Sunday 14th January 2024
I spent my childhood in an industrial town an hours drive south of Johannesburg. In the 70s and 80s it was booming with steel factories with nearby coal mines and power stations. It was a huge drawcard for skilled workers who lived overseas in towns that had factories that were shutting down. Many immigrants landed jobs in this town and our family was one of them. So many young families found themselves facing life in this hot, dusty town and a sense of community was created. Over the years, it feels like an extended family where we know each other fairly well but are connected by the same social history.
It's fascinating to meet up with some of them and catch up and hear of the greater clan's doings. All of us sat round the table recognizing the common roots and shared trials and tribulations of life. Thick Scottish accents made me feel like we'd all stepped off the plane yesterday and there were smiles when the South African twang slipped in while chatting with the waiter.
The venue was smart, and the food excellent which seemed almost inappropriate for the town that seems to be fraying at the seams. There was laughter, some teary eyes, questions and a bit of moaning thrown in. There were many other patrons which gladdened me to see families and friends out and enjoying the 31°C weather.
After saying our goodbyes, my sister and I stopped in at the cemetery where our folks' remains are. I hadn't visited for at least 2 years and I was saddened to see the state of the place. The buildings have been ransacked, the grass was shoulder height and unfortunately a tree is growing out of our mum's grave and threatening to topple the headstone. My mum's maiden name was Oakes, and the irony was pointed out by my overseas sister. We didn't stay long at all as we didn't feel safe. The pride of the local council has been buried under the burden of unemployment, lockdown, general work apathy and more than likely, corruption. We drove carefully through the weather battered, potholed road with a different kind of sadness in our hearts.
Life goes on, no doubt, however it's sad when we witness decay. I appreciated the wild grasses with the tiny yellow flowers over the horizon and landscape on the drive back north. Johannesburg looked far less scruffy in comparison and I walked young Molly round the quiet streets as the thunder clouds grumbled and contemplated my day. The two hour power cut kicked in on schedule and I'm grateful for both battery powered light and fan. In amongst the huge amount of gratitude, there's a glint of sadness and that's just the way it is.
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