SOUTH AFRICA ~ encounter her in all her beauty, tragedy, glory and stark reality!
As the world's most famous prisoner (held in captivity for 27 years) and, then becoming South Africa's president, Nelson Mandela exemplifies a moral integrity that shines far beyond South Africa. In the revolution led by Mandela to transform a country based on apartheid laws and dirision, into an open democracy, he alone has achieved a miracle. He was born in the Transkeian homeland on 18 July, 1918. His first name, 'Rolihlahla' is interpreted as 'troublemaker'. The Nelson was added later, by a primary school teacher of his.
Mandela's boyhood was peaceful until the death of his father landed him in the care of a powerful relative. He became involved in student protests against white colonial rule at the institution at Fort Hare, and this set him out on the long walk toward personal and national liberation. Having run away from his guardian to avoid an arranged marriage, he joined a law firm in Johannesburg as an apprentice. Years of daily exposure to the inhumanities of apartheid, where being black reduced one to the status of a nonperson, a nothing in some people's eyes, kindled in him a kind of absurd and willful courage to change the world...
And he did He is a much loved and revered person in South Africa, and the world. His is a hand of friendship and love, healing and productivity.
One of the most exciting elements in South Africa is that it is in the continual process of reinventing itself, it's outlook and understanding of eachother. Peoples’ attitudes have changed across the colour barrier and people have hope. A new South African culture is being created, sans colour or tradition standing in the way. We still have a long way to go, but the progress that's been made since 1994 has been hugely significant!
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South Africa - So many facets...
So many facets...
So how strong is the call home?
A good question! It comes down to opportunity and what's right for us at this point in our lives. The opportunities have been good in London - we have worked hard (hubby is in the same job since we arrived in the UK in 2002, I have my own business), have settled and have a lovely home. We are SO blessed, especially in the current financial climate.
We enjoy travelling and London is a great base to do just that. My hubby has been all over the world already! Seeing as I am the pen on these pages though, we are diarising the travels that we have done together. If you are coming to London please have a look at our Urban hike with Jenniflower travelogue on our London page... it's enjoyable, factual and makes you want to be here to actually do it! This page is continually being added to as I explore more of this fascinating city :)
On that note... when Africa is in your blood it's tough not to yearn for her soil (especially as there are so many people in need)... and, whilst we are living on this little island, we will continue to be vocal advocates of the majesty that is South Africa. Dramatic scenery and turbulent history. Very few countries have been through what South Africa has been through and have come through sans a war or a coup. A new government, a new constitution, a new flag and a new national anthem. A fresh start.
Jobs arent that plentiful in South Africa and an entrepeneuring spirit is needed if you want to have a roof over your head and food in your tum. So, we will go back with our thinking caps on and hopefully create jobs for ourselves as well as others... there is alot of opportunity available! It's just a question of time. We are wanting to work with AIDS orphans when we return home to South Africa, we have had the privilege of working with some AIDS workers and look forward to returning to this work in some capacity when we return. So many children are orphaned not once, but twice, and three fold sometimes too. Two generations of people are being wiped out. They need our help. NOW.
COMING SOON:
~ A brief run down on the larger cities in South Africa that I know well, that you might find helpful on your travels.
~ I will be adding some authentic and popular South African recipes here soon, under 'General tips'. These recipes will be for potjiekos, milk tart, boerewors, bobotie, droewors, rusks etc. If you try one of the recipes, please do let us know how you enjoyed it!
South Africa
In the beginning God created day and night. He created day for rugby matches, going to the beach and braais. He created night for going jolling, sleeping and braais. God saw that it was good. Evening came and morning came and it was the Second Day.
On the Second Day God created water - for surfing, fishing, swimming and braais on the beach. God saw that it was good. Evening came and morning came and it was the Third Day.
On the Third Day God created the Earth to bring forth plants - to provide food, malt and yeast for beer and wood for braais. God saw that it was good. Evening came and morning came and it was the Fourth Day.
On the Fourth Day God created animals and crustaceans for chops,
boerewors, steak and prawns for braais. God saw that it was good.
Evening came and morning came and it was the Fifth Day.
On the Fifth day God created an oke - to go to the rugby, enjoy the beach, drink the beer and eat the meat and prawns at braais. God saw that it was good. Evening came and morning came and it was the Sixth Day.
On the Sixth Day God saw that this oke was lonely and needed someone to go to the rugby, surf, drink beer, eat and stand around the braai with. So God created buddies, and God saw that they were good okes. God saw that it was good. Evening came and morning came and it was the Seventh Day.
On the Seventh Day God saw that the okes were tired and needed a rest. So God created Chicks - to clean the house, bear children, wash, cook and clean the braai. Evening came and it was the end of the Seventh day. God sighed, looked around at the twinkling braais, heard the hiss of opening beer cans and the raucous laughter of all the okes and chicks, smelled the aroma of grilled chops and sizzling prawns, and God saw that it was not just good, it was very good, He created a great place and HE called it SOUTH AFRICA.
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