My Travels

Let's just say Amakwayi are well travelled people, and they must be among the highest contributors to migration patterns in the region.

Let me quickly explain what a clan represents to an individual. My clan is made up of both Amakwayi and Bataung, my mother's side of the family. Both sides of the family have migrated a lot during apartheid South Afrika. My family has travelled between the now Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Free State and Gauteng provinces. Similarly, my mother's family has travelled between Lesotho and the Free State province. These migration patterns makes it tricky for us the young ones to point to any particular place for our heritage. Hence Qwaqwa represents so much to me because I can identify with so much of it.

So I argue that my interest in traveling is influenced by my clan patterns, which are historical in nature. In the twelve years of my working life, I have lived and worked in the Free State, Gauteng and Kwazulu. I have lived in even more cities as a result.

Traveling to me is a natural activity fuelled by the need to explore the country side, meet new people and generally to have good life experiences. From a young age, I have always yearned to know more about my country, including Lesotho, Botswana, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania and the rest of the SADC region. This is due to their historical signifance to me as an individual. If you take an interest in history, particularly the history of tribes, you will find it necessary to know about these countries.

So have I been able to realise my dream? Not yet. I am still yet to travel to all these places, but the leg work has already begun.

South Afrika

I am generally happy about the places I have been able to visit in my country. I am yet to visit the Eastern Cape and Northern Cape provinces. Everyone of my visits places a significant importance on the historical aspects of the towns/cities I visit. History is important to me and I tend to view matters in a historical context.

Sadly, I am yet to visit some of our landmark sites such as: Metouleng, Mapungubwe and Diphororong tsa Badimo. This is shameful in my view, especially since the other two are in the Free State province. Something must be done about this situation.

I must mention that I am a nature lover and therefore don't enjoy city life. You will therefore notice that the places I write about are inclined to lean on the nature side.

While I have been to many places in South Afrika, the more I learn about Qwaqwa, the more intrigued I become. Having grown up in Qwaqwa myself and learnt what I now believe to be elementary history of the Qwaqwa side of Basotho, more things are coming to light that make me realise there is more to my history than I was taught. It is this fascination that makes me focus my writings of places to Qwaqwa.

Qwa Qwa
Qwaqwa is a semi rural place comprising mostly of villages. It is a landscape blessed with mountain terrains, rivers and rock formations.

The capital of Qwaqwa is Phuthaditjhaba, and Qwaqwa is a former homeland in the old apartheid South Afrika. There are several places of interest in Qwaqwa for those inclined to explore. There is: Fikapatso Dam, Metsi Matsho Dam, Mount Aux Sources, Basotho Cultural Village, Qwantani Resort, Golden Gate National Park and Sterkfontein Dam. These are the formalised type of recreational facilities.

Where to stay when visiting Qwaqwa? There is accomodation in the following places: Qwaqwa Hotel, Fikapatso Resort, Mount Aux Sources Hotel, Basotho Cultural Village, Golden Gate Hotel and Sterkfontein Dam. You may also stay in neighbouring towns like Harrismith, Clarens and Bethlehem.

By default, Qwaqwa is rich with exploratory scenes. Just about any part is sure to offer some form of interest, depending on what you intent to find. Qwaqwa is located within a mountain range that comprises the Maluti (Drakensburg) mountains in the south and west, Qwaqwa mountain in the north and the ranges in the east which I am yet to find out their name.

Inland, there are numerous smaller mountain ranges throughout. All these mountains form part of the excitement of Qwaqwa. None of our mountains are fenced, so people can explore any part of Qwaqwa freely. So far, I have explored the mountain ranges in the south and north of Qwaqwa.

As part of my projects, I am trying to write about the history of Qwaqwa dating as far back as I possibly can. Historical recollections dating beyond 1836 when Qwaqwa was established as a homeland is fast dissapearing. This is due to the fact that many of our elders are departing this world with this knowledge and not much of it has been recorded. Keep checking back here as a project has started that undertakes to publish about these historical recollections.

For the first time I climbed Thaba Tshweu the weekend of 14 June 2009 and discovered that wild life is still rife as close to villages as this! So now I know that wild life exists in almost all areas of the mountain ranges not inhabited by villages. Part of the above mentioned project is to record which animals are found in Qwaqwa.

It is in Qwaqwa where you find Diphororo tsa Badimo, the historical mysterious waterfall found in Mount Auxes; a world heritage site. I so much want to write about this place!!!

Just to tickle your fancy, have you ever wondered what does Qwaqwa mean? Since Qwaqwa is known from 1836 when it was decreed to be a Basotho homeland, is Qwaqwa a Sesotho name? I just discovered a historical site in Qwaqwa that is said to be the historical home of Amazizi! Those who know tribal history will know that Amazizi are amaXhosa. This will make for fasciniating reading.

The Rest of Free State
The heritage site, Metouleng is found in the Free State.

Having worked and lived here for a year, now looking back, I think I may have been hasty in packing and leaving this province. The biggest attraction of the province is its near total warmth across all seasons.

I always find Durban a rewarding city to visit the beaches, probably because Durban beaches are the most developed in the province. Even though I always visit the Beachfront when in Durban. But it is worrying to see that some areas on the Beachfront are so dirty these days! The Goldcoast beach seems attractive enough to be my favourite spot moving forward. There is no feeling like walking on sandy beaches bare foot.

To reward the eyes and the soul, I find the northern parts superb. Richards Bay is somewhat central for travelling around the province. I love the St Lucia wetlands. The Mkhanyakude district with places like Mtubatuba, Hluhluwe and Mdloti is a must. I like these places because they offer peaceful environments for me. You find the ocean, wildlife, bushes and forests all over. Kwazulu is also rich in traditional artifacts, something I place much value on.

In my view, the most racist province in the country. I remember in one of my visits I was staying at Protea Hotel Plattekloof. So one day I decided to take a walk around the town, what an embarassing experience for me. As I walked around this white suburb, I could not believe my eyes when I noticed white people pulling up their cars to make sure they take a good look at me! Up to where I turned back to the hotel, people were looking at me like I did not belong. For such behaviour to still be happening in South Afrika in 2006 is shameful to say the least.

I visit Cape Town the most, probably because of the cost factor. Since I have to fly to Western Cape, Cape Town happens to be the nearest city from the airport. Cape Town is really not my kind of a city. Firstly Cape Town is too cold for me. Secondly I think it is overpriced.

I have also stayed in Bellville, but to me it is just another city. I do not visit a place to see malls or buildings. The biggest problem in cities surrounding Cape Town is transportation. If you do not have a car, getting around is tricky. This is the only city where I have had to complain about the cost of taxis. At least in Cape Town you can walk around or take the tourist bus.

I wish all cities in South Afrika would have a similar service like the tour buses in Cape Town. This is the most convenient way to explore Cape Town. I would love to climb the Table mountain one day, but on foot and not by cable. While the apartments found in places like Hout bay and Sea View are spectacular, I am not impressed. I would love to explore the mountains found in these areas. I am yet to find a tour operator who takes people to the mountains, maybe I have not looked hard enough.

Gauteng as a province is much bigger than the metropolitan areas, which is what is generally known. There various places of interest to visit, although many of them do not particularly appeal to me. Places like museums, zoo, monuments and historical buildings/sites. There are plenty of these in Gauteng.

The part that appeals to me is the natural side of the province. Must visit places: Broedestrom and Magaliesburg. There are a number of botanical gardens you can always visit for peace and quiet.

I have enjoyed being to Lesedi Cultural Village that it remains my top spot in Gauteng. While cultural villages can never offer the same experience found in rural villages, they remain the best next thing for those unfortunate not to have had the real thing. You should definately stay over night for the best experience.

SADC

Unfortunately, I am not well traveled outside South Afrika. Even our neighbouring countries remain a dream to me. I plan to change this in the near future. I have only been to Botswana thus far. Even Botswana remains to be explored as I have always visited only Gaborone.

Afrika

I have only been to The Seychelles on the continent. And I have been on two of the nine islands in The Seychelles, although I took a tour of most of the islands. The Seychelles must be among the most beautiful places on earth. The green crystal clear waters and the white sandy beaches.

Mahe, the main island, boasts several beautiful beaches. I just loved the Beauvallon Beach, probably because it is the only beach I visited in Mahe. The roads are so narrow here I don't think I would ever attempt driving in Mahe. The people are so friendly you can't help but remember that only in Afrika can you find such friendly souls. The Boathouse Restaurant, situated right on Beauvallon Beach, is out of this world. I don't like sea food but they changed my view for the better. This is the single restaurant where I had my supper the most during my seven day visit.

Mayonni Island is more of a tourist attraction than anything else. There are no hotels to stay, just a restaurant to serve day visitors to the island. But the sea view from here is fantastic! Some of the pictures taken here seem unreal in beauty. This is probably because Mayonni is situated very close to other islands such as the Prison and Lost islands. So all these other islands make it into pictures, and what a beautiful sight!

I desperately want to visit Mozambique, Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, Nigeria and Madagascar. Only time will tell when I will succeed in visiting these places.

Europe

I have only been to Netherlands a few years back. And I spent time between three different cities: Amsterdam, Ultrich and Biljma.

Amsterdam is an interesting city, with its rather liberal lifestyle. Seeing that you can order matekwane(dagga) openly in a restaurant is a liberating experience. I have always wondered why this herb is illegal in Afrikan states. The redlight district is a fascinating sight. Some of the most gorgeous looking Afro-Euro women I met between Amsterdam and Biljma. Call me backward, but I just have never understood what people see in the old buildings around Amsterdam. These are said to be the classics of architecture, I only see old buildings about fall.

I didn't get to see much in Ultrich except the shopping malls. The same can be said about Biljma, although there was no time to explore the city as I was here on business. Their shopping district was interesting though. The biggest barrier around Netherlands is language if you cannot speak Dutch. I remember one day failing to pronounce Biljma properly when trying to buy a train ticket! I also remember this incident with the train ticket officer onboard a train from Amsterdam to Biljma. When presenting my newly bought ticket after being asked for it, the gentleman was irritated bacause apparently I was supposed to have marked my ticket using machines found in the station before boarding. Now being a Dutch illeterate, I fail to understand why I would be expected to understand what is expected of me when the writing on that machine is in Dutch! So realising that I am now a potential prison candidate, I simply had to play dum and explain that I am a visitor and have never used their train system before.

Having had only two hours to kill before boarding, I could only explore the vast airport at Zurich. The size of the airport is quite impressive, a little city onto itself.

The Verdict

I still need to travel more to learn more about my history. My priority now is traveling within the SADC region. It is especially shameful that I have not bothered being to Lesotho, despite the fact that we are separated by a mere mountain, and that I have always drove past the Maseru border without bordering to go in.

If there is a job out there that would make me travel, I'll take it.