James Ratibar

from people sunning themselves on Durban’s beach. People who remember the old Durban might recall The Cuban Hat, Upton Café and Model Dairy, neighbours to his restaurant.

Ratibar had a 10am to 10pm shift, catching the train from Pinetown to Central Station for the one-hour journey each way.

In no time, he distinguished himself by taking on extra chores and earning the respect of the owner and the headwaiter. He was then trained in the dining room. Both wages and tips were higher and he prospered in his new assignment.

When the headwaiter passed on a few years later, Ratibar took charge.

In 1945, he had an arranged marriage with his 14-year-old bride, Soni. They shared their lives for 63 years until she passed on, leaving a real void in his life.

Ratibar also worked at the Intermezzo Café at the Blue Lagoon and the Majestic Tearoom on Commercial Road.

Ratibar has fond memories of GF Nunes, who owned the Majestic: “That was the boss to work for. Every Friday, he gave me one dozen cakes for the kids.”

When he was admitted to St Aidan’s Hospital for an appendix operation, Nunes paid his full bill of 48 pounds, as well as his wages.

If only to confirm his wicked sense of humour, Ratibar tells of keeping the appendix in a glass jar and showing it off to guests.

“I used to do funny, funny things, I’m not joking,” he cackles. Barring the odd headache, it was the only time he had ever been ill in almost 94 years.

He regrets letting down Nunes by shooting off from work to make a