Cry the Beloved Gqeberha

This weekend I had the privilege of using a ‘privaat pad’ in order to get to my destination just outside Gqeberha.

I was not aware that this stretch of road was a ‘private’ one other than a big sign saying that this stretch was maintained by the residents.

I failed to see the smaller speed limit sign below the ‘declaration of independence’.

As I was exiting my drop off point along the ‘privaat pad’ a gentlemen stepped out with his hand up willing me to stop my vehicle.

Out of courtesy I did – not expecting any trouble.

First words out of his mouth; “Engels of Afrikaans?”

My reply; “Maak nie saak nie.”

His reply; “Ok, Afrikaans dan.” (I should have realised where this was going after this declaration).

Anyway, long story short, said speed cop was livid that I had been riding at ‘meer as 20 km per uur’ on his road.

I apologised and said; “Ek sal sy dit in ag neem die volgende keer.”

Not happy with this I was then subjected to a tirade; “Ons wit mense moet bymekaar saam want die lui swartes maak nie die paaie reg nie!” and more words in a similar vein.

That was when I hit him with sarcasm, rolled my window up and left the scene wondering just how the fuck we went from my ‘transgression’ of speeding to a racist tirade.

Some Mother’s children need a lesson in Ubuntu.

I have suggestions for my new friend:

• Get a proper pole and a proper sign showing the speed limit
• Place a boom gate at the start of the road to deny entry to everyone EXCEPT white Afrikaans residents.
• Steal a municipal traffic speed camera and actually record the speeds attained by old white english speaking men and THEN – Fine them.
• Maybe the next time open with these words; “Meneer ek is seker dat U nie die bord gesien wat bestuurders mooi vra om ‘n maksimum spoed van 20km per uur op die pad te ry. Mag ek asseblief U vra om so te maak volgende keer dat U op die pad ry?” “Ja, ek weet dat dit nie die wed is nie maar ons vra net ‘n bietjie saamewerking!”