As a child, I could listen for hours to adults’ stories about their personal experiences of historical events or natural phenomena. We all have unique experiences based on the period we live in and the places we have been. I share our stories.

Floods in South Africa during 1988

Recently heavy rains fell in South Africa after the prolonged drought. That reminded me of the floods in my first year at the university in Bloemfontein in 1988. We were looking forward to our first short holiday in March. Arriving home, the floodgates of heaven opened, and it rained for days. The Augrabies waterfall was a spectacle, and the Orange River was flooding.

By the time we had to go back to university for our first test series, it was an impossible task because of the rain that washed away the roads. The drive back to Bloemfontein required careful planning. Our journey included miles of detours and was terrifying.

The 1994 election in South Africa

The 1994 election had a significant impact on world history.
Nelson Mandela became the first black president of South Africa. Apartheid boycotts lifted that restricted overseas participation in sports and work. At the end of the exciting 1995 World Cup rugby final, Nelson Mandela presented the Webb Ellis Cup to South African captain François Pienaar in a rugby jersey. It had a positive impact on the hearts of all South Africans.

Elfstedentocht in the Netherlands

With opportunities offered by a new South Africa, we went to work and study in London for two years. In December 1996, we visited the Netherlands. This visit created the opportunity to experience the Elfstedentocht, which has only happened 16 times in history. The 200 km skating event only happens when it gets so cold that the canals, rivers, and lakes form a thick layer of ice. The circular route starts and ends in Leeuwarden, the capital of the province of Friesland, and it passes ten other towns. I recall the frightening picture of the rescue effort of a child who ended up in the icy water in a thin spot on the ice.

Lady Diana

During our last month in England, Lady Diana died. She was an icon. I remember how we, as school children watched the royal wedding on the big screen in the school hall at Kathu. With the announcement of her death, everything in London went pitch black, even the media boards. It was impossible to buy flowers. We, therefore, picked oak tree twigs to pay our respects at Buckingham Palace. I will never forget the morbid atmosphere in the city.

There are a few things I would associate with the strange Covid times. Large amounts of snow in Switzerland during our stay here jump to mind. I also sadly think about my longing for my sons and family that I cannot see. I will never be able to listen to the Jerusalem song without the tears flowing. Jerusalema is 2020’s theme song, which we now regularly listen to on Swiss radio here in Zurich. Worldwide, Jerusalema makes everyone dance.

September 11, 2001 experience

Charl was on vacation in the US during the attack on the World Trade Centre in New York on September 11, 2001. The fear, emotional impact and heightened security measures hampered their mobility and planned activities. Charl worked in Johannesburg during the time of the assassination of Chris Hani, head of the South African Communist Party. After the assassination, there were racial-fuelled riots and instability.

With PwC’s offices in Johannesburg’s city centre, he experienced the wild shooting. He also saw many corpses on the street and even experienced how a bullet hit an office window right next to him. He and his colleagues were regularly locked in the office building for safety. The instability influenced his decision to move to the Western Cape.

History books usually only outline the facts and consequences of important events. However, it is individual experiences and stories that give colour to this. One can only wonder what future events we will add to our existing list of experiences.

Kind regards

Emsia