HOPEFULLY there will be no more ‘monkey business’ this year as the South Coast gears up for what we hope will be a flood of fun seekers for the festive season.
Now is the time for all role players to sit around the table and plan properly so that EVERYONE can have a fine time… and feel welcome.
The emphasis is on EVERYONE because Scottburgh in particular now has an unfortunate reputation for being, err, somewhat ‘racist’ in its approach to certain visitors, sadly all because of an unfortunate Facebook post by a person we are tired of naming. (If you don’t know whom we are referring to by now, you have been in a coma for the past year.)
The sad thing is that the woman in question was probably only voicing the feelings of many, but she took the fall and in monumental fashion. We know she now regrets ever putting finger to keyboard.
What we need this year is for everyone to rally around and turn this negative into a positive, not only in Scottburgh, but at other popular beaches like Margate and Port Shepstone, as well.
Obviously spruce up the beach areas for the normal Venter trailer brigade, but why not do something really special and welcoming for the masses who converge on the beaches for only one or two days over the season as well?
This is the treat of all treats for many who have possibly been saving up for an entire year to afford a day at the seaside.
Sadly, many of our shops and restaurants near the beaches tend to shut up shop, sending out the message: ‘You are not welcome here!’
Yes, there are inconvenient realities involved – the number of people in particular. But with proper planning, policing and crowd control, surely if there’s a will there’s a way?
Here’s an idea: I still have fond memories from my childhood in Cape Town (55 or so years ago), standing in a long queue on Seapoint beachfront to buy a hot, buttered mielie and a piece of watermelon.
It was all so simple – big pots on gas cookers to boil the mielies, another few pots for the butter, paint brushes and then onto the watermelon table. More rubbish bins on the beaches are needed anyway, but if the husks or rinds end up on the sand, so what?
If we are to shed our racist reputation, this is the season to do it.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
For news straight to your phone, add us on BBM 58F3D7A7 or WhatsApp 082 421 6033
