A Poem and a Plea for South Africans in SA…from an Expat

Paul Christie’s “A Poem for Returning South Africans from the UK” sparked a lot of feedback from expats around the world. Most loved his light-hearted teasing that they’ve “forgotten how to braai a tjop…or make a potjie stew”. Some were indignant. They’re better braai-ers now. Some, like Alan Clark in the UK uploaded photos proving expats do it Saffer-style.

And one expat in the Philippines wrote his own poem in reply that resonated with many other South Africans abroad.

Craig Kinsman left South Africa three years ago to live in Olongapo in the Philippines with his wife and child. This is the poem he wrote:

***

We stand looking at the shores of our vessel
Waving at those we are leaving behind
Our heart is not happy, we are sad
You tease me that I am on the chicken run

We swallow lots of muck
Many think we make it easy
However we are “foreign” wherever we go

Our reason is because we’re told
We’re not welcome at home – by jest and sometimes by words
Even our work is strangled and we cannot live
So even though we know we may get the same far away
We still try because it is at least something new,
We are given a chance, something new and not a repeat of disappointment

Yes, of course we miss the tjop
Hell, even the pap and wors is far to fetch
SA Shop is our only hope

South Africa is not only a place,
but a heritage in our heart
of-course we miss it all the time

Our kids replace patties instead of steak
Barbeque instead of braai,
Mash instead of pap
We try to keep it hot, but it slowly fades away

What we do is for our kids
We have no time for government to leave
or even to challenge them slowly over 20 years

Hell, my baby needs her powdered milk now,
not when we get the economy right

I plea, even in jest, don’t judge me,
I came here to get a job.

***

Craig’s words reflect the thoughts of many who have left South Africa with heavy hearts but who do so for the sake of their children…

Veronika Koen, in “rainy Scotland” said that “my hubby braai’s in rain wind and snow, never patties, never with a fork, and if someone ever refers to what he is doing as a “barbecue” all hell breaks lose! And he will forever be homesick [for South Africa]. It’s too bad we can’t live there. It’s not safe for children, and no opportunities for young families. But undoubtedly the most beautiful and amazing place in the world.”

Craig has put everything in to trying to make a new start in the Philippines, he says. “My wife, who is Filipino, was given a hard time and our business was ruined [in SA]. I don’t know if we will succeed here, but I am surely going to try…keep praying for me – I need it desperately.”

Paul Christie, author of the original poem, responded immediately to Craig with the following message: “God bless Craig, and may all go well with you and your family – your story is truly heartbreaking and applies to so many other South Africans trying to make new lives for themselves and their families in very difficult circumstances. Please believe me that my little poem is just a bit of light-hearted ribbing and is not intended as a finger-pointing exercise at anyone. God-speed!”

While some South Africans at home are less understanding of the expat’s choice, Dawn Gerretsen said “I am sure most expats would rather be home in SA – it’s one of the hardest decisions a person has to make – to leave all they know and love behind.”

Paul’s poem also resulted in a challenge from Lucas Janse van Vuuren who will be in South Africa in May. “After 25 years in the UK (Oxford) and seven years of not going home once to South Africa, I challenge any South African for a braai! Make my next visit to Gansbaai a trip to remember. anyone up for this challenge?”

Jack ban den Berg admitted that he even “braaied in the rain in Ireland on the beach many years ago…fond memories of wet boerie”.

And Donald and Mary Keast responded to Paul’s poem with their version of the current life of a South African braai-lover abroad:

Your view on what it’s like out here is outdated and untrue

So please allow me to enlighten you all on how us expats BraaiBBQ

The Earls Court flat is in the past and now we’re making money
we’ve packed our bags, all had kids and bought a house in Surrey.

Thanks to global warming our summers are quite nice
the boys are drinking beers and shots, the ladies Pimms and ice

The SAFA shops sell Castle but I think that you will find
with the variety of Lagers here the Castle’s left behind.

The ale is best for winter braai’s when the snow is on the ground but you’ll only get your SAFA mates to agree to come around

No matter what the season one fact you had is wrong the fork is never used its always been the tong

Charcoal on the patio or gas up on the deck
with all the food we’ve got to cook we’ll use both, what the heck.

We also stand around the fire and discuss the Springbok team but we also like to talk about all the places that we’ve been.

I must admit we sometimes grill sausages and homemade patties
but we do still buy boeriewors and marinated chicken flatties.

Bangers aren’t what they used to be, the variety is vast
with wholegrain mustard and Bramley apple they really are first class.

We might have left the motherland to try a life in Blighty but will always agree with you on this,
Socks and sandal’s are unsightly.

Be thankful to those coming back for one thing you’ll find is true
they’ve travelled far and shown the world how SAFA’s BraaiBBQ.

***

As one expat Patricia Bryson – who still braais the SA way in the UK – says, “once a South African…always a South African”.

Read the original poem by Paul Christie for South Africans returning from the UK.