy, are cherished moments. He eventually got his red bike which, to the very end, was always shiny and spotless. Vivian lived life to the full. With the passing of the years his contagious laughter would echo down the passage and we knew that he was charming the ladies who always seemed to congregate around him. As the years progressed, we shared the joys of his expanding family of children and mine of grandchildren. When my twin grandsons, Cameron and Paul were born he christened them Bafana Bafana and his interest in their well-being was constant. His consideration and support during the sad years when my husband, Les fell ill and passed away, was just another manifestation of his calibre as a person. Vivian’s mode of life for the 40 years I knew him was a great deciding factor in my life as his honesty, loyalty and consideration toward others helped me believe in the inherent goodness of people. How else do you explain a 40 year stint as an employee with not one single act of dishonesty, never abusing any privilege he might have been granted and, above all, his uncomplaining and cheerful manner in executing his daily obligations. In recent years I would often reprimand him and ask ‘why don’t you sit down when you are doing the subscriptions instead of standing’? His reply was always the same, with that endearing quirk of a smile -‘Gogo, when you sit down, I will.’ Be with God my friend. The Zululand Observer in its upward growth throughout past and future years will always acknowledge you with honour and pride as a respected foundation member. You will always be remembered by all of the Anthony family with much love. • Damane’s funeral will be held on Saturday 24 July at 10 am at Obizo.

A sad farewell to a fine man

Joan Louw

I was so saddened to hear of the death of Vivian Damane, my colleague when I was part of the Zululand Observer some 40 years ago. We were such a wonderful team in those early days. I will always remember Viv for his quiet presence and good sense of humour. Whenever he was ‘caught out’ chatting up the girls he would give that big grin and shyly put his hand over his mouth, giggling. Forty-one years ago seems as clear as yesterday. Nothing was ever too much trouble for him and I think he knew more about the goings on in our lives than we did. What stories and experiences we shared! And yet he was always loyal, honest, willing and above all, trustworthy. He was just one of us. He quietly touched my life in a special way as we would chat away in isiZulu, often having a good old gossip and a laugh together. Fleabag, the poodle, was his special love and will infinitely be with him now. One more angel in heaven - and one more bright shining star.