Hello Benoni, I think I like you

No, I haven’t walked into a Lewis Carroll novel, I just started working in Benoni.

I’ve heard all sorts of enchanting tales about this charming little town, which is only a few minutes drive from my home in Kempton Park, but considering that all the storytellers were born and raised here, I figured the amount of objectivity would be a little wanting.

Monday, March 16, was exactly a month since I started working as a journalist at the Benoni City Times and, I have to say, I’m starting to believe in the wonder of this quiet town.

During my first week, I enjoyed a braai with colleagues where I savoured the juiciest and tastiest piece of lamb.

Two weeks later I was on weekend duty and had a chance to explore the place a bit.

I found myself in awe as many Benonians (a peculiar term which people of Benoni are referred to) came to have their hair shaved and sprayed during the Cansa Shavathon at various venues. It was wonderful to see a community come together and do something which may seem trivial but makes a world of difference in someone else’s life.

I also met a man, who shaved his head after losing two good friends to cancer, and had a third friend, who happened to be an oncologist and was also recently diagnosed.

Next I found myself driving to a car giveaway in Mayfield. With my navigator in tow (actually my older sister), I ventured to the event. We decided on the scenic route and could hardly keep our jaws closed when we drove past Ebotse and, when we eventually made our way towards Mayfield, we made a quick stop to admire a landscape scene which looks like it was taken from a postcard.

After a few wrong turns we eventually found the mall and also got to see some of the awful conditions which some Benonians live in.

Zenzele is a bleak reminder of the squalor which some of the people who live around us are subjected to everyday. I went back there and met a family who taught me the simple lesson of humility and contentment.

Over the same weekend, while I was still on duty, I joined the Benoryn Lioness Club at their annual car rally fund-raiser which was themed “Around Benoni’s rich history and heritage.

Here I traveled from Chimes Tavern to Sibikwa Arts Centre; a quick drive through Actonville where I saw a few other interesting landmarks which I hope to visit during the course of the year.

My interest in Benoni was piqued when one of my colleagues told me of the art scene here and, when I met a few local visual artists who invited me to the monthly art walks, I immediately started looking at houses for sale in the area.

What has sealed the deal of my new found love for Benoni was meeting one of my childhood icons: world-renowned storyteller Gcina Hlophe at Sibikwa Arts Centre – any place which lets me see her tell a story will forever stay in my heart.

My time here in Benoni has been brief however, I have already had such a wonderful time filled with amazing experiences.

I look forward to exploring this place which is filled not only with interesting stories and a rich history, but also with a range of friendly people.