We’ve got loadshedding, water cuts, crime, corruption and harrowing levels of poverty. Living in South Africa is not for sissies but we’re all in this together. And that’s really how we get through the tough times. Together. Let’s remember that.
South Africa (03 October 2022) – Listen, living in South Africa is not for sissies. Our loadshedding schedule for this week is almost 6 hours a day, but in a weird Stockholm Syndrome kinda way, I’m thankful that it’s only 6 hours that we won’t have power. Ja no. This is something that I will need to unpack in therapy.
And then, we get the news that the greater Fourways area (and some of Sandton) have no water again today. That’s like every 3 days, the water goes off for over 100,000 residents. No working toilets, no way to cook, wash your bits or keep your house clean. Oh, this time, there is no estimated time of repair. Me thinks a lot of Virgin Active showers (outside of this area) are going to be very busy this week.
Oh, and we’re currently experiencing a “heatwave” warning – the next 10 days will be in the mid-30s, with no sight of rain.
To add insult to injury, our headlines are filled with the worst crime, corruption, bad politicians, leaders that have failed us, and everything else in-between to make you so naar that you start googling what it takes to run a beach bar in Mozambique.
It’s a lot right? Shooowweeee.
But actually it’s not, and somehow we just get on with it. We are an incredibly resilient bunch.
We invest in power solutions to keep our businesses running. Even if it’s just a battery pack to keep the wifi and laptops on. We wake up before the power and water go off to make a quick cup of coffee. We fill up the bath, basins and buckets to ensure we can get through the day without running water. We wear short-shorts, vests and flip-flops to the office cause it’s a heatwave my bru?! And we offer help to our friends, neighbours and colleagues.
If you can work/run a business/or get through a day living in South Africa… then my friend, you can do that “ish” anywhere in the world. And you could probably do it better than anyone else. And maybe you want to cause you’re so sick and tired of this “kak”?!
Not me though. At the end of the day, when I’m sitting on my stoep, sipping a glass of Franschhoek Chardonnay-Nay, listening to the Hadedas and braaing my favourite tjopie, I think to myself… it’s a lot but good grief; I love my country. All of it. The good and the bad. I make it work. I try to make life easier for others. I try to do my bit. I hate the government but I love the people. And there are so many good people!
And then I wash my hands in a bucket, get in my jarmies and pray that even the saddest, most desperate souls in South Africa find some hope and joy in the day that they have had.
Living in South Africa is not for sissies but we’re all in this together. And that’s really how we get through the tough times. Together. Let’s remember that.
Also, voetsek ANC.
Okay. Love you. Bye.