Umtamvuna Views: Humble Neville sets a fine example
Neville was the victim of a car bomb in the early '80s and suffered serious injuries, losing both eyes and leaving his hearing impaired.
By chance your scribe met a very interesting man on Christmas Eve while enjoying a special Christmas luncheon with friends at a popular Trafalgar restaurant. A very well-behaved dog was lying quietly under the table occupied by a couple. Since a few Christmas season photographs were required to go with the neighbourhood news, your scribe approached the couple and asked to take a photo of them with their beautiful black Labrador.
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They were more than happy to oblige, but the gentleman, wearing dark glasses, seemed confused at the simple requests to move over a little and face the camera. Only after the photos were done did the penny drop – the dog, Opra, was a service guide-dog. The man, Neville Clarence, was totally blind. He had been the victim of a car bomb in Pretoria in the early ’80s and suffered serious injuries, including losing both eyes and leaving his hearing impaired. He attended the Truth and Reconciliation hearings and actually met the man who had planted the bomb.
Incredibly, Neville shook his hand and forgave him. He also went on to give interviews and discussions overseas about his ‘Walk of reconciliation’ and with his lovely wife, Alice and his dog he lives a full and happy life in Trafalgar. His story was such an inspiration.
Sad news
Port Edward mourns the death of one of its earliest residents. Gordon Harrison (88) moved to Port Edward with his family in 1982 where he took up banana farming. The family relocated from Port St Johns where Gordon owned a trading store. Gordon had been suffering with ill health for a number of years and was admitted to hospital before Christmas. Sadly he died on December 30 at his son’s home. He leaves his wife, Peggy, sons John and Stuart, four grandchildren and a great-grandchild. He will be remembered for his generous spirit and his quiet gentlemanliness.
Lucky fish
Last Monday morning, the ‘Lucky Fish’ launched at Port Edward beach and the boat managed to punch through two or three waves, but a big wave hit the boat broadside and it capsized. Lifeguards Alson Tshutsha (team leader) and Melusi Blose attended immediately to the skipper and three of his crew and brought them all to safety. All had minor injuries and bruises, except for one woman who went into shock and struggled to breathe, so medical services were summoned to attend to her. The boat eventually washed up on the beach where the NSRI and bystanders assisted to remove it from the shallow water.
Happy holiday season
In spite of the serious water crisis that persisted over the entire festive season, it appears that there were many happy holidaymakers who made the most of some glorious warm weather and perfect sea conditions. Historically, Christmas Day is rainy and miserable on the South Coast, but not this year – sunny skies and braaivleis were the order of the day.
New Year’s Day is a beach day for hundreds of local and Eastern Cape residents. It is believed that it’s necessary to swim in the sea in order to wash away the past year and become renewed for the following 365 days. Port Edward’s Silver beach was one of the main destinations and hundreds of bathers took to the water. Lifesavers on duty did a sterling job in keeping revellers under control, as did our local law enforcement personnel.
There was a large police presence at the entrance to the beach road where every driver was tested with a breathalyser and every vehicle searched for alcohol. It was no small task and the SAPS kept their smiles and got the job done. Drinking on the beach is one of the main causes of drownings, lost children and general mayhem. It was reported that, in spite of the huge crowd, a joyful party atmosphere pervaded with very few incidents of misbehaviour.
Who else remembers this time of year when the long summer holiday was almost over for pupils? Mothers couldn’t wait for their children to return to the bosom of the classroom so that they could enjoy some peace and quiet in the home. Time has not changed that.
All readers are wished a very healthy and prosperous New Year. Hopefully our water and electricity problems will be eased. In spite of the many negatives foisted upon us by the powers that be, we have much to be grateful for. We live in paradise and enjoy beautiful natural surroundings.
All news to Philippa.
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