LIVING HISTORY : At almost 106, Nozito Xalipi has a lifetime of lessons for SA
At nearly 106, Kariega resident Nozito Xalipi has lived through apartheid, the birth of democracy and the transformation of her community. She celebrates the progress South Africa has made, but worries about the hardships facing young people today and the future they will inherit.
Nearly 106-year-old Nozito Xalipi, a resident of Kariega, has lived through the tumultuous years of apartheid, the dawn of democracy, and the transformation of her community. She remains enamored with the progress South Africa has made, yet she expresses concern for the hardships faced by the younger generations today and the uncertain future awaiting them.
Over the course of her almost 106 years, Xalipi has observed the evolution of South Africa, from its agricultural past to the modern era of electricity and running water. Born in Kirkwood on November 20, 1920, she and her family eventually relocated to KwaNobuhle in Kariega around 1953, where she raised ten children and witnessed the area undergo drastic changes.
Despite the progress, Xalipi worries about the current hardships faced by young people and the bleak future they may inherit. She recalls the open fields and absence of infrastructure, which gave way to the development of houses and streets over time. Xalipi laments the deterioration of the community's well-being, expressing her bewilderment at the state of affairs.
During her youth, the local hospital was often empty and service was swift; now, she observes long queues and people sleeping on floors, questioning the true essence of freedom.
Nozito Xalipi grew up in a generation that cooked over wood fires and often worked without pay, which was one of the reasons her family moved away from Kirkwood. While she acknowledges that life under apartheid was tough, she fears that young people are currently experiencing their own set of profound struggles in a country that promised them better opportunities.
She highlights the issue of unemployment, stating that the lack of jobs leads people into poverty, desperation, and ultimately, involvement in crime, substance abuse, and even death.
Xalipi maintains her voting habit, recognizing the sacrifices made by those who fought for the freedoms South Africans enjoy today. However, she believes that it is the responsibility of the younger generation to continue voting for change. She voices her concern that infighting within her party has distracted leaders from addressing the pressing issues of poverty and unemployment that plague their constituents.
Xalipi fears for the future of her children and laments, "You would think we live in freedom, but our children are suffering more than ever. Things are becoming worse by the day."
Written by urgent.news from Daily Maverick's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
