In the bustling streets of South Africa, I crossed paths with Hari, a man with dreams of starting a business in leather goods. In the year 2006, Hari had already spent nearly a year in South Africa before my arrival. His backstory was a testament to his resilience and determination, as he had initially aimed to travel to Canada but found himself in a situation without proper legal documentation.
Amidst the lively hustle and bustle of South Africa, Hari toiled away in a shop owned by Gujaratis, earning his livelihood while grappling with the complexities of residing in a foreign land without proper documentation. Despite these challenges, we formed a close friendship, and before long, he confided in me about his ambitious venture to launch a business selling leather wallets and jackets.
Memorable trip
One day, Hari proposed a trip to Johannesburg to showcase his sample products to potential buyers. Armed with a briefcase filled with samples, Hari dressed in a suit to present himself as a trustworthy businessperson. Concerned about the city’s reputation for crime, I advised him against the formal attire, but he brushed off my worries.
Unfazed, we started our journey from Kempton Park to Johannesburg in a Hiace, feeling the excitement in the air. While navigating the busy streets, I became more uneasy, sensing a warning in the back of my mind. Despite my suggestion to take a taxi, Hari insisted on walking, believing in his ability to stay safe despite the stories of theft that worried me.
The busy streets turned chaotic as a group of people appeared, eyeing Hari’s briefcase like hungry predators. Panic set in as they tried to grab the bag. Amid the confusion, my pleas for help went unheard amidst the everyday noise of the crowd.
The situation got scarier as they caught both Hari and me. Remembering past advice, I gave up my belongings, hoping they would let us go unharmed. Despite Hari’s brave attempts to resist, they took the briefcase and disappeared into the city.
I hurried after Hari, who had fallen and struggled to wake up. Despite my desperate calls for help, the indifferent crowd paid no attention. Minutes felt like an eternity until Hari finally stirred and urged me to keep moving. We walked back to the station, still shaken by what had happened.
A realisation hit us—the thieves only wanted the briefcase, leaving our money and phones behind. In the heart of Johannesburg, where secrets whispered in the shadows, the saying rang true: “If you haven’t been looted, you haven’t experienced Johannesburg.” It was a tough lesson about the city’s hidden dance with crime that I had just learned.
Back at our shared house in South Africa, we, along with other Nepali friends, shared stories of our struggles and dreams. Each one had a unique journey, driven by hopes of a better future. While the incident in Johannesburg left scars, it became a part of our collective experience in a land that challenged us but also offered a chance for growth and friendship.
Priceless experiences
As the years passed, I navigated the ups and downs of life in South Africa. It was not a smooth ride, but the challenges moulded me into a more mature and resilient individual. While financial success eluded me, the memories and friendships I gained were priceless. South Africa became not just a chapter in my life but a crucial part of my journey toward self-discovery and growth.
As my journey unfolded over nearly three years in Johannesburg, my aspirations and circumstances took unexpected turns. Dreaming of pursuing a Master’s in Social Sciences, my reality dictated a different path. The quest for part-time work proved challenging, forcing me into full-time roles that left me with little time for academic pursuits.
The dream of studying at the University of South Africa, where Nelson Mandela once walked the halls, seemed distant. To navigate my stay and extend my visa, I reluctantly enrolled in a diploma in accounting at Boston City College. It was not my passion, but a necessary step for survival.
Amidst the challenges, South Africa became a canvas for unique experiences. I found myself amid live cricket matches — T20s, ODIs, and even Test Matches. The thrill extended to witnessing the spectacle of the Indian Premier League and the Confederation Cup. Unexpectedly, I also became a guardian for students who came to South Africa for pilot training.
I met many of these students, sometimes flying with them and even getting a chance to be in the cockpit in command. They shared their knowledge with me, adding another layer to my South African adventure. The skies above became a classroom, and the lessons I learned were as diverse as the experiences on the ground. Though unexpected, these moments enriched my time in a land that had not been part of my long-term plans.
Yet, I never envisioned a prolonged stay or settling down in South Africa. My heart harboured a burning desire to complete my master’s, a dream deferred by the demands of reality. Occupying various roles, from a salesperson to a manager, brought both satisfaction and financial constraints. Despite the joy in my work, financial obligations loomed large, hindering my ability to send money home or meet expenses accumulated during my student days in South Africa.
Longing for home
By 2009, the inner whisper to return home grew louder. The longing for my master’s intensified, and the possibility of pursuing it abroad or in Nepal lingered in my thoughts. Opening up to my employer, I expressed my decision to leave South Africa, uncertain of my return. His reassuring words echoed, “No worries, Sushil, my doors are always ready to welcome you back.”
The farewell at the airport painted a bittersweet picture. Friends bid goodbye, their emotions mixed, a tinge of sadness at my departure, but also a glimmer of happiness, hopeful that I would find a better life in my home country, Nepal. As I embarked on the journey back, the echoes of South Africa’s challenges and unexpected joys lingered, intertwining with my pursuit of education and a longing for home.
