Leg 26; 4 Days Durban to Port Shepstone Missions successfully completed, and fond goodbyes said at Cheshire Home, the raised N2 middleman led me out of the city and onto the infamous R102 on Saturday morning. From busy highway to ‘can this truly be the right road’ in industrial areas the uneven spread of our society was again piercingly perceptible. Hordes of people were encountered pushing wheelbarrows carrying metal. Some items were very conspicuous, i.e. undoubtedly found and claimed from roadwork sites. A man was encountered sitting with his own barrow waiting for deliveries – his collection for the day ineffectual. When in Mpumalanga, the view of a livestock investigator met there was that he did not bother too much with the theft of one animal if it be a sheep or goat, since he comprehends the desperation that exists in the poverty stricken areas. He confessed that he sometimes chooses to just look the other way. And so did I, felt too embarrassed even to capture ‘their’ desolation. David was encountered, a busker who had left ‘society’ in 1996. He sleeps in the bushes and travels around the country. He plays two recorders simultaneously and wishes to write a book. He claims to have met the king of hobos in Gauteng? David hinted that all he needed was a laptop, but unfortunately had to settle for a couple of oranges. The search for accommodation was unsuccessful 3 times in a row. The last caravan park, one not in need of finances, but where management could not make a call themselves, was also the last for the day to hear HiM’s tale. With cash in hand, tired and longing for a safe place for the night, the neighbouring park was approached. Without having to ask, Craven Caravan Park owners insisted on HiM staying for the night – once conversation was sparked by the sight of our flag. Ironically, they can do with the capital. The following morning monkeys were fed apples and pears. The owners disclosed that the ‘upper’ caravan park owners drive away and sometimes shoot the monkeys, that the monkeys have very little natural habitat left, and they themselves believe in sharing… Pros and cons to each situation, we know, but where to draw the line? Day two was saturated with beautiful scenery and flora – a peaceful walk along the coastline. A special encounter was had with an African lady and her teenage daughter. Both well spoken – she pointed at her house – a stunning double story with exclusive views of the ocean. She took my hand and closed her eyes. I searched her face, but God only knows what she was thinking or recalling at that moment. The poet in me guessed a memory recollected of a nonna, or how far we have come, or how far we must still go. Whatever the thought, us holding hands, and truly connecting, is something I will draw inspiration from for the rest of my existence. It was powerful; beyond. Allegiance infused the day ended at Happy Wanderers Caravan Park in Kelso, on my mother’s request. As a child she had spent carefree holidays there, and it was a privilege to be granted a camping spot and sleep under the trees I’m sure she once climbed. A few shells were collected as keepsakes and then a rushed dinner cooked, before the day drew to a close with some warm Natal rain. On Day 3 the R102 took me away from the coast, through more rural villages, up and down hills covered with sugarcane, and the ocean visible only every now and again. Stares were exchanged, school children either comically scared or bursting out with laughter at the sight of Caucasian me. Gullies formed by the hills funneled strong winds, and when Hibberdene was finally reached, so was the end of my wits, and sleeping bag immediately became what sleeping bag was meant to be. Day 4 was a mere 22km stretch. Two fellows pulled over and invited me to join them at the Mantis and Moon backpackers, which I initially declined, for a telephonic interview with The Big Issue was scheduled and I had anticipated lying on the Port Shepstone beach basking in the sun. Time proved to be on my side, so I decided to surprise them and made a slight detour. It was meant to be! The backpackers was funky and unique. Thank you, owner Andy, manager Jeff, and friend, Iver, for not only introducing me to this fabulous spot but also offering accommodation, though I could not end the day there. The day ended with a short interview with a local newspaper and camping spot at The Spot backpackers. I am feeling heavy. Heavy in South Africa’s arms… It might be difficult to understand, but the date for my return has been set for the 20th of October. I will still work in two days to ensure it is the case. When looking at my schedule, I can’t help but be emotional. It has been a life changing journey, and it is coming to an end. Hear me out: Someone posted a photo of a new watch on Facebook. The ‘likes’ in response was astounding. A question in return was posted, asking whether the dials of this brand was indeed bigger than that of another. “And I think to myself, what a wonderful world.” No! And I think to myself what a desensitized world… Yes, we deserve to splash, to be spoiled, to have creature comforts – we have worked hard for it. But when is enough, enough? Is there still a balance between what we have (a sane level of fortune) and that of leaving a legacy for the better of all? On a different level I have witnessed cheap products, aka ‘bling’, being sold on streets for a few bucks to the ones in need of basic necessities. And the sales are made, for ‘we’ need to belong – if no real future, at least some humanity is restored with ‘what we have to show’? The problem is much deeper. How many kilometers must be walked, how many organisations created, how many lessons learnt, and how many mistakes must be made, to uplift our country and its citizens? Or have we become that self-centered that we aspire to fulfill personal ambitions, rightfully(?), come heaven or hell? This campaign calls on all to either donate to those who do things on our behalf OR to get involved. If not, nothing will be different in another 19 years’ time. Well, not for the better. And that is for sure. It is time to recalculate!
Posted on: Thu, 15 Aug 2013 06:03:52 +0000
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