By: Lerato Dumse

I had been given a heads up before leaving home that I should bring a blanket, fortunately for me it was already packed in the car. The drive to Eastern Cape was interesting but the weather decided it was not to be outdone. I think I traveled during one of the coldest weeks of 2023 because everyone on social media was crying about the cold. Thembela “Terra” Dick kept jokingly mentioning just how dry and dusty we looked and I had to laugh because she was right, she started a lot of conversations with “mfondini sixwebile.” 

On my third day in Mount Frere, I had settled in as best as I could. Soon after waking up Lindeka Qampi came to our room and invited me to a walk to take pictures next door. She explained that our neighbor is one of the longest surviving members of the community and she has arranged a photo shoot with him. “Try and write notes on your phone Lerato,” said the hardworking and caring Qampi. Neighbour in Mabhobho was different from the typical neighbour I’m used to. It was so different for me having a neighbor who is about 10-15 minutes away. It reminded me of the television advert by Vodacom “Molo Mhlobo Wami.”

Nelson Mandela is one of the best world icons. A man of peace who loves children and an education supporter. During this visit we learned how colonialism, Apartheid and Democracy changed their community dynamics. Afrikaans speaking community members have opted to leave because the school that taught Afrikaans was shut down. Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga have earned themselves a spot in the worst south African education provinces. Mpumalanga with their matric copying scandals and Eastern Cape with their red colored tents that are meant to be classrooms. During this visit I learned how a community member built a school for Afrikaans speaking kids and how it was neglected to the point that the school needed to be closed down. This contributed to the exodus that has taken place in the community with people going to seek greener postures in other places, mainly Kwa-Zulu Natal and Western Cape. When I heard that the donated school had been converted to a Tavern, I wanted to be judgmental but quickly reminded myself that the black Government should have built something since they came to power 29 years ago. 

After the informative conversation Qampi started her photo shoot documenting all the beautiful antiques in the house, from head boards to cupboards, windows, chairs and mirrors. From the outside all you see is a mud house. However, from the inside you get to appreciate the furniture. What a big house with multiple living spaces with good quality furniture. Many people have relocated to seek greener postures and better economic possibilities. This has resulted in a new way of life of seeing people growing old alone adapting from a communal way of life. 

The eye has never been friends with calculating distance. When mam Lindeka pointed at the house and asked me to follow her I thought it’s going to be a walk in the park but it felt like a run through a park. I had to hike up a mountain and jump across water to reach this neighbor.

Soon as we returned home Ayanda Mqayaki took us for a walk to one of the best spots, the river stream. We were in a very rural village where everyone knows everyone. We were warned of a community vulture, a man who has been targeting the community and travels with his dogs. Apparently, he’s not scared to set the dogs on his victims and use them to escape after robbing someone. So we didn’t stay long in the river but listening to the water flowing was so soothing.