Inflationary Pressure
I saw in the headlines yesterday that gas was going up by 25 cents all over Swaziland. I felt firsthand the effects of inflation today when a little girl asked me for “lesihlanu” (five emalangeni) instead of the usual “lelishumi” (one lilangeni) that the kids almost instinctively ask foreign-looking people for.
It’s been a while since I’ve been hit up for spare change (which, as Jenny knows, I rarely have anyway). Usually, kids from around my community know not to ask me for money or candy now. In the beginning, I would stop and give the little beggars long lectures (it’s not like I as pressed for time) about staying in school so they could find jobs afterwards. I know, I know, I was being a real sanctimonious prick to some kid who just wanted a stick of gum. But I really think this “beggar” mentality starts at a young age, continues as they grow up, and can keep Swaziland crappy forever. It’s not like their parents will change their rude behavior – many of the adults do exactly the same thing. A couple weeks ago, some tsotsi in the Manzini bus rank followed me and asked me for food. He kept claiming he was starving, but all the while he chomped on a carrot and held a coin in his outstretched hand. When I pointed out the food and money already in his possession, he promptly threw them both on the ground and continued to pester me. The bomake around me seemed to understand the absurdity of the situation and rolled their eyes at the guy. People can be pretty ridiculous.
It’s been a while since I’ve been hit up for spare change (which, as Jenny knows, I rarely have anyway). Usually, kids from around my community know not to ask me for money or candy now. In the beginning, I would stop and give the little beggars long lectures (it’s not like I as pressed for time) about staying in school so they could find jobs afterwards. I know, I know, I was being a real sanctimonious prick to some kid who just wanted a stick of gum. But I really think this “beggar” mentality starts at a young age, continues as they grow up, and can keep Swaziland crappy forever. It’s not like their parents will change their rude behavior – many of the adults do exactly the same thing. A couple weeks ago, some tsotsi in the Manzini bus rank followed me and asked me for food. He kept claiming he was starving, but all the while he chomped on a carrot and held a coin in his outstretched hand. When I pointed out the food and money already in his possession, he promptly threw them both on the ground and continued to pester me. The bomake around me seemed to understand the absurdity of the situation and rolled their eyes at the guy. People can be pretty ridiculous.
posted by Mark at 5:48 AM
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