Far too much has been in happening in this country in a really short space of time.
In reverse:
Julius Malema (Juju) angrily kicks out a foreign journo from a press conference when he merely points out that Juju lives in Sandton after Juju condemned the Zimbabwe opposition for operating out of airconditioned offices in Sandton.
Spokesperson for the AWB storms out of an interview that was broadcasted live.
Eugene Terreblance (former AWB leader) gruesomely murdered on his farm by two of his workers who admitted to killing him.
Juju sings a struggle song at a University of Johannesburg campus where he addressed students 'Kill the boer, kill the farmer.'
Most rational South Africans think these events are interlinked despite there being denials from the people on top.
Juju claims a whole lot and then some and is largely non-sensical. All he does is cause public outcry; yet nothing visibly happens.
The singing of the struggle song - that's subsequently been banned - was condemned by many South Africans. Not just white South Africans, not just opposition parties; but by blacks and whites alike.
What happened - nothing? He wasn't silenced by either the ruling party and of course the youth league will support him in all he does.
I've been reading numerous opinions - some people support him. A lot don't. There's a whole lot else surrounding Juju and many people are of the opinion that singing struggles songs and visiting Zimbabwe and all the other inexplicable things he does is merely diversionary tactics.
Unfortunately, it's working.
What upsets me most is that Juju firstly gets way too much air time. Secondly - he insights violence, denies insighting it, attempts to portray that he's one with the poor people (there've been violent service delivery protests in parts of South Africa) and the people believe him.
Why? I can merely speculate.
A month or so after the song was sung a well-known white supremacist gets murdered.
Violence never has been the answer. More so when it would appear a man was killed without being able to defend himself (he had been asleep and it's been reported that his house was broken in to and he was woken by the two workers who've been arrested for his murder. One a minor, another in his twenties).
I am in my twenties. It's surreal to think that I was born and was raised when Apartheid was still very real.
It's surreal because at the age of 8 I went to a private school, with people of mixed race and can state that I experienced no discrimination based on the colour of my skin.
I am fortunate. More fortunate than most as many people couldn't afford private schools (and still can't).
I went on to attend a mixed race high school where black, white, coloured all got along. I attended university and we all got along.
Race is a big thing in South Africa. It has been and it will continue to be for a long, long time to come.
We now all (mostly) live in the same areas, frequent the same malls, and live together in relative calm.
This was of course until the underlying racial tension that we as a country have never been rid of was so thoroughly exposed.
A fair percentage of South Africans don't look at skin colour. People are people and this has been recognised.
However, there's the minority (and possibly a hidden part of the majority) for whom race is still a huge issue.
It's been said that what the killing of Terreblanche has done is expose that South Africans have not dealt with the past adequately.
This is not new information. Anyone who cares to look a little deeper and merely observe interactions (or lack of) will have realised this.
Apartheid is rarely spoken about by local South Africans...except if yet another movie is made about it. No-one speaks of what happened during the time when so many people were wrongly accused just because of the colour of their skin.
Yes, we have the apartheid museum - how many South Africans have visited it? Yes, there are some memorials. Again, how many of us have visited them?
What about the man who lives out in a deep rural area, who knows someone who knows someone who was personally persecuted?
Yes, there's been escalating racial tension; more so in areas where there's still a definite divide between black and white.
But at the same time there are black and white South Africans alike who are condemning all that's been happening in the last two months or so. Many of us felt that Juju was trying to cause unnecessary trouble by singing a song calling for the death of farmers. There've been way too many farm murders without him inciting violence (yet denying it).
This racial tension that's been exposed (mere months before the kick-off of the soccer world cup) can be compared to a festering wound. A wound that's not been allowed to heal; the scab picked at and picked at, then covered in plaster with no further care.
Amidst this, and all else that's been happening in my beloved home country...is it still alive with possibilities?
I would like to think so. Cautious optimism. And the belief that there are enough sensible South Africans - of all races - who know better. South Africans who realise Juju should largely be left to his own devices and ignored. South Africans who know that being of a different skin tone doesn't mean they are any more (or less) human than the man next to him.
An example of this would be Juju and AWB spokesperson both lashing out at journalists who were merely doing their job.
What am I you might wonder?
I am a South African. Then I am female.
And if you must know, I am coloured (for the rest of the world that would be mixed race...with mixed race parents). Not that it matters.
So, the new year has come and gone. I've started a new job, and it already feels as though I've been working for ages and ages.
Initially I was quite ok with the job...now, I don't know. Working in government is interesting at best, frustrating at worst - and a whole lot of other things in between that's best not mentioned.
I've moved cities - Johannesburg really isn't the prettiest city in our country. But you're either of the hate it/love it school.
I don't hate it...but I don't completely love it either. Best described as a stop-gap; for me at least.
I've discovered a few places I like, and a few more I've yet to visit, so it ain't all bad.
Street performers remain a favourite - and a I came across an acrobatic troupe at one of the (numerous) malls in the area.
Soccer fever has grabbed the country (well, it's intensified); with the world cup kicking off in just over 100 days!
Johannesburg isn't as green as other places...can't really expect much from the busiest city in SA can you? But if you look long, and hard enough there are mini-retreats.
Like the zoo...not a big fan of zoos, but they have their uses. And a break away is one of them!
I'm mostly coping with changes. At times I'm most frustrated and this past week has been one of the worst. But it is now done! And I'm happier for it.
Right now I'm thinking of a plan, need to put it in to action.
In the meantime... I remain in the pursuit of happiness
It's been a while... transitions ain't easy, but I've settled in to it (and one can't really get up to much when searching for employment).
Just for more change to occur (and I shouldn't be surprised!).
I now have a vehicle (yay) and a job starting in the new year (yay) that requires me to move...not so yay but required.
A couple of weeks ago finally made my way down to the Cape. The first time in nearly two years, and of course the first opportunity I've had since I've been back in SA.
Cape Town is by far my favourite city! (although I think one day I'll have to have a fav city per continent...for now I'll just stick to CT being my fav).
The occasion - my sibling's graduation!
Graduating is always quite momentous despite the actual event being bum-numbing.
(It was also a not-so-subtle that I really am getting older despite not feeling like I'm in my mid-twenties; and then next month I officially enter my late twenties! eek...I think)
The Cape was glorious for the two week period I was there. I have missed my mountain
Our time in the Cape was spread between Stellenbosch, the Strand, Gordon's Bay, Genadendal and of course Cape Town itself.
There really is nothing like the South African sunshine, and we had plenty of it.
How does one begin to describe Cape Town?
For some, it's just a place to visit.
For others, it captures your heart and it's where you want to live.
Three guesses under which category I fall and the first two don't count.
The Cape has mountains, the ocean and winelands...a rare combination to be found in one place don't you think?
The best way I know to describe anything is of course via pictures
Freshly caught fish...and then of course one has to have SNOEK!
A trip to the Cape is not complete without having this yummy fish at least one (I really have NO idea what the English name is).
The Strand has a beautiful beach (and it's also a whole lot warmer than the beaches found in Cape Town like Camp's Bay & Clifton.
Fishermen at Sunset.
Stellenbosch is a town in the Winelands, and of course a student town (and where my sibling graduated from the University of Stellenbosch)
Onward to Genadendal - the first missionary in South Africa. It's a historical town, and the missionary station established there was Moravian. The Church is still there and there's a museum with the history of the town.
Gordon's Bay and the Strand are so close one may be forgiven for thinking they're the same place. The beach is not as great as the Strand, but being right on the beach front is always awesome.
Had some great finds...
Then there's Cape Town...
From the District Six Museum ( a must! www.districtsix.co.za) to the Cape Coons (also known as the Cape Minstrels)
And let's not forget Simon's Town (with Boulder's Beach and it's penguin's although I didn't go this visit) That, more or less covers my wee cape visit (for more find me on flickr; I've embarked upon a 365 project - some days I have inspiration, others not so much, but I'm beyond Day 100 so it's all good).
My parting photographic gift: panoramic of Cape Town, as viewed from Silver Mines Nature Reserve
Being home, and still not having things sorted out is of the most frustrating things I've undergone recently. And it is not for lack of trying!
How is one to find a job when there are none advertised? And then getting around...let's not even go there.
At a time, as little as a week ago, it seemed as though things were looking up, at least a little bit. But alas, things don't always go the way you want them to....so it's back to waiting.
Many people I've spoken to have said once you go back home after having been abroad it will never be the same and of course, it's not.
Not only because I've never really lived at home for the last however long, or because everyone is already sorted out and I am presently where they where a few years ago, but because I now have to get used to a whole new system.
Who would've thought that coming home will take getting used to - but it does.
I've been told so many things by friends and family, but I really don't think anyone realises how tough it truly is. Most of what's been told to me I already know and have already done and my hands are tied until something happens in response....response time is s.l.o.w!
Too slow!
And I need plenty of patience to deal with this transition period that looks like it's going to be last a whole lot longer than I hoped or expected!
(and let's not talk about the itchy feet to get up and go somewhere and do something...but, really can't afford to at present! frustrating!)
After eighteen months, surviving shitty weather, awesome travel experiences and gaining new interests I am headed back home.
Change is never easy, despite it being constant. And I've experienced many changes of the past eighteen months. Least of all, growing as an individual.
I've been asked a number times now what I think of the UK - the time to leave it fast approaching (the time being tomorrow!).
My reply has been:
I don't like the weather. Because I don't! It's iffy at best...and just about mildly warm in summer. Right now, it's raining. And cold. And the same temperatures as it is back home where it's winter. But back home...there is sunshine! The Brits cannot deal with temperature extremes. Apparently 25 centigrade is a heat wave (summer, as those in the Southern Hemisphere would call it, lasting all of about 2 weeks this year) and when it snows, London comes to a standstill. Case in point: London in February this year when the UK had their heaviest snowfall in however many years it was. No buses, no tube, no train, major delays at the airports... ridiculous really.
I made the decision months ago that I'll be headed home. And I'm happy I've made it. As much as there's plenty of opportunities here in the UK - like going to Paris for a weekend if you so wish - it's not all about earning pounds. Although money does make the world plod along, there's more to life than just that.
Back to what I think of the UK...
It's been good. I've learned lots and successfully accomplished my goals upon entering the country a year and a half ago - gain work experience and travel.
I've more than successfully accomplished them! And I've gained two new loves :)
[side note: you know it's time to return home when you start complaining about a public transport that works...when your country of origin barely has one that functions. Bring on a car...I miss driving!]
How I feel about returning home...excitement and dread.
Starting from scratch is not something I relish (nor is living at home again, even if interim), but it is something that needs doing. All part of my choice and right now I have no idea how things are going to work out, but I trust that they will.
More change.
My one constant.
I've mentioned time and again - the travel bug, it's bitten. And I have the opportunity I've had to live and work in the UK to thank for that. This experience has just filled my mind with 'travel goals'... now, just to figure out how to get the goals out of my head, and into reality.
So... my beloved country has its general elections in three days.
And, it is going to be a fairly important one...what with the man who is president of the current ruling party having had a few hundred criminal charges just dropped against him some short weeks ago...
A ruling was overturned, allowing for South Africans temporarily out of the country to vote abroad - if you qualified that is. Initially I thought I'd missed the deadline - and I had - but they moved it, so I took the chance and was approved.
Wednesday past I made my way to London Town to have my say in the future of my country!Many people will argue that expats should not be allowed to vote for numerous reasons - like they don't live there...and have no idea what's really going on in the country.
Having come across a few South Africans...and other nationalities...who've not been home for years and years....they may not know all the nitty gritty, and they may, or may not, have family still living at home...but wherever you are in the globe - the country you were born in, and where you were developed as a person - it remains home.
Always will.
And because of this - what happens in your country will always always matter. Having a minuscule say - it is important.
I was in more than two minds about this election and the opportunity to vote internationally. The one thing I was determined to do was vote because I am headed home - and I firmly believe that not voting means you have no right in complaining about what the government does or doesn't do right or wrong!
I had resigned myself to having to just go home, and be - for five years before being allowed to have my say...but now that won't be necessary as I have had my say.It was a momentous occasion...one I've still not fully processed.It is one I'm glad I had the opportunity to be part of ... standing with other South Africans, for an average of two hours before entering the High Commission - South Africa House - on Trafalgar Square.
Many amused Brits and tourists looked at the queue of people and asked what we were waiting for...and the answer was met with a 'Oh' and off they went about their business...be it being a tourist or grabbing lunch.There was quite a positive atmosphere, and everyone waited patiently for their opportunity to make their X!
They only allowed 50 people in to the embassy at a time... I was very tempted to take photos of the patient waiting indoors, but I probably would've been told off, so didn't try!
I received my indelible ink mark on my left thumb and my ballot sheet - the man who stamped my ID told me 'Well done, I see you've voted in all the elections,' since I've been legal that is... made my X, double sealed in two envelopes, dropped it in the ballot box and made my way out.
There were two security guards standing just inside the door we exited from and one asked me what was wrong - I was mulling over the huge moment of actually taking part in my country's national elections in a foreign country! - I just shook my head I think...and then he asked me whether I was old enough to vote...I mean seriously.
S.E.R.I.O.U.S.L.Y!
I replied with...Sir, I am twenty five. And proceeded to walk out.
(this being thought I'm way younger than what I am is fast getting old...and everyone telling me you'll appreciate it when you're older just annoys me to no end...you are not the first person to say that to me...I recognise this...I even appreciate it...but the commentary...enough! Pick on something else - not that I apparently look seven years, if not more, younger than my actual age)
Happy I'd done my duty as a S.African citizen...I made my way to Regent's Park to soak up some of the summer sun, before catching a train back to Brum...
I've not come across such ignorance in the UK as I did today.
Started a new job.
One chickie asked me where I've worked previously and where I studied. So, I tell her.
She looked all shocked and surprised when I told her I studied in Cape Town - she asked ' There are dieticians Cape Town?'
The shock in her voice was too real to be an April Fool's joke. Seriously.
I have no idea what the look on my face said. But, I tried my utmost not to roll my eyes and give a reply along the lines of
' We have lions in roaming freely in our back yards and our hospital uniform is loin clothes!'
SERIOUSLY!
Told myself not to be mean to someone I don't know on my first day at a new job so I just kinda smiled and said, 'Yes, we have dieticians in South Africa.'
Something that is decidedly lacking in the UK - except, today I was greeted by sunshine and somewhat blue, some what grey skies. So spring/summer may be on its way!
I've been back in the UK for 2 weeks now, after having been home for a sunshine refuel...and honeys - I am brown! For the first time in months :p (not sure how long it will last though).
There really is nothing like the African Sun. And African skies and thunderstorms.
You never truly realise you've missed something until you come across it for the first time in, well in my case, about a year!
Landing at jozi, relatively painless through customs - short wait for my mom - and then seeing her - it's amazing how much one can say with just one simple hug.
A simple one, but a long one. Spoke volumes, much more than I could ever put in words. And the thing is - it's not like a missed my family excessively. I guess, as spoken by the hug - I definitely did miss them.
Then, waking up on my first morning back home to the sounds of doves cooing... I was slightly in awe that I'd actually missed something so simple. It's so common back home that it's one of those things that just wash over you - but not hearing the sounds of doves for a year...
I didn't get to do all I wanted to whilst home (things like no longer having a car severely restricts you!) but the time I spent there was great. A recharge for the last few months ahead.
I've absolutely loved travelling, and of course I will continue to do so - but having the familiar around you is just fantastic.
I FINALLY got to meet up with friends I'd been chatting to online for ages and ages and it was really great. Getting to put people behind the chats and the insightful opinions shared online - it completes the partial picture I had. And I wasn't disappointed.
Great people online, great people in real life :) (fully aware you all will be reading this - and no, i'm not arse kissing :p)
There's a downside to having gone home though - because in the first week back I was missing it acutely.
I've been travelling by myself - I would do it again in a heart beat (I'm still doing it), but sometimes you do wish you had someone, friends, around.
The next few months is going to be interesting - I've made the decision that I'm going home (what with Home Office being a pain and all about visas, I'm glad I made the decision before the rule changes).
I will have to do more planning in the next bit than I have in the past year! Eek. And no more pretending to be an adult - to the real world and proper responsibilities! One major decision is actually deciding where I want to work - depending of course on the availability of work!
But - there's no real point in worrying about it all now. You all know how the best laid plans tend to unravel when you least want them to, or least expect them to.
I've mentioned all this to friends - one said that I have actually been an adult. Foreign country alone and all.
Uh, yeah. That's debatable.
I'm aware this is not something for everyone. But doing things alone certainly is not easy a lot of the time. What being alone has done is made me selfish - very. Because I've only had myself to look out for the last year and a bit.
Another friend said that I don't really have to join the 'real world' - which is, I guess, is also true. Just because I will have to take on responsibilities - like getting a car (number 1 on the list for when I get home!) it doesn't mean that I have to let go of the way I've been. Sure, a few changes about how I approach things...but it ain't all that bad.
Supposedly.
Future me's worries!
For now, I need to start my list of must see places before I leave here - and making sure I have the finances to allow for it all!
