I am African in heart, soul and mind!
What does it mean to be proudly African?
My ancestors from four generations ago ensured that I would one day be born from a mixed European gene pool; German, Scottish, English and Dutch, but in my heart, soul and mind I am African!
Some say that once you've lived in Africa, your heart will always remain in Africa!
Unfortunately, those of us who live on the southernmost tip of Africa, have all had to bear the brunt of crime, which I thought we had become immune to, but then it happened!
The criminals did some Christmas shopping in our home during a 5 minute blitz visit, with alarm sirens ringing instead of Christmas bells!
I am minus my laptop (plus our TV) so my lovely post on what I love about living in Africa has by now been wiped out and my laptop has become someone else's bargain buy!
No wonder my enthusiasm waned overnight!
Yesterday morning on an impulse, I decided to buy tickets to an annual Christmas Celebration, so Mom Lily and my neighbour were dragged off to our local Playhouse Theatre as hubby stayed behind to welcome new guests.
Mom Lily & our neighbour Khanyi
We had the full Kwazulu Natal Philharmonic Orchestra, two circus acts, opera singers, a colourful mass choir, gospel singers, ballet as well as freedancers, Scottish bagpipes, African drummers, Indian drummers and more.
A real mishmash of performers but so apt as it showed the diversity and the talent we are blessed with here in South Africa.
Dawn Thandeka King
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I was in awe when the audience became the chorus when a super popular Gospel singer performed! Amazing African harmony, as if they had been rehearsing for weeks with the artist!
Dr Tumi
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The finale brought together the Philharmonic Orchestra, African and Indian drummers, Scottish bagpipes and the choir; a little piece of many cultures, but it worked and was simply awesome!
We truly are the Rainbow Nation, such diversity cannot be found anywhere else in the world, we are blessed to experience the mix of cultures here first hand; Ubuntu, the music and dance, plus the food!
Milk Tart - a traditional Afrikaans teatime treat
The wonder of nature abounds in Africa; here in SA we have the majestic mountain range in the Drakensberg, the endless oceans, wildlife, exciting game parks in every province!
Our people; what amazes our international guests is the personal contact between total strangers; be it a smile, the touch of a helping hand, the camaraderie - Ubuntu
Ubuntu is an ancient African word meaning 'humanity to others'. It also means 'I am what I am because of who we all are'
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These are things we take for granted here but is lacking elsewhere in the world.
Then the humour, this is something else; we can laugh at ourselves, make light of dark situations; jokes pop up at the speed of lightning when things go wrong and especially when our politicians mess up, and I do believe this all is unique.
Sadly my in-depth post has been lost, and these are just random thoughts on Christmas morning before the day begins, but they are from my African heart.
A favourite Madiba quote
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I am African and proud of it!
A big thank you to @therneau and teamsouthafrica for this contest, made me realise once again what an awesome continent we live on :)
Original Content by @lizelle
Thanks for reading, feel free to comment, upvote and resteem.
I have upvoted and resteemed, am also a teamsouthafrican.
Thank you @lucky-digger, appreciated :)
Do you have a peacemaker under your pillow?
Great post.. I'm really happy with your post though you are not an African, you have greats things to say Africa. I'm proud of you @lizelle
Thank you @jakemore, appreciate your kind words! By the way, just read your awesome post on being proudly African, great stuff :)
Thanks, Africa has a rich culture is high time we cherish what we have ..
Sorry that the south African Grinch's of Christmas came to visit, but they couldn't steal the joy in your heart. May your day and coming days be blessed with the spirit of God.
Thank you mr Papper, yep they tried to do just that but our God reigns supreme indeed! It's the first year that I've not cooked and baked myself to a standstill! Same with Christmas shopping, has been very laid-back, feeling very blessed today for family and good friends! Wishing you and yours a truly blessed Christmas day :)
I am so sorry that you got robbed during this season! To be robbed in your home is a personal violation of the sanctity of your home. I enjoyed your article very much. Thank you for sharing the Christmas concert. It sounds like it was an amazing time. I wish you the best Christmas season and may next year bring you much peace and happiness!
Thank you for the lovely wishes @cecicastor, and you're so right, one feels violated! This wonderful concert brought the magic of Christmas back, so blessed.
Wishing you and yours a very merry and blessed Christmas and an awesome New Year :)
Sorry to hear that you were rubbed but let your spirit be filled with christmas. They have done their worse but your best is yet to come.
Merry Christmas.
@seyiodus.
Hi @seyioudus, thanks for stopping by, nice seeing you :)
They did not win as in the end we had a lovely Christmas, still minus those worldly goods and patched up door as insurance and contractors are all in the holiday mood! We've actually had much more conversations without the tv so that's been very good:)
Wishing you and yours a blessed Christmas season :)
Good to hear that Nd same to you ma'am
Thank you for your entry @lizelle. @teamsouthafrica has resteemed your post. Wishing you the best of luck with your entry :)
Thank you @therneau, much appreciated :):)
Sad fact is those stealing (in many, not all cases) do not have employment and need food on the table. At least no one was injured, or worse killed for possessions that are replaceable.
We sat outdoors keeping a watchful eye all the time on Christmas Eve had wonderful family time together, even though you are not totally relaxed. Living a life under lock and key does become a reality.
Glad you got to take in the charm of sharing a delightful night on the town with your lovely neighbour @lizelle
Wishing you success with your article for #TeamSouthAfrica contest.
Thank you @joanstewart & totally agree with you, unemployment is our biggest hurdle!
I think they were watching as they pounced when everyone had left, at least were quite considerate, did not make a mess :):) Or did not have time to make a mess, armed response were here within 9 min!
Wishing you an awesome 2018 :)
Merry Christmas may you live long
Thank you @aliakbar2 :)
Nice american men..merry crismiss god bless u..wish u a happy and long life
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