From Howick : 16.6.82

From Howick

16.6.82

Dear mum, I cannot understand how you think RSA is a healthy country. Down here thousands of people died from cholera this summer. There was an epidemic of pink eye which is a very contagious conjunctivitis. There were cases of bubonic plague down south but the big killer is TB. I had some tests done   last year and I’m immune from TB though I cannot remember being vaccinated (BCG). The doctors in Soweto used to diagnose several cases of TB a day.

                The photos were taken in the Drakensberg near the border with Lesotho. The bushmen have been extinct in natal for 200 years, not solely due to white man but mainly due to the tribes of Zulus coming down from up north. They hunted with poisonous arrows; lived in small groups in the mountainous country (mainly in caves); were largely nomadic. The majority of paintings are of animals that were hunted for food. 

                If you are   going to send newspaper cuttings I would prefer them about VFL football and not about SA. Some of these articles have a lot of things wrong with them. Especially in what is left out.

                ie I cannot understand Peter Smark’s pre-occupation with the Zulus. In the cities like Joberg were the most wealthy militant blacks are the old tribal divisions are definitely going.  In Joberg a white man would have trouble telling a Zulu from a Venda etc. These people call themselves first blacks or Africans not Zulus. Chief Buthelezi is not in favor of one man one vote in SA anyway as suggested. A lot of Zulus hate Buthelezi, especially our nurse, and a lot of blacks from other tribes support him. PAC, ANC and Inkatha all derive their support from all tribes. The most militant supporting ANC. The moderates supporting Inkatha so the idea that Buthelezi could mobilize 6 million Zulus at his command is rubbish.

                Could you tell me how many journals I have over there. I do want them but you can’t send them now.

                                Regards Alan