New environment, fresh perspective

I am an advocate for changing your environment. Whether it be through traveling or just moving to the next city, town, province or country. I highly recommend changing environments. Yes, I understand the financial burdens to consider and the economy. However, a change of environment always offers a new  beginning of some sort.  

I have been in Kwa-Zulu Natal for close to four months. As a Joburger, I find it fitting to share some of my observations and hopefully get you out of your comfort zone. These are my observations and of course they are not meant to bring harm. Just hopefully spark an educational conversation.  

I think before I make my observations about the city that I am currently in. I would like to applaud Ethekwini municipality for such a clean city. Ethekwini is clean, the air is fresh and no I don’t think it’s because of the beaches. The maintenance of the city in general. I hardly see littering on the streets. It is a breath of fresh air walking around Ethekwini city, I must say so myself. The beaches are also so clean and it is indeed refreshing to see. As an African, I love to proudly brag about my country South Africa. I give five stars to the Ethekwini municipality and love it for you. 

Now, back to my observations about new environments. I often get very apprehensive about changing environments. Even as someone who loves traveling, anxiety does creep in. However, I often conquer this anxiety with the benefits that come with change. It is buried in the back of my mind that something good comes with new environments. In addition, there is always something new to learn. I believe that being in Durban awakened me I must say.

Firstly, I was astonished by the number of people who still greet me on the street. People don’t just walk by without offering any pleasantries here. It’s mind blowing that even in the city men, women or children stop to say ‘’hello’’. With living in Johannesburg, everyone is occupied by the hustle and bustling city. Again, in Johannesburg many are just minding their own business or trying to get by peacefully. 

Therefore, being in Johannesburg has made me very comfortable in going about and minding my own business. Whereas here in Durban people want to stop and greet you. Then the next fascinating part is having them ask  you how your day was or where you are from.  My body was overwhelmed when this happened. I believe my body is learning to adjust to being interested in exchanging pleasantries now. Here’s the thing,  the Johannesburg rush has a way of clouding your walk. I am very guilty of this because when I am out and about I am always in a rush. Now that I am in Durban I am taking it easy.

Secondly, Durbanites will speak isiZulu to anyone they meet on the streets. They pay no mind to whether you know how to speak isiZulu. IsiZulu is the order of the day. I am a Zulu girl and yes I take pride in being Zulu. However, being in Durban I felt judged  by how I  command my isiZulu. The amount of times I have gotten ‘’hayibo isiZulu sakho siyabheda’’ I even lost count. In the beginning, yes I would take offense because how dare I be corrected? I have quickly learnt to sober my mind. This took an honest conversation with myself privately. 

Well, to begin with I was brought up in Gauteng. Gauteng is a multicultural environment. We have different tribes in Gauteng and to communicate we don’t only use isiZulu. Living in Gauteng has improved my command of over four South African languages. Therefore, my command of isiZulu will be diluted because of my environment. However, this does not mean that there is no room for improvement. I am spending my time here polishing my command of isiZulu and have begun reading isiZulu again. I know it’s not a big deal but this is my contribution whilst I am still here. 

Thirdly, Durban is a community. Kwa-Zulu Natal is generally a bigger province than Gauteng. I am not referring to demographics here. The size of the Kwa-Zulu  Natal to Gauteng according to our map. However, Kwa-Zulu Natal has maintained a sense of community. The local markets or stores I visit here I am often moved by how they now address me on a name basis. In most of these local markets, I am not just a customer. I am Phiwe, a girl from Johannesburg. That warms my heart. 

Lastly, Zulu people love and embrace their culture. They are rooted in their identity and own it. Every second person that stops me will ask ‘’waka bani’’ loosely translating who are you?  This is the moment you need to identify with your clan name. You don’t just exist because you come from somewhere. It is important for you to know who you are and where you come from.  I then respond by saying ‘’yimina uMnguni, uKhatheni, uDzana owadla omkhakha wenkomo’’.

What I am trying to say is step out of your comfort zone and change your environment once in a while. You might be surprised by how much you will learn about yourself. As for me, Gauteng province is calling my name very soon.

In Kwa-Zulu Natal or Durban let’s meet up for a chat? 

I am not affiliated to any political party. I am affiliated to the Africans. 

The views that  I share are mine and not affiliated to any employer. These views are not meant to bring harm.

Let’s talk about Africa. Which African country must I visit next? 

Read Africa. Write about Africa. Put Africa first!

The hashtag to follow is #africabelongstoUS , #amplifyingvoices, #authenticstories  

Note: Please click on our ads on our website.