The world’s 400 richest people collectively lost $127 billion on Friday when it became clear that a majority of UK voters had opted to leave the European Union.

That figure from the Bloomberg Billionaire Index is equivalent to almost half of South Africa’s GDP — wiped out in a day.

I chose to highlight that figure because there has been a narrative carving itself out in media commentary since the vote in favour of Brexit became known – that Brexit was pushed by the moneyed class as a means of consolidating their wealth base to the exclusion of the poor and downtrodden.

Post celebrated its 60th birthday and invited me to contribute to its anniversary edition. Here's what I submitted.

Leonard Nimoy, who played the iconic half-human half-alien first officer of the starship Enterprise, passed away a week ago. Kanthan Pillay reflects on the lasting impact of Star Trek.

There’s a phrase that appears to be peculiar to us in Africa, “all protocols observed”. It basically means: “You all know who you are, and I don’t want to upset any of you by listing you in an incorrect order, so please just take as read that I have addressed you as correct protocol dictates.” So, all protocols observed, ladies and gentlemen, good evening.

Mr Sivathanam Pillay was born in 1923 in Malvern, Natal. His father, Mr Pathmanathan Veloo Pillay, had come to Durban as a passenger Indian from Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin), India. Veloo Pillay married Kuppama, daughter of Mr Sinappa Pillay, another passenger Indian who had come from Madras by way of Mauritius. Sinappa Pillay had established a trading store in West Street in those early years two centuries back...

As is the case with most good things, Kashnie came into my life by accident....

Good afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen. Thank you for being with us here today.

Mrs Pathmavathee Moodliar was born in 1927 in Malvern. Her father, Mr Pathmanathan Veloo Pillay, who had come to Durban as a passenger Indian from Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin), India, had married Kuppama, daughter of Mr Sinappa Pillay, another passenger Indian who had come from Madras by way of Mauritius. Sinappa Pillay had established a trading store in West Street in those early years two centuries back.