In response to the letter You know you’re from Randfontein when … (26 August) I know I’m from Randfontein when …
I find a spot to stop and give children a lift to school. I pass my house to drop them off safely and I usually have to remind them to say thank you. Maybe they have never been taught not to get into strangers’ cars or maybe they remember my face from waiting at school daily for my grandchildren.
When the same man begs daily, telling me how he’s run out of petrol and needs to get his family home.
When I carry my purse in a plastic bag as we are always warned to take care of our handbags.
When I need to spend all my small change on car watchers, even though I have my own watchers in the car.
I know I’m from Randfontein because I’m used to the noise from the big trucks passing my house 24 hours a day.
Regardless of the above, I love living in Randfontein.