WELCOME TO THE MDANTSANE WAY MAGAZINE

Mdantsane is a unique, vibrating, eclectic, African place. Follow us on a pilgrimage to Mdantsane to discover the street culture, fashion, food, people, music, homes, taverns, humor, businesses, history and what's hot in the second biggest township in South-Africa, located close to the city of East London in the Province of the Eastern Cape. Join us on this journey while we capture the spirit of this amazing place for you in the here and in the now. We are going to introduce you to many individuals, artists, musicians, groups and associations.
They are the HEROES OF DAILY LIFE. They are the people who create, innovate and improve their life and their stories deserve to be told. This is a place for only good and positive stories of humanity, that will send out a message of courage, endurance and strength to the world through their pictures and words.

Saturday, June 12, 2010

SIDWELL - LIFE AS A CAR GUARD


Sidwell comes from Mdantsane but he works not there. 
He commutes to the business center of East London every day. Sidwell works as a car guard.
He lived once in Mdantsane but lost his house due to a fire that has destroyed a whole area there and moved to the informal settlement of Duncan Village where he built a shack and where he lives now. 
Duncan village has been recognized as an area that will be developed by the municipality in the future. For now there is only in certain sectors electricity and water.


In every town in South-Africa there are car guards.The car guards allocate certain streets between themselves and watch the cars. It is one of the big informal employment sectors in South Africa. How much you pay and what you give is up to you. There is no fixed rate.
To some they are the hounds from hell considered as robbing, stealing thieves that are a danger to society.
To others a non-avoidable nuisance.
But many appreciate their presence because they take care of the cars carry parcels for you if you have any and try to earn money and make a living like we all do.
Sidwell thinks he is 57 but is not sure of it.


He had tuberculosis and has been treated but he feels often sick and pays frequently visits to the public hospital. During his times of absence that he spends at the clinic he looses badly needed income because other car guards take over his place.
If he does not come back in time his street will be taken over by a younger guy.
And he thinks he is too old for this job.

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