Along the road side there a craftsmen selling things they have made. Lots of beaded animals, baskets, etc. But the picture above demonstrates a really unique talent — carving animals that are pretty big — and really life-like. The guy wanted R200 for one … which is about $20.
(top) Polokwane International Airport worker. Great outfit!
(2nd and 3rd) Space-age lounge at the airport.
(bottom) Entrance to Polokwane International Airport —- Limpopo Province
I flew out of Polokwane International Airport and back to Joburg. The Polokwane Airport was small but had a real theme going. There were airport attendants dressed with sequence covered jackets, black slacks, and glittery shoes! Right out of Vegas! I wanted to grab something to eat before my flight — the restaurant was like the set from the Jetson’s…really catchy! Fun place to sit and have dinner and a drink.
(top) ANC Parliament member, Letsau Nelson Diale
(middle/bottom) Mr. Diale’s autobiography
When flying back from Polokwane in Limpopo province, I was waiting to board the plane and a lovely gentleman was in line next to me. We struck up a conversation and he told me that he is a 19 year member of the South African parliament, a member of the African National Congress, and a representative from Limpopo province. His name is Nelson Diale and he was on his way to Cape Town for budget hearings. I learned a bit about his personal journal through his biography which he kindly shared with me (see photos above).
The ANC is the ruling party, was formed in 1912 and was instrumental in ending apartheid. The current President, Jacob Zuma, is a member of the ANC; the policies of the ANC are determined by its membership and its leadership is accountable to the membership.
Stunning flower — following a light Fall rain.
Is this not a beautiful flower! Blooming hydrangea in Fall, South Africa.
(top to bottom)
1. Reda’s mom - a beautiful and talented Afrikaan school teacher and artist!
2. One of her beautiful crocheted works — adorned with glass beads.
3. A crocheted glass cover.
4. Nurse researcher and clinician Reda Jacobs with her daughter, Le-Marie.
5. Marie with Reda’s mother.
The UJ doctoral nursing student who took me to Limpopo province, soon-to-be Dr. Reda Jacobs, was kind enough to have me in her home in Polokwane. Her mom and dad live with them and her mother - a school teacher of many years, was an absolute delight! She is not only beautiful - but also very talented. She crochets the most beautiful works and uses glass beads to adorn the beautiful stitchery. I was amazed that she could do such fine work at near 80 years of age! She truly creates art! See photos above
From top to bottom:
1 & 2. Maria, the traditional healer, with Fulbrighter Marie Hastings-Tolsma
3. Goat skin used as part of healing.
4. Burner used to burn herbs in her office. She has the person being healed sit next to the burner, places a blanket over them and has them breathe in the smoke.
5. Cattle horns taken from a sacrificed cow. Maria uses the horns to speak with her ancestors during healing sessions. Her ancestors guide her in healing.
6. Goat skins hanging behind her house — drying for later use in healing.
7. Maria’s office used for healing. The building is behind the main home. Of note, she must do well as a healer as her home was by far the nicest in the community.
8. Maria’s mother who lives with her.
