THERE’s a buzz of excitement on the beach at Amanzimtoti, where a beached whale carcass is drawing people from far and wide.
The monstrous creature of the deep looks out of place on the sandy shore, especially as you approach and take in the horror of the exposed blubber and red, fleshy innards that have been hacked away by dwarfed people armed with knives, axes and pangas.
While some are rushing down in glee, the experience on the beach is enough to make you gag – so bad as to make some physically lose their stomach contents.
A small posse of us ventured down about an hour after brunch, having shortsightedly eaten a hearty but late breakfast. Mistake #1 for some.
A brisk 15km southerly breeze buffeted the steep dune path on the way down. By the time we reached the foot of the dune, my legs were already unsteady and the pungent smells had assaulted my nose. There was to be no relief for the next hour, as we witnessed the spectacle of the mammoth mammal being hacked to pieces. All while the tide turned red.
A swarm of people of all colours, persuasions, ages and creeds came in waves, each for their own reasons. Curiosity being the main driver among moms and tots, and hunger, profit and muti the driving force for others.
Glee turned to gross for a little girl, whose curiosity got the better of her. Walking hand in hand with mom, the exposed sight of the red flesh, coupled with the sight of the people hacking away was obviously just too much for her.
Similarly, one of our group was overcome by the stench and was doubled over on the beach, losing her recent breakfast.
WHAT THE PEOPLE SAY QUESTION:
Is the public butchering of the beached whale disgusting or fair game?
Comment below…
