Who says you can't slow down and make a difference?
Try moving to the Platteland and you'll soon see that you can
“Who says you can’t?” asks Julienne du Toit in the opening chapter of Moving to the Platteland, her fact-packed tome, co-written with partner Chris Marais, on swapping urban sprawl for rural bliss.
And she’s right. Who says?
I’ve just finished reading it, and while the sub-title promises tales of life in small-town SA, it delivers far more than a “how-to” guide.
The entire concept of returning to nature, roots, nestling neighbourhoods, trees and backyard vegetables and home-baked goods has become a global symbol of how “woke” we are to the backwardness of the world we’re (trying) to live in.
With the rapid growth of technology, better internet, a strained economy forcing safe corporate types to tap into entrepreneurship skills and several other factors, country life has become a bigger, better option for many more people these day (and not only in South Africa).
Books such as these spill the beans, warts and all. The desire to escape a rat race and, instead, raise yourself (or a family) in a dorpie somewhere isn’t an option for sissies.
There’s lots to consider, such as having enough money to fund the move and settle in; how to make an income in a one-horse town; schooling, the social scene (or lack thereof) and your willingness to pitch in and help the greater community.
If you, like me, aren’t moving anywhere, this book may at first seem irrelevant in the grand scheme of your settled life.
But it’s not about moving to the country – not really.
Through all the intricately researched, well-told stories and anecdotes about city slickers, ex-bankers, wet-behind-the-ears farmers and a plethora of characters in little towns across the South African landscape, it’s very clear that what makes humanity special is our innate, and almost infinite, capacity to love.
You may not think so, reading or watching the news. But there are many more people for whom ubuntu, sharing and caring are natural, than there are bad types in the world.
It’s just life that gets in the way, sometimes.
Marais and Du Toit trace the founding of dozens of movements, organisations, charity drives, upliftment events and group efforts to make living in the platteland better for all – and not just the okes who snapped up a Cape Dutch heritage house for a song back in the 1980.
Even small things are huge. Like the Draadkarretjie Grand Prix race in Philipstown, Northern Cape, started by the Fouries to give the locals something fun and creative to do.
You remember draadkarretjies – those little cars made from wire?
It became a big thing in Philipstown, with magazine editor and writer Les Aupiais appointed as head judge for Miss Draad and sponsoring all the prizes – crowns, prams, teddies, dolls and scooters.
“I started to realise there is a sense of responsibility for the bigger picture,” says Aupiais.
“There is extreme poverty in this little town and there are terrible social issues but somehow you have the feeling that with a bit of initiative, elbow grease and co-operation, you can make a difference that is visible.”
And, as she says, you never know what ripples may result from the pebble that you threw into the pond. Visit www.karoospace.co.za for information about this and other books by the authors.
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