My Durban Story

Growing up in Durban was a sensory overload in the best possible way. The smell of saltwater and sugar canes wafted through the air as I walked along the beachfront of the Golden Mile. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore was like music to my ears. I felt alive, like I was a part of something bigger than myself.

As a kid, I spent hours exploring the Indian Ocean, trying to catch a glimpse of the dolphins that played in the waves. My friends and I would climb the rickety pier, feeling like pirates on the high seas. We'd gaze out at the horizon, dreaming of adventures beyond our wildest imaginations.

But Durban wasn't all sunshine and rainbows. I saw poverty and hardship, felt the weight of expectation from my family to succeed. My parents worked tirelessly to provide for me and my siblings, and I knew I had to make them proud. Yet, in the midst of it all, I found my voice, my passion, and my purpose.

I remember the sound of my mother's voice, calling me to come and eat my lunch, as I played soccer with my friends in the dusty streets of Chatsworth. The smell of curry and rice wafting from our kitchen was the best thing since sliced bread. My mother's cooking was legendary, and our house was always filled with the delicious aromas of her latest creations.

As I grew older, the streets of Durban became my playground. I'd take the taxi rank to town, blasting kwaito music with my friends, feeling like we owned the world. We'd dance in the aisles, singing along to the likes of TKZee and Mandoza. Those were the days of carefree youth, when nothing seemed impossible.

But Durban also taught me about resilience. I saw how my community came together in times of need, how we supported each other through thick and thin. I learned about the power of Ubuntu, of humanity towards others. And I knew that no matter where life took me, I'd always carry that with me.

As I navigated the ups and downs of adolescence, Durban was my constant companion. I'd take long walks along the beach, trying to make sense of the world. I'd watch the sunset over the ocean, feeling the breeze on my face. And I'd know that everything was going to be okay.

Durban, you raised me to be strong, to be resilient, and to never give up on my dreams. You taught me about the power of community, about the importance of family. And you showed me that even in the darkest of times, there's always beauty.