A crosspost from SA Rocks, written by none other than missy Gatesface, Sheena.
frig. hyperlink won’t work (thanks sweets). originally on SA Rocks and c-ped here:
I was leaving for Australia. I had my bags packed, my tickets ready and my family there waiting for me. Then one morning I woke up and thought ‘what the hell am I doing?’. I love Africa. I love my country and its people. There are things in this place that only we could ever understand, such as:
The Vern. Vernon Koekemoer. A phenomenon only available to understanding by Saffers. Shopping for birthdays at the robots. Anything from undies to umbrellas or coat hangers are available at a street vendor near you! Places called ‘Moedersfontein’ and ‘Jakobsdaan’. What beauties. Men wear platform shoes down in Bloem and have shirts shinier than any other girl I know. We are the one nation where Mullet hairdo’s are accepted as the norm, and having buck-teeth can like to be okay.
Our people have learned the art of over-coming. Mug us at the beach? its okay, next time we go back we won’t carry anything with us. Rape us in the home? Its okay, because every single girl I know has a can of Mase and/or a baseball bat nearby the bed. Presidents to be sing Umshiniwam, and its okay – because we make fun of it and post pictures all over facebook. We’ve learned the art of rising above, and keeping our sense of humour.
Our nation may be young, stubborn and maybe even a little bit slower than the rest, but you know what? We’re stronger. We’re funnier. We’re going places and we stick together. Our country is more beautiful than most, and our people the most welcoming and hospitable. Aside from the minority of criminals, we have more spirit and oomph than any other.
I love South Africa, and I’m so excited to start over in a new part of it. Here’s to being a Saffa!