We were born in South Africa. We lived in South Africa until our early 30s. 28 years in Australia and these African Aussies are having to learn about Africa all over again!
We very quickly learned some valuable, albeit frustrating, lessons: the Department of Home Affairs is not your friend, banks maintain a policy of “take a ticket” and you better have a packed lunch, restaurants and cafes – even with one waiter for every table – offer painfully slow service.
And then there are the mysterious, unwritten rules that somehow keep things moving … Traffic lights hardly ever work, and when they do, most people ignore them. However, four-way (or three-way, or six-way) stops are honoured by everyone, even mini-bus taxi drivers. And self-appointed traffic directors who have absolutely no authority, are obeyed by everyone!
Not had time to do your shopping? Not a problem – you can buy literally anything at a (working or non-working) traffic light! From goods to services like having your tyres changed – it’s all on offer.
Visiting a hardware store delivers a wealth of expertise, with every kind of tradie available right there in the parking lot!
Joburg, what a treasure you are!
African Scatterlings 
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