MRR has always had a keen sense of community, so as Mandela Day approached there was no question as to whether we should participate, but rather, what to do. It was unanimously decided by the staff of MRR that we would have a “boerie braai” for the homeless people of Brakpan.
While it was our (certainly my) intention to benefit them by providing a meal, I had no preconception as to the value which would be added to my life.
As we greeted the 40 some-odd people who arrived at Brakpan Dam for the “boerie dogs” I realised that I knew very little about the daily life and routine of a homeless person. I had never taken the time nor made the effort to find out.
The initial reserve I felt was soon displaced by their acceptance of me and the warmth which they displayed both to me and to one another.
In their commonality, they displayed no racism, discrimination or negative judgement of one another.
Although from distinctly different backgrounds, they congregated in a harmonious assembly of mutual respect and care.
In juxtaposition, I envisaged a similar gathering of legal professionals and leave that image to the imagination of the reader.
Each individual has his or her own story and has made his or her own decisions.
Just as we have chosen our lifestyles, so have they. They demonstrate neither envy nor resentment of others of alternative proclivities or persuasions, a quality which we, perceived to be of a more privileged ilk, unfortunately seldom share.
I left the lunch feeling fulfilled, not necessarily by what I had consumed, but by the enrichment of having, for a short period of time, entered their world, and shared the opinions and stories of those gentle folk.
I am grateful to them for having thus enhanced my life.
As put by Nelson Mandela himself: “For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”
