Life in the Slow Lane

Both our sons have emigrated against their will, with careers ending in a cul de sac named affirmative action. Not a day goes by that they don’t long for the land of their birth.

They miss the interaction between typical South Africans with their diverse and distinctive accents. And the unique humour of their country’s indigenous peoples. They long for physical contact between family and friends. And of course, the weather, koppies, mountains and sea with pristine beaches - and not forgetting the magic of the Karoo.

But one element they don’t miss. South African politics. For starters, the noneducation system in which learners are on the way to an unsettled future without experienced mentors in the workplace, as they have been forced to leave the country.

Our children don’t have to listen to and be irritated by politicians who lie, cheat and plunder without being fired or jailed. Where they now live ministers are fired – often resigning on their own accord – when caught out for the slightest (in our book) misdemeanor.

Here a former president is still calling the shots despite bringing the country to its knees.

In their new-found countries basic services, like transport, postal and electricity, actually work. Here, trains and buses are set alight and there are daily shoot-outs between taxi owners. Air transport has ground to a halt. Power outages are an accepted practice with only a smattering paying their electricity bills while thousands of illegal users get away with it.

The son living in New Zealand compares political leaders. There they boast with its first (pregnant, nogal) woman prime minister. “Oh boy, what she says goes. There’s no waiting for things to deteriorate – emigration a good example – she acts immediately.

When terrorists struck recently, she put a stop to migrants landing in boats. Only immigrants who add value to the country are welcomed with open arms.”

Let us compare notes. The ANC is not only divided within its top ranks; its leaders, with one or two exceptions maybe, are punching above their own weight. They lack experience and logic. They fume, flounder and fail, leaving a trail of debris of no use to the citizenry. And remain unaccountable while earning inflated packages.

Conclusion: politically our sons are better off. But it’s certainly not enough to stop the deep longing for their first home and peoples.

But one element they don’t miss. South African politics.