The 2025 Chronicle

Des recounts, “I told the story of us in Graham’s garage many years ago: I was sitting on my amplifier trying to look cool while Nick was crooning his favourite song of the moment. In the corner sat a beautiful girl quietly listening. As the ses sion drew to an end, Nick sang ‘Save the last dance for me’. Debbie Londt fell in love, as did Nick – heavily. However, life is one of winding paths, and they sadly parted. This is a story of many parts and intervals: Debbie married, was widowed, married, was widowed, and then met Nick after he published his first book – the book being important as she traced him via his publication on the internet.” Nick and Debbie were deeply in love, but the commitments and circumstances that had initially parted them ultimate ly led to the relationship ending. Much later in life, and after Nick’s three mar riages, it became clear that the flame of that love continued to flicker. Nick had been a member of the Johan nesburg Country Club, where he played most of his squash. In 1971, he was selected to play for Transvaal at the in terprovincial tournament in Durban. In 1972 he went on a Jesters squash tour to France and the UK. He decided to stay in London, where he shared a flat with his good friend Norman Carris, and en

joyed playing squash at Russell Square. He loved visiting the Playboy Club, where he could enjoy a generous plate of food for a guinea, or going to Rahmans for a Madras curry and a glass of red wine. Whilst living in England, Nick studied at the London School of Journalism. Upon his return to South Africa, he attended universities in Cape Town and Johannes burg, intending to follow in his father’s footsteps and pursue a career in ac counting. However, he chose journalism as the road he wanted to follow. Whereas many choose a life and career leading to riches, Nick chose what he thought was important: investigative journalism, and specifically reaching out to South Africans via talk shows and doggedly uncovering corruption and criminals. He may not have become a rich man, but he certainly lived a rich life. He had a gift for communication as a storyteller, as a musician and singer, and as a writer and reporter. Back in South Africa, in the 1970s he and his first wife Anne-Marie moved to Pietermaritzburg, where he worked for the Natal Witness as a reporter and later as an editor. The couple had a son, Alex, with whom Nick was very close. In the 1980s, and now with his second

WHITELEY, NICHOLAS STEPHEN LESLIE Born 1947, Died 2024 Michaelhouse 1961-1964 Nick Whiteley was born on 9 May 1947 and passed away on 14 November 2024. He was a man of many talents. In sports and music and as a master storyteller and writer, he captivated audiences, whether engaging with friends or the mass mar ket. Nick chose to live his life pursuing en deavours that he considered meaningful. He began his time at Michaelhouse in 1961, having previously attended the Ridge Prep School in Johannesburg. At Michaelhouse, he was in Baines and excelled at squash, winning the cham pionship in both Standard 9 and matric, and being awarded colours and honours. He was chosen to represent Natal and South Africa. He also made a mark at the school as a bass player in a talent ed band called The Night Riders, along with lifelong friends Graham MacPher son (West, 1964), Des Erasmus (Baines, 1964) and Jonny Price (Baines, 1964). Shortly after leaving Michaelhouse, he had to write a couple of subject sup plements at that fine “finishing school” Damelin College in Johannesburg. The Night Riders carried on jamming, mostly in Graham’s garage in Sandown.

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