Hello Folks.
Sitting comfortably in exile, I have been away from this dashboard for a while. When I looked in, there were another few hundred comments waiting to be put up.
Amongst them were several requests for high quality images of these pictures, and requests to use them.
The answer is sure -- just email me at realistenator @ gmail.com and I will see what I can do.
I would like to do an update on the images (that is, if the electricity stays on in Jo'burg long enough to recharge my camera batteries) the next time I visit. Anyone who wants, in the meantime, to take any pictures and send them to me at the above email address, please do so and I will post them.
I left the old republic 25 years ago. I had a premonition that i wouldn't fit into the future South Africa. Between a single visit in the last six months, and looking at your pictures, I'm convinced my move was the right one.
ReplyDeleteIt seems that the new government in SA is not doing as good a job as the old one...
Seeing Rocky Street in Yeoville stings; we used to hang out in a 'speakeasy', drinking huge cocktails, and believing there was quality of life.
what colin says is right in a sense, but others were denied the quality. whatever the case may be, there's a number of reasons for the high crimerate, but one for violent crimes is the distribution of arms in the country initially sponsored by the ANC who accumulated those while in exile. woke up this morning remembering a letter i wrote to then president F.W. De Klerk stating that their can be no room for any weapons in the 'new' South Africa ... today i feel i was on the right track somewhere. i left in 1995, but i still have friends down there, though they live in the cape they see things differently. ... but i'm not here to discuss bloody politics ... in the long run europe will be on the same level, just check the unemployment and homelessness in this student town, though people denie 'homelessness' on the grounds that there are shelters for them, well, they had those in SA, too, one of them was near the prison in Hillbrow.
ReplyDeleteApologies if I have missed this post (theres just SO much to read on this site!). but I have a couple of questions...
ReplyDelete1) How were you able to take these photos without being chased down or attacked (or maybe you were?).
2) Is this really the state of the whole of Jo'burg, or is this just certain parts? Also, is this comparable to other parts of SA (Cape Town).
These pictures are just so depressing. Perhaps a sign of things to come. I will forward this website to everyone I know, I feel like I must get the word out about the destruction of SA - it goes totally unspoken of. I can only imagine how terrible sad it must be for you to see your country destroyed, beyond repair.
My wife and I visited Joburg and Durban Febuary 2008, on a nostalgia visit. I worked for Star newspaper in the eighties and for the Daily News in Durban. I was shocked to see the state of Joburg to-day. We lived in the Rand Excutive appartments on Tudhope Avenue just beside Hillbrow. My daughter went to Barnato Park school and my wife worked near Joubert Park on Claim Street. We used to eat and drink in all the watering holes that other guys have mentioned. We had great times in the Skyline and Ambassador Hotels, but not any more, they are slums now. Durban is not quite as bad YET but the city centre is wrecked. I would advise any european to make arrangements to get out yesterday as I think this place will implode. How they will manage to run the world cup is a mystery to me. 20000 english fans should'nt think that they can go see a match and then go downtown Joburg for a beer, I don't think that can happen. We go to the West of Scotland quite a lot and it is amazing how many S.A. kids are working there, they have seen the writing on the wall. I have been in some small highland pubs were Afikaans is spoken by the majority of the punters. S.A. will go the same way as Zimbabwe but as its a larger economy it will take a little longer.
ReplyDeleteHi there just checked out your Yeoville pictures and the one that you have called a famous restaurant and been told it is Mama's is incorrect. Mama's was on the corner of Rockey and Cavendish street, not Raymond. If you want to have a look at the other 'we grew up in yeoville' group, I have photos on there from my recent trip to the old home town!!...regards, great work. Helen
ReplyDeleteI found you from a link on another blog. Just didn't want to be a lurker and not leave a comment. I've learned so much here and just wanted you to know.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I am still resident in Jozi/JHb, for my sins in a past life, most probably.
ReplyDeleteThe filth and grime is spreading. Melville is next. As residents, we are fighting a losing battle against the lazy, corrupt, inefficient, stupid, apathetic SAPS, Liquor Board, Metro etc. etc.
The Sophiatown SAPS commander says, on the record nogal, that it is NO LONGER THE JOB OF THE SAPS TO PATROL AT NIGHT...She suggests that the residents form neighbourhood watches and patrol at night themselves. Upon discovering a crime, said residents must telephone 10111 and NOT the Sophiatown SAPS for assistance.
It was bad. Believe me, it's getting worse.
Your camera would get stolen before even having a chance to recharge the batteries.
ReplyDeleteHi all
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone have any pictures of the Park Lane hotel, Quirinale Hotel or Van Der Merwe Street
I worked at the Park Lane 1986 - 88. Does anyone remember Joffie ( j O' Flynn) Barry the gun or Panga Pete. We used to go to Michaels Tavern and the Ambassdor Hotel.
Any memories would be appreciated
Thank JD
Wow, this seems like a more than touchy subject based on the discussion.
ReplyDeleteIs this really the conditions there, or is this just one of the areas? Surely all of SA can't be this way?
Lucky you didn't get your camera stolen.
Dear RR,
ReplyDeleteThese pictures are very depressing and I can't help but wonder what Malcolm Fraser and Bob Hawke might think if they had the chance to see them.
I remember Malcolm Fraser going on about apartheid when I was a lad. While I didn't support apartheid, what has replaced it is much worse. I feel more and more Australians ought to know what is going on in South Africa. Especially Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard. Thank god I didn't attend the World Cup. I would have come back in a coffin most likely.
There has never been a successful black government to date! I was glad to get rid of my South African passport in favour of becoming a proud Australian. To those of you who brand me a "sissie" for leaving - yes I am! Can you say you know what true freedom is? I can - I live it every day!!
ReplyDeleteGet out now, and if you can't, stay safe!
Hi there Ace. Sorry for the Necro post .... its exactly that sort of closed minded ... pig headed attitude. .that prompts my response. Learn the proper anthropological history you moron. ... I am a white settler .... you are a black settler separated ... by a few hundred years.... your people took the Land From the ONLY real locals .. the khoi and San .... we took it from you ... you left mud huts we left a 1st world country. You consume ... we built. This wealth u speak of .. would atill be lying buried .. under tons of rich fertile african soil ... just go read up on your african history http://poetryrose.beep.com/tribes.htm
ReplyDeleteStayed a couple of times in the Constantia Hotel in Quartz Street Joubert Park...wonderful family owned little hotel...anyone know what became of it or have a photo to share? Thank uou!
ReplyDeleteAceone you people destroy everything if you are proud of what Johannesburg looks like today then I can understand your answer it is disgusting what your people have done to Johannesburg and the rest of South Africa you have no pride just take and destroy and this is in my opinion !!!!
ReplyDelete