WHEN it comes to careers, change has become the norm. Most South Africans hold at least 10 different jobs between the ages of 18 and 40. And that’s precisely what makes Hendry Pakiri so unusual.

Hendry is the longest-serving staff member of the luxurious Oyster Box in uMhlanga. Last week Hendry was honoured by the hotel when he reached the momentous milestone of working 50 years for the iconic hotel.

For his 50th anniversary, Hendry’s co-workers, friends and family threw a cocktail party in his honour. “It’s like winning the lotto,” the 64-year-old said. “I have always had the wonderful support of Wayne Coetzer (general manager of The Oyster Box), the previous owners and the staff. I’m totally blown away by this wonderful gesture.”

His first day on the job was on 16 March 1964. “My brother-in-law worked as a cocktail barman and he managed to get me a job at the hotel. I started my career as a waiter in the children’s dining-room and was 13-years-old at the time,” he recalled.

In his 50 years he rubbed shoulders with and served a number of celebrities, including Sir Cliff Richard, FW de Klerk and the Prince and Princess of Monaco.

Affectionately referred to as mkhulu (grandfather in Zulu) as a sign of respect, the sexagenarian is the Maitre ‘d of the five-star Grill Room Restaurant. He is also an expert Crêpe Suzette maker (which he prepares personally at the diners’ table) and has even starred in a movie at The Oyster Box.

“I always say, if you find a job you like, you never have to work a day in your life,” he said. “I’ve always stayed here because the owners and staff have always been fair to me.”

As a father of three and now a granddad, Hendry said there is no talk about retirement just yet. “I haven’t given any thought to it to be honest. I hope to be around for another 20 years,” he gushed.