By: Natasha Archary
The difference between life in the ‘burbs vs eKasi is worlds apart. Not only are the experiences different, but there’s a sense of community that is rooted in ubuntu which cannot be found in the suburbs.
eKasi has also birthed many of the country’s raw talent, who’ve since gone on to put South Africa on the map.
The adage “it takes a village” to raise a child is deeply ingrained in what life in eKasi is all about. Help is always around.
On the flip side, life in urban areas is independent. It can feel like it’s you against the world, especially if you’re new to the city.
It’s a hustle like no other. You compete with the endless standards of comfort living that “society” pushes. New car. Bigger place. Conforming to the lifestyle of bar-hopping, dining out and life of the city dreamers.
Proximity to facilities
Being close to everything from the grocery store to local entertainment is a perk in the townships, especially when you can also walk to some of these hot spots and have a short commute to work. In eKasi, one can easily walk to the Spaza shop and still get all the supplies that a family needs. In the ‘burbs, you either have to grab an Uber, take the car or use public transport because malls or convenience stores are far.
Playdates
In the burbs, children don’t just meet and play – there needs to be a play date that the parents arrange. While eKasi because it’s the village that raises the child, adults will step in to watch other kids who aren’t theirs. Children play in the street until late and don’t live as sheltered a life as the kids in suburbs do.
Aesthetics rules
eKasi, there is freedom in terms of which colour palette one paints their house. In the ‘burbs, every community establishes its own ‘theme’ in respect of design, layout, materials used, and colour and rules of maintaining the intended look and feel will directly impact the value of a property.
Food
Fine dining is a nice treat from time to time, however, nothing beats having chesa nyama, maotwana, magwinya and Nama ya hloho any time of the day.
eKasi cuisine is in high demand, even in the big city, there are food trucks dedicated to serving the needs of the people with authentic kasi food.
Codes of conduct
In the city or ‘burbs, people have to exercise and follow certain rules and regulations, depending on the code of conduct that governs each area. Such as loud noise, pet control, and even parking. Traditional events, especially those that involve the slaughter of animals, are frowned upon in the suburbs. Residents usually have to obtain a permit and there are time restrictions.
The same rules do not apply in eKasi.
Affordability
eKasi is often considered very affordable when it comes to food and drinks, car washes, salons, child care and schooling. Prices are hiked in the city or ‘burbs and this is where the standards of living mentioned above, come in.
The People
In eKasi you will meet people from all walks of life with one goal: ubuntu. No one seems to care about how much money you have. Everyone wants to come together and have a good laugh over some drinks. Ubuntu is very rife in your hometown; when you need assistance with anything, someone is always ready to help.
People in the city or ‘burbs seem to have lost this way of life and unless they can see what’s in it for them, help is not guaranteed.
Listen to the conversation on Drive 959:
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