Returning Home

I was in the plane, we were flying over Johannesburg at a low altitude, I saw one the world cup stadiums as we flew over Soweto, I smiled in excitement about the changes I am soon to inflict on my beloved country I call home, despite the fact that I have the support of my family but a few pessimists who don't believe this is achieveable might be proven wrong as I've proven so many wrong in the past already

As we touched down at Johannesburg Oliver Tambo International Airport I couldn't wait to get off the plane, I flew through passport control and customs rather quickly, then I waited three hours in the domestic terminal as my flight to Port Elizabeth was delayed, I had to make a few quick arrangements, apparently there was someone waiting for me on the otherside so I had to phone my parents to get them to pick me up later which went smoothly, everything turned out well in the end....

The first night back at home I felt depressed and sad, I was missing my friends back in the Netherlands, I was telling myself constantly "why the heck am I here" but then kept reminding myself why "to become a politician and help make change for my people who deserve it" well it's only been 4 weeks that I've been here and already I'm waiting for 2 colleges to hopefully accept me, I'm going to study for a bachelor's degree in law and then I'm off to finish my course on political science at the University of Rhodes, I'm quite excited actually, I just want to help do my bit for my country, but on the contrary, despite the fact that I'm trying to further my education on a higher level I've already been involved in the political party that I desire, the Democratic Alliance, already I'm part of the youth league being that I'm 20 years old

I'm getting majorly involved in the Democratic Alliance (DA) both the main party and the youth league, I truly want to make a difference, and it's not about money because it didn't even cross my mind, to behonest I don't really need it I've got plenty enough but that's besides the point, as an MP I want to make effective change, change that people (the electorate) can see and feel impressed by, I also would like to see some of the electorate get angry about issues that they consider against their views because even those who protest have an oppinion and it's always good to hear what they have to say, there's nothing positive about politics in the slightest, I'm aware that there's also downsides to it too, I also know that there's a lot of let downs, people who matter express this often, one couldn't say that they don't care because they don't vote, it's obvious that they do care otherwise why would they protest and strike? People and their oppinions matter to me on a political basis, as a constituent I want to hear what people have to say, I want to hear about their problems, I love the stress of politics even bearing the pressure of having the solve matters sometimes personally or in a group with support from colleagues or the electorate with extraordinary idea worth taking into account and I just love it endlessly

The staunching hot sun, the breezy sea winds and the truly South African smell of our nature is beyond words to discribe, I just love it all, I love going for a walk and seeing a monkey in a tree on the side of footpath or waking up to a beautiful sunrise with the glistening Indian Ocean as part of your backyard and the smell and breeze of the sea hitting you as you breath it all in and sink whilst drinking a hot cup of morning coffee, seeing my garden and the flowers that grow in it along with the palm trees puts a smile on my face everytime, especially after a long day when I've been on my feet most of the time, I just love how things are unfolding nicely, I just hope things remain the same for a while

Now that I've almost settled in despite the fact that most of my things are still in the Netherlands ready to be shipped here to South Africa I just know that I'm only going to enjoy it more, I'm fully prepared for the supposed "culture shock" I'm facing it now as I type this but it's alright, it's the kind of culture I already know and it's nice to learn and explore about new things even though I haven't lived in South Africa in such a very long time but I know I'm going to like it, I mean ALL of my family are here including the deceased members of my family who I still remember but never had the chance to say goodbye to, but, nevertheless, I'll survive it I suppose, I have to, once I'm in college and fully settled in with my own bunch of preppy friends I know I'll be fine, as long as I have their back they'll have mine for sure, I don't know if I will be able to call someone my best friend if I ever get one because I already have one but he lives in Holland so that's something to be forgotten but unfortunately I'm not that selfcentred so I'm going to keep a good memory of my best friend and of course I still keep frequent contact with Hugo who's been there for me like a best friend should as I have been to him

For now I'm just waiting for something more positive to come of my life, including being accepted into college successfully and without hassle, I just need some Rensburg wisdom and courage to overcome the anxiety of it all because I have butterflies in my stomach, but anyways I'll try and make the most of it all with a little luck and courage, I know I have God resting on my shoulder guiding me through the rough map of undecided direction.



Chad C Rensburg
Port Elizabeth, EC, Republic of South Africa