Went to see a fantastic play at the Market Theatre last night with 747 and his madre. Blood Orange, the story (book based) of a liberal dude throughout his life at school, the army and then into exile. It was marvellously acted out, and the man deserved his standing ovation at the end. 747 then said whimsically in the car, on the way back: Hell, I'm proud to be a South African boy.
Just as I nearly lost a wheel in a trench, on the way down Jan Smuts Avenue. Not a mere pothole, a proper donga.
For the first time ever, I'm skeptical about South Africa. I'm really sad to say this. I'm in no way over-the-top Proudly South African or believe I will live here forever and ever and ever, but I've also been serene about the country's future, it's basic downfalls, and most political situations. I'm complacent; chilled if I stay here forever. Until now. I'm starting to wonder if things will get better at this moment.
The loadsheddings. Like many people in this country, this has belied a new kind of panic.
Because without electricity, a basic necessity for a thriving, stable country, we're stuffed. Not because we're sitting in the dark a few hours a day. That's the least of our problems.
The crime has soared. Corruption is still at an all time high, and Selebi gets an extended holiday. What with electric fences off and gates on manual, you best hope you have a Rottweiler. People are rebelling by burning trains in Shoshanguve township because they are two hours late due to lack of power.
Businesses are losing production. Generators are using more fuel, and we're running out of oil too.
Traffic is becoming another kind of nightmare. The Stock Exchange crashed a few weeks ago and we were at the same level as on September 11th. Fifa? Gautrain? Overseas investors? Potentially, if there's a fuck up and the whole country goes out for one or two days – people will go ape. Strikes, mayhem. It could very well be The Rapture.
OK, relax. That sounds pretty hectic. It's 3RM's theory anyway. But frankly, it's scary. This is when I wish I had an EU passport.
But! Let's remain positive, or strangely apathetic. My Dad insists I stay positive – and although in his own little bubble of self-deception - he's a good embassador. He thinks the loadshedding is “a good idea.” Yeah maybe in 1975, but not right on the verge of a Gautrain and a World Cup.
But beyond that, we supposedly have one of the best climates, and some of the most beautiful and varied scenery in the world. Maybe I just need to climb in my car, head to the middle of nowhere and sit in complete isolation and drink in the surroundings, and appreciate the basic core of what Africa is.
We're a friendly, happy-go-lucky nation and are one of the only nations in the world to not go into civil war after such right-wing oppression. Apparently we're also ridiculously good looking, (barring the Scandinavians and Venezuelans), and we're just...special.
Let's hope it never comes to that. The bad stuff.
