Life in South Africa

In South Africa, it is customary for unemployed black men to gather at big intersections in the hopes that someone needing unskilled labourers will pick them up for a day's work. There is such an intersection right here So even in a small town like ours, the need, poverty and quiet desperation of many people is right in front of our eyes. This particular waiting spot is on the way to everywhere - Obviously - thats why they choose it Every time I shop for groceries; Every time I visit various friends and family; When I go to the doctor or the hairdresser If I visit the nursery for garden stuff; or go to the coffee shops in the area - I have to pass THAT place.

The men sit on the verges, on the pavements, and lean on the street lamps - just waiting.

Or they approach the cars, going from one to the other, with requests for money, jobs, food, clothes. . .

Some become abusive or even threatening when they are refused -which can be scary or infuriating, depending on your nature

So I live in a dichotomous, brain-splintered state a lot of the time: Part of me longs to be able to make everything ok for all of them; to provide jobs and homes, pension schemes and medical aid. . . Ot at least, give them all enough money to feed their families for a while. My heart breaks at their plight My mind boggles at the complexities of the problem - which go far deeper than facile quick-fixes. Believe me To be honest, another part of me wishes that I didn't have to face the problem in such an unrelenting way. I wish it could all just go away - When I visited San Clemente in California, I did not see ANY poor people!! (Not saying they aren't there - just saying, I didn't see them) Nobody begging Nobody harrassing I'm a bit ashamed to confess: "What a relief that was!" But its true. I realised there that a subliminal undercurrent of constant guilt can be our daily diet in South Africa - Suggestions? (besides using a different route!)