Simply happy

Many people think they need a fancy home or flashy car to be happy, but one man and his dog prove that happiness is much simpler.

If you stop for a moment on the corner of Salt Rock Road and Sheffield Beach Road where the bamboo goodies hang, this man might change your mind.

Stan Malyon and his dog Lady, spend their days in the shade, listening to the radio while creating artistic bamboo bird feeders, salad tossers and money boxes.

The tall, thin man with the big beard and shaggy hair grew up in Heidelberg, Gauteng where he worked as a miner for nine years.

“I had enough of stress, things are getting worse in this world and so I decided to opt out,” said Malyon, who now lives life at his own pace.

He came to Durban in 1997, lived in Umhlanga until 2000 and then went to the South Coast.

“Once the airport moved to the Dolphin Coast, the South Coast died and so it was time for me to move too,” said the articulate and well informed man.

He left Margate and made his way to Salt Rock last year, mostly on foot.

“This is the place to be, because this is where it is happening,” said Malyon, who lives with a friend near Sheffield Manor.

“I walk to Umhlali early in the morning to get some bamboo for the day and I always think how beautiful it is to be in nature, hearing the king fishers and peacocks.”

Accompanying him on his stroll through life is his loyal companion, Lady.

“Nearly five years ago, a thin, neglected dog ran out of a bush and came straight to me. Her neck was raw from a too tight flea and tick collar and she had a nasty mange patch on her back,” he said, looking at the shiny, well fed black dog.

Since that day, the lovely Lady with the gentle eyes has never left Malyon’s side.

“A dog takes after his master’s personality and like me she has a soft heart, but she is very protective and always makes sure no one touches my bag. Animals will always be more loyal than any husband or wife could be.”

It is clear that these two souls have not had the easiest of lives, but they are happy to have each other.

“People stop here, stressed and grumpy, but after taking one look at Lady, they smile.”

Malyon is happy to call Salt Rock his new home, where he feels safe and mostly welcome.

So next time you find yourself in Salt Rock Road, stop next to Stan and Lady for five minutes and get a dose of happiness.