Editor
Earlier this week my wife read the Facebook status of our youngest daughter to me, and I was greatly touched by her statement, which she had clearly unearthed somewhere along the way: “I am not an African because I was born in Africa, but because Africa was born in me.”
Would it not be wonderful if we could all just celebrate our Africaness and focus upon our similarities instead of our differences? I was soon to learn just how fitting the words forwarded to us would be to my own life.
This, however is not about our family, our sentiments or our thoughts, it is about an amazing little place called Weenen – the Place of Weeping.
During the course of this week the authorities have been counting the cost of rhino poaching in the Weenen Game Reserve. At the moment, there have been six rhino slaughtered and two hang on by the proverbial thread – all in the space of one week! Yet another reason to feel the doom and gloom that appears to surround this place. However, with good reason, there is much to celebrate here.
Noticing that the telephone account was due to be paid, I headed for the local post office to pay the dues.
Getting out of the bakkie, I spotted a senior citizen struggling up the two steps.
By the time I reached her, she had successfully negotiated her way. I greeted her heartily and she responded by asking: “Wie is jy?” (Who are you?). After our introductions and her acceptance that I was “legit” she entered and paid her accounts. I did likewise.
As this most gracious lady was about to leave, she informed me that: “Jy moet vir my help by daai trappies, seun”. (You must help me at those steps, boy).
Duly instructed, I obeyed – for my parents had always taught me to respect and assist my elders.
We exchanged experiences for a few moments, and after telling me that she was born and bred in Weenen, we bade one another farewell and went our different ways.
I then headed for another local store to have the puncture fixed on the seldom-used bicycle donated to me by the same daughter.
There I was also welcomed by the proprietor who told me to come back later when the tube would be patched, or replaced, at a very nominal fee.
Having the kind of home which is open to all-and-sundry, I then stepped ten paces to a “trading store” to buy two paraffin lamps for the rustic toilet we have added for any passing trade.
The owner graciously provided me with said and a bottle of paraffin.
The finishing touch was the two litres of paraffin in the recycled plastic lemonade bottle.
This was a shop with the owner resplendent in his cultural/religious garb and the thought did cross my mind that had this been done in the Cape, or elsewhere more prestigious, then it would have been hailed as a “tourist attraction.” My friend merely saw it as part of the day’s work.
I headed for home with my purchases wrapped in newspaper and my head swirling.
Far from being an advert: Should you wish to take a step back in time, but move forward in true African style then visit Weenen.
You will encounter all cultures, creeds and denominations here – all wending their merry way.
Finally, one of the local primary schools – Weenenprimer -will be holding a rhino awareness day – “Our Rhino, Our Future” on Saturday, October 12, 2013 where there will be art displays of drawings done by the pupils, a tea garden, stalls, and a walk from the nature reserve to the school.
Call the school on 036 3541761 for any details.
Educational Consultant
