Waiting For Helen

Sara died this week. In a tin shack in Blikkiesdorp. Moved there 15 years ago from Woodstock after those who had managed to escape the ravaging of District Six found themselves crowded into Gympie Street, Williams St, Pine Rd and the like in Woodstock trying to escape being abandoned on the Cape Flats. It wasn't to be. With the gentrification of Woodstock and the 'temporary' relocation of people to Blikkiesdorp, Sara found herself far from home, waiting for that 'better' she was promised by 'Helen Zille' as she put it. Lost her husband, lost her son, and now herself succumbing. Very like the tragic tales of District Six. Where 'conditions' were not deemed fit for human occupation, so those humans were subjected to the worst, moved further away so their plight could be sidelined, and justify the rationalized occupation of these areas by white and privileged groupings - blythely enjoying the benefit of such iniquities. Where some ex-residents unable to manage this trauma found themselves destitute and scarred on the streets, only to be again herded of to Strandfontein Transit Camp where the Human Rights Abuses visited on the people there are justified with the City Of Cape Town's commitment to 'get them off the streets' Sara died this week. Alone in a tin shack in Blikkiesdorp. Far from home. Her family destroyed, her life barren and without hope, her environment a nightmare of deprivation and abuse, waiting for the promise 'Helen Zille' made to her of a 'decent home' to be fulfilled. What is wrong with this scenario? She was a DA supporter She believed Helen Zille Believed that all of this was somehow that better life she was convinced the DA here in the WC assured her they were busy formulating on her behalf. While the DA is proudly bragging about their accomplishments here in this province, an old lady wrenched from her home, dispossessed of family and possessions, eventually succumbed to loss and neglect. Waiting