Driving home with Jeremy last night we stopped off at the home of Nic Paton to collect Kim, Jeremy’s partner. Kim loves to sing. Nic is a composer and the grandson of Alan Paton, the author of Cry the Beloved Country – an African and international classic. He wrote a song to commemorate Mandela’s birthday: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvVsh5HgIpw&feature=youtu.be Jeremy and Kim are pretty cool people and in my humble opinion, both are building blocks, instruments and architects of Mandela’s legacy.
South Africa is a land of contrasts. Extreme wealth derived from platinum, gold and diamonds etc. lives alongside extreme poverty. Frequently the haves cut themselves off from the have-nots with walls, electrified fences and by living in gated communities. There is plenty of evidence that the have-nots will take from the haves and this evidence becomes justification for a way of life. Two hours in Johannesburg allowed me to collect some of this evidence for myself (see post on 7/12 Crime). In small but very significant ways Jeremy and Kim have chosen a different way. They live in a lovely home in Kalk Bay, on the edge of one of the oldest working fishing harbors in Cape Town. The view they have of the bay is exquisite. We had fresh caught fish, tiger prawns, calamari and chips (fries) for dinner. The setting is nourishing on so many levels. The boys come home, get into their wetsuits and hit the surf.
The harbor also attracts its fair share of have nots. At some point most of them come looking for a hand out. The sheer number of have-nots can be overwhelming. Trevor has lived on the street since he was 9 years old. From time to time Gwen turns tricks for a buck and similarly lives on the street. Every day they knock on Jeremy and Kim’s front door to collect a sandwich and cup of coffee. One cup and one sandwich.
This is a boundary, just like a fence or gate is a boundary, but it has the effect of placing them in community – it does not keep them apart. Being in community, in close proximity to the have nots, they are not protected by an electric fence. Rather their relationships protect them. They do not fear the have-nots and the have-nots do not resent them. They are resources to each other. Gwen and Trevor advocate for Kim and Jeremy among the elements that would otherwise try to take advantage of them. On one occasion when the system broke down, a quiet word in the ear of the right person resulted in a knock on the door and the return of the goods.
Thank you Kim and Jeremy for raising your family with this example of coexistence and respect for your fellow human being. I cannot think of a better gift to society on this day; Madiba’s birthday. Happy Birthday Madiba!
Tiny
Kalk Bay
Trevor
Inside Outside 
Love this story sweety. It reminds me of communities in general, even the elephant communities. Thinking about how we related to them last summer. On what terms were we allowed in, and to be near. On what terms do people feel like they need a gun to be near them? How near, how far, what are the distances of understanding that separate us?
You got it! I had the same thought 🙂
Andre, you had J and I both drizzing (the term for crying in our house). It was wonderful to meet you after all these years and have you in our home. Thank you for your thoughtful connection with each of us. I hope we all get to work, or adventure together sometime soon. We’ll keep you posted on the developments with breadrev.
Killer lesson, Andre, killer.
Max and I just had a conversation about this same topic after we rode our bikes through some of the worst neighborhoods of west Baltimore during the Baltimore Bike Party. There was no fear, just high fives, and cheers from people living on the edge–drug addicts, prostitutes, dealers, you name it. At the end of the day, we’re all after the same simple things, no matter our “station” in society. I was stoked my 13 year old was able to see that for himself.
There was a knock at the door this evening. Trevor with Jeremy’s wallet (which he didn’t even realise was missing). J and Carl had gone for a surf and the wallet must have fallen out of his clothes when they walked back to the house. The cash was gone, but his bank cards and driver’s license were intact. You’re so right Andre, once again our relationships have protected us. Thanks for a reminder of the lesson.
How awesome is that!