Being a South African is lekker!
After reading about someone's inflatable swimming pool being stolen (after ensuring it was emptied first!) from their yard, I could only say, "Ja-nee, only in South Africa!'
I have been a South African citizen my whole life, and truly thought that I have seen and heard it all, that was until I read a Facebook post on one of the community groups this past week.
The person urged residents to be vigilant, as their inflatable swimming pool had just been stolen from their yard. What made this more unbelievable, was the fact that the new owner first emptied the pool before leaving with it!
After reading this, I was not too sure if I should laugh or cry. Very little surprises me anymore in this beautiful country of ours, but I was left a little speechless at the audacity (and maybe ingenuity) of the criminals, as I could not think of one reason why someone would want to steal someone else’s inflatable swimming pool! The only thing I could think of saying was, “Ja-nee, only in South Africa!”
It is true that these types of (mostly criminal) activities are what make South Africa, well, South Africa, but there are many other ways to identify a true South African, which have nothing to do with criminal activity.
According to Aurelia Waliszewska who posted on www.sapeople.com, here are some ways to know you are a South African:
• You respond to almost everything with ‘ja-nee’ or ‘yebo’.
• You use ‘hey’ or ‘man’ at the end of most sentences.
• There is nothing better than a Wimpy breakfast or Cream Soda when you have a babelas after a hectic jol.
• You know the difference between now, just now and now now.
• You use the word ‘shame’ in both good and bad situations.
• You say ‘eina!’ when you hurt yourself.
• You know what it means when you are told to bring your own ‘chop and dop’ to the braai.
• When someone catches the end of a conversation you tell them they are picking up stompies.
• You rearrange your day according to the load-shedding schedule, and always have candles and flashlights nearby.
• You have Ouma Beskuit or Marie biscuits with your morning coffee or tea.
• When something is great or beautiful you say it’s lekker.
• ‘Howzit’ or ‘sharp’ is used as a form of greeting.
Until next week, stay safe and look out for each other …
