I’ve lived through an attempted insurrection.
Not a sentence I thought I’d ever have to write, let alone write in the middle of a pandemic that has killed millions and forced even more into abject poverty – but here we are!
And just as the vaccination campaign was picking up speed, and we were tasting a sense of normality once again.
Alas, 2021 wants to prove itself dastardlier than 2020, and it’s doing a pretty fantastic job of it. But South Africans are nothing if not resilient, and this week has proved this to be true in so many ways.
So, while I sip the last of my prohibition wine, finish up my registration for the Covid-19 vaccination and tuck into the apple my husband spent seven hours queuing for (it’s the wrong brand, but whatever), here’s a look at five things I learnt from this experience.
1. Get to know your neighbours
Those people across the street who you either wave to from afar, or glare at after a night of uninterrupted music, could soon become your only allies in the battle against insurgents.
Often, we prefer to keep a respectful distance, not wanting to be too involved in people we have to see so frequently and live so close to, but it’s worth making some form of a connection.
You can’t choose who you’re in the trenches with, but at least you know who you’re in the trenches with.
2. Grow that patch
You know the veggie patch you’ve been threatening to get going for years? Get it going. Food insecurity is about as insecure as it gets, and it’s not pretty.
If you haven’t connected with your neighbours, you’re going to be relying heavily on that spinach and brinjal stash. In fact, get a few chickens and a cow in the mix if you can.
Milk, bread, eggs and fresh produce…this is where it’s at. Although a chest freezer stocked with food items is also a lifesaver.
Essentially, don’t put off the hard work because you’re going to reap the rewards one day. Brussel sprouts, however, are never the answer.
3. WhatsApp groups – you’ll love them and hate them
The insurgency that was started by WhatsApp groups was also halted by WhatsApp groups. They’re both a blessing and a curse.
Social media in the hands of the evil and greedy can create the utter division and chaos we in KZN and Gauteng have sadly witnessed first-hand. But through neighbourhood, we all managed to rally pretty quickly.
The speed with which neighbourhood patrols, civilian barricades and community clean-up initiatives were organised would put even first-world governments to shame.
It certainly put our government to shame. But I think we’re all going to need a serious social media detox once the tanks are refuelled and the fridge is re-stocked.
4. Money means nothing
This capitalist society we’re all living in is crumbling before us. We don’t know what this means for the future – cryptocurrency perhaps?
I know it’s not socialism comrade, we’re too greedy for that – but when you have money and there is no food on the shelves, it doesn’t mean very much. It’s straight back to the barter exchange system, and communities simply helping each other out.
You soon realise that having the best car and latest clothes count for nothing at the end of the day. Although if you do have a car, diesel seems to be the better option…or solar-powered if you can get it.
Billionaire’s rocketing off into space while giving us the rest of us the middle finger is effectively the capitalist system reaching the point of collapse. We need a fresh start.
5. We’re worth saving
We hear about the horrors of the world, and while the good is out there, actually witnessing humanity at its best makes you realise that we are worth saving.
There is inherently more good than bad out there, and the good majority is actually willing to throw on the overalls – not the red or orange ones – and get on with the hard work of making things better. Not better for one or better for one family, but better for others, and for future generations.
And, really, that’s worth fighting for. Coming out of this insurrection – can you even! – there are going to be those who want to cut loose and emigrate.
Fair enough. But I’m truly hoping most of us are going to look back at this and think, despite some of our worst fears being realised, we stood up to the madness and have come out better for it.
We’re now ready to get going on making things better, because we’ve seen that we – and not anyone else – can actually make the positive change we’ve been waiting for all along.
