Funeral of Masondo

17/2/09

Saturday spent at funeral of Masondo. Six hundred on my count inside the church and outside. It was hot and I had to go out after about 21/2 hours due to the heat The cortege left about 1pm (started 9am) with a Zulu singing contingent leading the hearse down the road very slowly. People attending the funeral were dressed in uniforms. As explained to me the ladies at each church have their own uniform. Masondo was a minister with theo quals of the United Reformed Church of South Africa.

Afternoon spent just relaxing on the balcony and reading and dozing. Went to Bingelela resort on north side of town. Able to watch the Rugby (Sharks and Bulls). People are keen on their rugby. Got talking to various people. A couple working on the Ernie Els golf estate about 20kms away who are landscaping.. This is a development where small holiday homes start from R4M (or A$700,000). Another group were represented by a teacher who taught in a private school of 25 kids in the mountains. One of six teachers thet teach the kids of resort owners and workers. On guy from Joburg for weekend is a tour guide. Got some tips on Capetwon from him. Another guy a stone mason at the golf estate.

Sunday morning to Ladysmith for church. Only white person in congregation. All very friendly from the time I stepped out of my car. Very hospitable. The pastor remembered me from the funeral the week previously. As I anticipated music was fantastic. They had a band which enhanced the Zulu voices.

Lunch was a chicken burger. Then to Spion Kop where I spent over two hours which surprised me given how small the area was. Back about 4pm to find that a couple of detectives were in the unit for the night. They were from Joburg and investigating the armed robbery of tourists at a resort in the mountains. Apparently the tourists were held hostage for three hours and stripped of money, jewellery and passports. An interesting evening spent discussing Australia (they were very interested in what life was like), local politics and the election and lobola which is the dowry to be paid by the groom’s family.