As the plane descended, I saw Table Mountain on one side and green vineyards on the other. We were home. I enjoyed the summer sun on my skin. I smiled behind my mask over the jokes in Afrikaans as everyone tried to find the required Covid paperwork in their backpacks.

My Customs experience

My heart was pounding in my throat when the Customs officer called out to Zander and me. Our bags were full of gifts I had collected over the past 30 months as an antidote to longing. The man took our passports and filled out a form. “Are you returning home for Christmas, Madam?” he asked in his Xhosa accent. I nodded and mentioned that my boys were waiting for us in the arrival hall.

He finished and looked me in the eyes. The man welcomed me back to South Africa and expressed the most sincere blessings over our visit and togetherness in Afrikaans. He let us go. This unexpected compassion caused a crack in my emotional dam wall.

This dam wall finally broke when I pressed my boys’ young men’s bodies tightly against me. For the first time in a long time, words that have become my lifeline were unnecessary.

Green, green grass of home

In the car, I marvelled at the green surroundings. We moved to Switzerland during a prolonged drought that left the landscapes and moods in South Africa colourless. South Africa has recently received a lot of rain that caused the rivers and the dams to overflow. The smell of wet soil and beautiful wildlife on my family’s farm was a great blessing, and the thunder and spray of the water mass at the Augrabies Falls was a bucket-list experience.

Covid impact on my country and its people

Covid left its mark on my country and its people. On our flight to SA, I noticed many young people and families with small children. Most grandparents have never seen these little ones. The impact of isolation and insecurity on especially older people saddened me.

Yet, I have observed a greater understanding and compassion between different generations and cultures. Christo confirmed my observations. He is a member of Helshoogte residence’s House Committee, and they constantly update their residence vision and mission to accommodate cultural, religious, and sexual differences and preferences.

They make each other aware and debate what cooperation should look like in a future South Africa.

With his parents far away, Christo had to stay with other young men in the same situation in residence during lockdown for long periods. They were each other’s family and consequently got to know each other better as human beings.

Medicine for the soul

As humans, we need a balance between familiarity and adventure. South Africa, and love and care from family and friends were like medicine for the soul. In the Kalahari, my mother and sister and her family spoiled us in every way imaginable.

My sons treated me like a queen. Jacques provided delicious and creative vegetarian dishes while I could sit back. Christo did all the driving and was the problem solver of everyday challenges.

Zander and my conclusion after our visit

Before our return, Zander stayed with George, his old friend and neighbour. They swam until late, played and made jokes. 

His conclusion afterwards was spot-on. He said,

“ Mom, it felt like all the emotion stuck in my chest had been finally released. What is left is a feeling of contentment. I now feel ready to return to Switzerland and face new challenges.”

We received all the blessings and prosperity that the officer at Customs wished us. I look with new eyes at the beauty of my country and its people.

I look forward to helping build a future with the people of South Africa after our season in Switzerland has ended.

Regards

Emsia