HARRISMITH - Broken Town In A Broken Country
TLDRThis vlog provides an honest and balanced exploration of Harrismith, a medium-sized town in the Free State of South Africa. Known as the halfway house between major cities, the town reveals a blend of neglected infrastructure and communal resilience. The vlogger encounters potholes, neglected monuments, and signs of a struggling local government, juxtaposed with the town's rich history and local initiatives to improve conditions. Amidst challenges, there are moments of warmth and community spirit, showcasing the town's quiet charm and the laidback nature of African living. The vlog navigates through local markets, encounters with residents, and the vibrancy of street life, offering a nuanced view of Harrismith's complexity and beauty.
Takeaways
- 🏙️ The town of Harry Smith is described as neglected and falling apart, with visible signs of decay and dysfunction in its infrastructure.
- 🌿 Despite the town's decline, there are efforts by locals to rehabilitate the streets and maintain some semblance of order.
- 🏛️ The Town Hall in Harry Smith, a potential National Monument, has also been neglected, reflecting the local government's lack of attention to heritage and public spaces.
- 🇿🇦 Historical significance is noted with Harry Smith's role during the South African Anglo-Boer War, and the presence of blockhouses and a military cemetery.
- 🎥 The vlogger's experience in the town is a mix of appreciation for the laid-back African living and frustration with the evident corruption and ineptitude of governing bodies.
- 🍲 A highlight of the local food scene is mentioned, with a positive review of a sausage and pap (porridge) meal, showcasing the town's affordable and tasty street food.
- 🌿 The town is described as peaceful and comforting, with a slow pace of life that the vlogger finds appealing.
- 🏢 Small businesses are struggling but maintaining hygiene and cleanliness standards, indicating a strong work ethic among locals.
- 🌍 The informal economy's significant contribution to the GDP of Sub-Saharan Africa is acknowledged, with the town reflecting this broader economic trend.
- 🍻 Social spots like the 'moth Club' and 'shell hole' bars provide a sense of community and history, offering a different nightlife experience from the usual.
- 🌸 The presence of Cosmos flowers and a shopping area with major brands offer a more upscale and cosmopolitan experience within the town.
Q & A
What are the first impressions of Harrismith according to the transcript?
-The first impressions of Harrismith are that it is completely neglected and falling apart at the seams, which is described as quite sad given its former beauty.
Why is Harrismith known as the halfway house?
-Harrismith is known as the halfway house because of its central location, which is roughly halfway between the major cities of Durban, Johannesburg, and Bloemfontein in South Africa.
What historical significance does Harrismith hold?
-Harrismith was a major base during the South African Anglo-Boer War, with several blockhouses in the surrounding area and a military cemetery in memory of the officers and men of the second Battalion Grenadier guards and the second battalion Scot Guards who gave their lives for their country in 1900-1902.
How does the local population attempt to address the town's issues?
-The local population, through private initiatives, desperately tries to rehabilitate the streets that the local government has abandoned, indicating a proactive community effort to improve conditions.
What does the transcript say about the state of service delivery in Harrismith?
-The transcript states that service delivery in Harrismith is completely dysfunctional, with evidence of rubbish dumps along the sides of roads that are burnt in place, highlighting a significant issue with waste management.
How does the narrator's experience at a local food stall describe the town's vibe?
-The narrator's experience at a local food stall, where they had sausage and maize meal for a reasonable price, reflects the 'Free State su vibes' and 'African vibes', portraying a sense of community and simplicity in the town.
What conflict does the narrator express about living in Harrismith?
-The narrator expresses a conflict between appreciating the laid-back nature of African living and being frustrated by the corruption and ineptitude of the governing bodies, highlighting a mix of admiration and disappointment.
What does the Moth Club in Harrismith represent?
-The Moth Club in Harrismith represents a community space for veterans, originally founded as a place for soldiers returning from the World War to have a place to stay and maintain community. It holds historical significance with military memorabilia and serves as a gathering place for members.
How does the informal economy contribute to Harrismith and similar towns?
-The informal economy in Harrismith and similar towns is significant, estimated to contribute between 25 and 65% of GDP. It includes informal trading and services that help people survive day by day, indicating a vital part of the local economy.
What does the narrator's journey to the township reveal about Harrismith?
-The narrator's journey to the township reveals a side of Harrismith characterized by poverty and drug use, but also by a friendly and welcoming community. It showcases the stark contrast within the town and highlights both the challenges and the resilience of its residents.
Outlines
🏙️ Town Introduction and First Impressions
The speaker introduces the town of Harry Smith, noting its neglected state and the visible decay. They emphasize their intent to provide a balanced view of the town, highlighting its historical significance as a base during the South African Anglo-Boer War and the presence of a military cemetery. The town's central location and the elegant Town Hall, which is poorly maintained, are also mentioned. The speaker's initial impressions include the prevalence of rubbish dumps and a dysfunctional service delivery system, leading to a critical view of the local and national government's management of the area.
🌳 Observations on Town Life and Local Efforts
The speaker discusses the town's slow pace and comforting atmosphere, despite signs of decay. They note the local community's efforts to clean up and maintain the town, such as picking up trash and fixing puddles. The speaker appreciates the slow and laid-back nature of African living but is torn by the corruption and ineptitude of the governing bodies. They also mention their experience with local food and the cleanliness and organization of a small eatery they visit.
📈 Informal Economy and Sub-Saharan Africa
The speaker explores the informal economy's significant contribution to Sub-Saharan Africa's GDP, estimated between 25 and 65%. They share their positive experiences with the local people, who are friendly and welcoming. The speaker also comments on the visible struggle with poverty and expresses concern about the country's rapid decline. The paragraph includes a visit to a club with a rich history, dating back to the founding of the Moth Club in 1928, which serves as a social and community space for veterans.
🌼 Contrasting Townscapes and Experiences
The speaker describes the town's diverse landscapes, from the beautiful Cosmos flowers to the fancy shopping area reminiscent of big city suburbs. They note the convenience of the town's location near the N3 National Road, which attracts diverse visitors. The speaker also shares their plans to visit the local township to experience all parts of the community, acknowledging the poverty and drug use in the area but also finding the residents friendly and good-natured.
🍻 Socializing and Nightlife in the Township
In this paragraph, the speaker shares their experience visiting a local shebeen (shabia) and interacting with the manager, Lucky. They describe the friendly and welcoming nature of the people they meet, even amidst the laid-back atmosphere. The speaker contemplates whether to join the party and have a beer, considering the stress they've been under recently. The paragraph highlights the informal economy's role in daily life and the community's resilience in making a living.
🚌 Taxi Ride and Town Exploration
The speaker recounts their taxi ride to the township, noting the caution advised for the area due to its dodgy characters. They express their philosophy of facing challenges head-on and describe the vibrant and diverse environment of the township. The speaker's observations include the prevalence of traditional African medicine, the natural environment's rubbish, and the surprising sight of a man with a golf club, possibly for protection. The paragraph ends with the speaker's decision to take a break from social media and focus on their vlogging life.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡neglected
💡balanced view
💡service delivery
💡informal economy
💡poverty
💡corruption
💡military history
💡cultural diversity
💡community spirit
💡touristy view
💡tranquility
💡local government
Highlights
The speaker aims to provide a balanced view of the town, showcasing all sides and their first impressions.
Harry Smith is described as neglected and falling apart, with a sense of sadness due to its previous beauty.
The town is a typical medium-sized Freestate Town with a central location in South Africa.
The Town Hall in Harry Smith is an elegant building but has been severely neglected by the local government.
Harry Smith's historical significance as a major base during the South African Anglo-Boer War.
The nickname 'pole City' due to the numerous rubbish dumps and dysfunctional service delivery in the town.
The contrast between the laid-back African living and the tyranny of corruption and ineptitude of governing bodies.
The experience of a local breakfast with light sausage and pop, showcasing African flavors.
The speaker's positive impression of the town's slow pace and comforting atmosphere.
The observation of poverty and the struggle of people, indicating a country in decline.
A visit to the Moth Club, a historical venue founded in 1928 for soldiers after the first world war.
The exploration of the informal economy and its significant contribution to the GDP in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The speaker's birthday and their experience of the town's nightlife, offering a different perspective of the town.
The search for a coffee shop and the challenges of finding good coffee in small African towns.
The visit to the location or township, offering insight into the poverty, drug use, and desperation in the area.
The speaker's philosophy of facing challenges head-on and their approach to navigating the town.
The description of the fancy shopping area, providing a cosmopolitan feel and a contrast to the small-town vibe.
The taxi ride to the location and the speaker's interaction with locals, showing the friendly nature of the people.