Skates and All...

Relative standing outside the post office in Ga-Rankuwa Complex, or Sutang as called by the locals. Sutang one of the oldest surviving shopping centres in the area, where the shopkeepers are practically family to me now. 

For those who don't know, I am from Ga-Rankuwa, a township in Pretoria North. Like its City, it is relatively quiet. But it has a typical 'kasi' air about it. I was born and raised in this area. I have seen a lot of change... mainly for the better. For example infrastructure improvement, such as the installation of new water pipes, working street light, public parks, public bins, and one thing I thought I would never see, the laying of tar roads.  The government is still working on putting the township on official maps, technically Ga-Rankuwa does not exist.

There has also been a change in culture, especially in young people. When I was younger it was typical to play khati, legusha, letlapa, etc. Street soccer and cricket were also very popular. As time passed by there were little changes, where playing out all day has been replaced by more and more kids playing on their game consoles. Where instead of hanging out with your friends on the street corner or someone's house has been replaced by hanging out at the nearest mall.From changes in religious orientation, and wider acceptance of the other. To changes and diversification of dance, where now pantsula, is mixed with hip hop dance; and rock and indie is as common as house, kwaito or RnB. 

It has been exciting, at times frustrating, but in all exciting to be able to live through these changes. It warms my heart to see people happy about the state of home, and being able to proudly say that they live in Ga-Rankuwa. I say this because, not only has there been such an emergence of a unique culture, but it has pulled many young people out of negative situations, such as drugs, gangsterism, and put them in a place where they are able to express their own interests. But not saying that it is no longer a problem. 

One such interests is skateboarding. An activity that will surely take home by storm. It started with a group of believers, a group loosely calling themselves Nonchalant, and of recent Zooloo. This is a group of very unique characters from different family backgrounds, that found one another through their love of skateboarding. A certain lifestyle has emerged from this interest. These are some of the documented works by my brother, also part of this group, giving a glimpse into their reality....

The original and official Nonchalant Works symbol. A symbol that I have seen develop as the group developed. Now one can be found graffitied around town, on t-shirts and skateboards.

My brother has a serious love for the arts, like myself. His is  quite different  from mine. I love it and take from it. This was just a few of his works.