I had to take a quick walk to the bank just before Christmas, and I was struck by the almost mournful atmosphere in town. The day was also uncharacteristically cloudy and this just added to the effect.
I have lived in the same town for many years, and had a business in various locations in town central for over 24 years. As the big shopping centres sprung up, more and more business were diverted from town centre proper. In the last couple of years a mall was erected just out of town and now central town is decimated. Many landlords have not realised they have no choice but to decrease their shop rentals, causing many small businesses to go out of business or move out to the suburbs. Recently a few landlords have been reducing their prices, and that is the reason we moved to better premises..
As you can see there were no Christmas decorations, and this being the town's main road, used to be festooned with decorations over the street every Christmas. There are barely any decorations in the shops either.
The primary school I attended in Grade 2 in the 1970's.
This area of town used to be full of life. My first ever independent home with my husband was a flat on the left of this driveway. The thought of living here is horrendous to me at the moment, but I can still feel the happiness of having our own place to stay at last. Every night we would stroll around town, window shopping. There would be other families doing the same. It was safe in the 1990's, but now no one ventures onto the street at night.
These two gentlemen were very curious as to why I was taking so many photos. (Somewhat furtively I might add, as flashing a phone in central town is an invitation to get mugged.)
All the best chain stores and popular shops used to have businesses in this area. Now it is an area many people (or should I say, white people) fear to visit. When walking in town it is best not to wear jewelry (chains are commonly ripped off necks), carry handbags, or phones. I don't feel intimidated at all, but I am cautious and will be aware of the people nearby me at all times. It is also best to walk briskly, it makes it more difficult for the tsotsis (SA term for gangsters) to approach.
