Leaving South Africa for good?

I just met another family that’s moving. Away. Out of SA. Far away. Their confusion and excitement are equal. They are leaving for New Zealand.

Have you ever been there? I ask. NO. WE HAVEN’T. BUT WE ARE WILLING TO MOVE THERE FOR GOOD BECAUSE SOUTH AFRICA NEEDS TO CHANGE.

Let me tell you a short story. I was 8 years old. Living in Ravensmead with my siblings and both my parents. It could have been a Friday. The school bell rang. Instead of leaving for home like all the other children, I spent a few minutes playing at a friend’s house. She lived near the school. By the time I needed to return home, there were no school children left to walk home with me. I was alone. It was probably 1.2 km home, this day it felt like an eternity.

‘Die man met die swart kar’ was a news story that made the rounds at that time about a man with an afro that kidnapped children. We feared the story, or that it might even be true.

THEN, while trying to get home with my short little legs in my tiny school dress and black school shoes, I felt a tug on my school bag. A man was holding on to my bag practically lifting me off the ground. He was tall and big, and I was tiny and felt even smaller. He was wearing a school uniform but looked too mature to be in high school. He had an afro and a deep voice.

“I am the man with the black car,” he said in a deep voice whispering in my ear. I ran. He ran faster. Again he grabbed my bag, but this time he said “ GO HOME”. And I did. I got lucky. I got away. I was terrified. Learning last week that an 8-year-old little girl from the same town as I got hurt, didn’t get away and died, is keeping me angry for a long time. It is unfair, sick and messed up.

The only conclusion I have is that, my work in SA, amongst my people, brothers, mothers, gangs, all places of worship and in my own home is not finished. My home is South Africa. I won’t be able to leave the country with you, but promise me one thing,…When you miss us, come home.

Come home and I will welcome you with open arms to finish our work together.

Love Elana, x