‘Not strict on tradition’
FORMER Phoenix resident Rita Sookdeo was swept to the Cape 18 years ago to further her studies in chartered accountancy and never returned.
Sookdeo, 41, now a professional accountant and tax practitioner, runs the accounting firm Back Office Support and Solutions, and continues to grow as a businesswoman.
The Fish Hoek resident, who is married and has three children, believes Cape Town has shaped her into a more open-minded, free-spirited individual. She was not obliged to follow every tradition and custom that would be expected in Durban.
“My outlook on life is different. I am more willing to try and accept new ways of doing things. I am open to listening to my kids and trying their suggestions. I have a different perspective and view on culture and religion, and am not swayed by traditional beliefs about way of life and how we should live in a way that is acceptable to society.
“How we live should be acceptable to oneself, with regard to social norms and legalities.”
Sookdeo added that her experience with various cultures had taught her that love, life and fellowship are common factors rooted in every belief.
“I continue to meet different culture moms and daughters from different areas and expose my daughter to learning about people. But bringing up kids in a diverse culture is not a bed of roses. In our hearts, we have old traditional expectations and are surprised at how our kids have adjusted to a diverse culture.
“They are exposed to friends of different cultures and then always question us to try to make sense of these differences. We find ourselves always trying to explain and justify why we maintain certain rules.
“However, we do emphasise that no matter what cultures we are exposed to, always stick to the language of love and respect and it works.”
Sookdeo said attending church in Cape Town was a perfect example of a difference in culture.
“Churches in our local area are more approachable and simple. We don’t stress over Sunday dress and deep traditional rules. Come as you are ... and enjoy a warm praise and worship. Even on Christmas Day, we are relaxed and simple.”
She said she, her husband Naresh, and children, Alesha, Dylan and Caleb also lived a health-conscious life: “Exercise, food, cycling, walking the dog and mountain trails is a must for us”. She named Grandwest Casino, Cavendish, Canal Walk, Ratanga Junction, Seal Island, Kirstenbosch and Camps Bay as some of her favourite places to visit.
However, her true family, Sookdev said, is back in Durban.
“It has been 18 years in the Cape and we have adapted. However, deep in my heart, there is a longing to go back home to Durban and back to family. I miss the love of family, the traditional gatherings, the support when things go wrong and you need a sister, brother, mom or dad.”
Sookdeo said proper traditional Indian food was also something that Cape Town lacked.
“It is not easy to find traditional Durban foods. We bring over spices from Durban when we visit or have family courier to us. We are therefore able to enjoy our traditional cuisine.”
She said choosing to relocate was never an easy road.