Nandha Soobromoney on the Durban beachfront.
For more than six decades, rain or shine, Nandha Soobromoney has stood on the North Beach promenade with a bundle of newspapers tucked under his arm, greeting familiar faces with a warm smile.
To thousands of Durban beachgoers, restaurant patrons and morning walkers, he is simply "Mercury" – the friendly newspaper vendor who has become as much a part of the beachfront as the ocean itself.
On August 7, Soobromoney will celebrate his 77th birthday and his customers, many of whom have become his long-time friends, will host a party for him.
Until then, there will be little time for rest.
