Celebrating the life of Dennis Pather: A trailblazer in South African journalism

A gentleman, erudite, brave, and a gem of a journalist is how friends, former colleagues, and family best remembered award-winning and former Daily News editor Dennis Pather, who passed away on Sunday.

During his more than 40 years in journalism, Pather, 80, was the editor of some of Durban's leading newspapers, including the POST, Independent on Saturday, and The Mercury. Pather had two stints as the Daily News editor; the first was from 1992 to 1999.

He got reappointed to the position in 2002 and remained with the title until 2008, before moving to the Sunday Tribune for a second term as Deputy Editor. He retired in 2010 but continued thereafter to serve as a consultant to the Independent Media Group in various roles, including writing editorials, copy editing, and mentoring journalists.

During his days as a reporter with various publications, including Drum, The Leader, The Graphic, and the Daily News, his bravery and tenacity as a journalist were some of his outstanding traits. In 1980, he spent four months at the International Institute for Journalism in Germany.

Between 1983 and 1985, he worked at the Argus Company's London bureau before returning as the editor of the POST in 1985. As a Harvard University Nieman Fellowship awardee in 1987, Pather had the honour of undergoing the year-long programme for experienced journalists.

Copy Boy: Journey from Newsroom Gofer to Award-winning Editor, is the memoir he penned and released in August 2023, it delves deep into the imprint he had made on the journalism profession. 

Pather's US-based son, Brendan, said storytelling came naturally to his father. "I have fond memories, as a kid, of his amazing stories making everyday life an adventure for me and my sister (Neesha).

As a young man, I became more intrigued by his career, and I admired the respect he had earned amongst his industry peers. I began paying close attention to many of my father's conversations and realised that the art of effective communication begins with listening.

And there were few better listeners than my father. I am truly blessed to have had my father's footsteps to follow. He is my hero and my best friend. And I miss him," said Brendan.

Former POST editor, Brijlal Ramguthee, was a long-standing colleague of Pather. "Dennis Pather, my predecessor at POST, was a hard taskmaster. I served as both news and sports editor; under his editorship, I knew full well his standards.

He didn't hesitate to tell you when these were not met, as per his barometer. But he was not always the headmaster type, wielding the big stick. He enjoyed fun moments too, with horse-racing being one of his favoured recreational activities. Go well, Dennis, a journo of note, author, columnist, Nieman Fellow, and a dedicated husband, father, and doting grandpa," said Ramguthee.

Former Sunday Tribune and Daily News editor, Alan Dunn, said: "Dennis was a 24-carat professional, a great colleague who contributed significantly over the years to freedom of speech and newspapers in South Africa. He dealt with the pressures of daily deadlines with aplomb, yet there was always time for courtesy and a smile."

Deon Delport, the former editor of the Independent on Saturday, who had a long association with Pather, recalled the respect Pather earned as a journalist and editor.

"As one of the first journalists of colour working for a major Durban title (Daily News, 1976), he covered politics and travelled widely throughout the province. This presented challenges in Zululand, where he was not allowed to stay over. Dennis recalled those days with grace and humour. As an editor, he was brave and diligent and was a mentor to many young journalists. He will be sorely missed," said Delport.

Krisendra Bisetty, practising attorney and former editor of POST, also appreciated Pather's contribution to the field of journalism. "I worked under him for several years when he was editor of the Daily News. I remember him as being gentle and soft-spoken, but at the same time hard-hitting and courageous.

He was an old-school journalist admired for his professionalism and integrity - and strong content as well as bold headlines. I am grateful for all that he has taught me, his guidance, for always standing by his journalists, and for allowing me so much freedom in my writing on various issues, mostly on educational matters at the time. His death has left a tremendous void in journalism," said Bisetty.

Ravi Govender, a columnist, published author and freelance editor also shared a close bond with Pather.

"Dennis had a love and zest for life that his shy demeanour belied. By shy I don’tmean in a negative context. He was a courageous man. His body of work and career testify to that.

"His presence will be missed in the Durban social andmedia circuits. The end of an era and a legend.

"However, a larger than life individual such as was Dennis can never be forgotten. The loss will be palpable especially to his dear, devoted family and adoring friends.

"Sadly, Dennis will make the news now for all the wrong reasons as people learn of his sad demise. I know that somewhere up there he would be chuckling at the irony of that, his cherubic face breaking into an easy smile. Rest well my brother!

Pather's funeral arrangements are to be confirmed.

DAILY NEWS