Frenetic African Spaces

I’m visiting the United States for the first time in nearly one year. I’m looking forward to the visi- particularly Taco Time, pho soup, and a variety of good beers- … and seeing friends and family, of course! But as I plan for my impending return to the US, I think of the things that I will miss here.

Ironically, I think I will miss the chaos and energy of the movement of people the most. Pedestrians and cars alike move, paradoxically, lethargically and franticly at the same time. I’ll miss adults and children running through the parking lot and streets, or just standing around chatting, indifferent to the moving traffic. Public areas always offer an abundance of stimulation- people moving about laughing, singing and talking. There’s a certain frenetic energy and vibrancy to the choreographed movements to which I am only now beginning to understand the moves.

I will also miss car guards. Car guards exist in nearly every parking lot and most city streets, at least the streets where the government doesn’t have paid employees stalking the streets to procure parking payments. Car guards often offer a nice smile and nod upon exiting the car, no doubt to ensure you acknowledge and compensate them upon your return. They survive only on the tips patrons provide them for ensuring their car is, firstly, there and secondly in working condition upon return. A couple of rands offered upon leaving usually results in another smile and the African tradition of respect by accepting the money with the right hand while the palm of the left hand holds the elbow of the right arm.

South Africa’s social systems maintain a distinct and intact human connectedness. While technology and mechanisation have dominated development in the United States, South Africa continues to invest in labour intensive solutions to day to day operations. This approach makes sense considering the 25 per cent unemployment rate and the enormous numbers of un- and low-skilled citizenry. Regardless, on a busy day when I’m frustrated and grumpy, it’s always nice to see a smiling face appreciative of two or three rands.