A few years ago I decided to take a train ride from Fish Hoek to Mowbray because I really love those long train journeys.
I sat down on those hard, uncomfortable “third class” seats (as it was known during Apartheid) waiting in anticipation for my journey to begin.
After about five minutes or so the train began to move.
Excitement began to seer through my veins as I began to pass and admire those pristine blue waters of the sea and magnificent mountain ranges.
It felt as if I was in seventh heaven, Utopia.
I couldn’t believe that I was taking this trip after such a long time.
In my euphoric state, I simultaneously felt profound sadness that it seemed as if my soul sank to the very depths of the deepest part of the ocean, as I surveyed my brothers and sisters boarding the train, carrying their heavy load on their already sagging and weary backs.
Perspiration running down their tired and gloomy faces!
A question began to cross my mind since the first democratic election and many years later – What has changed since then?
From my point of you absolutely nothing, which to me is so sad.
This city of my birth has not broken or untied those heavy shackles that they put around us for decades now.
The past still haunts those tired faces like ghosts of yesteryear.
They are still fighting a system that was implemented long before they were born.
A system that will still haunt us long after our deaths!
This city with its absolute ridiculous ever changing bylaws in my opinion is a waste of time and money.
I hear of trains being torched and vandalized and the destruction of property that doesn’t belong to them. What does that bring us?
My poc brothers and sisters can’t even find decent employment in this country of their birth. In today’s life having a matric certificate doesn’t guarantee employment.
Pensioners are living below the breadline because each time the cost of living increases.
When will those laws change so that everyone can enjoy a slice of pie?
I hope it changes soon not only for the elite but for every citizen of this country no matter your background or creed and colour is.
I want to smile, to enjoy the ride but everywhere I go, my soul returns to a constant mourning state.
