When we moved from our previous landlord’s home, where he was employed, Blackson moved with us as well. For the past 14 years he has been our trustee gardener. However, he helps us with much more than tending to my mother’s pride that is our garden. Blackson also occasionally paints the house or changes the odd lightbulb. He is a father to six and has more dependants who live with him, such as his sister-in-law and nieces. His oldest son, Jacob, is 26 and wishes to go to law school. With help from my mother, Jacob has been working towards this aim, saving up to pay for his fees. Blackson's second son Bernard, is 23 years old. As a husband and father, he is currently employed with us as a gardener in order to support his wife and child. Blackson and his large family live in Kanyama compound in a two-bedroom home. Their living room is used as a bedroom in order to accommodate everyone. Bernard, his wife and child live behind Blackson’s house in a single room which acts as a living area and bedroom.

It’s better you see our house so that you can understand. The problem is this: if the things were cheaper, we can save money. The problem is mealie meal is high, relish is high. Everything has gone up. It is difficult to save when you have to look after six people – to eat, to go to school. They can’t go without eating. 

In my future what I want, that house you saw, I don’t have a room for the children to sleep. So I am planning to make bedrooms for them and to make the sitting room bigger. 

Jacob is a nice guy; he is a decent guy. He wants to finish school but I don’t have money to sponsor him to go to college, so it’s a big issue for Jacob. He still wants to go to college but I know God is going to help. I even advised him: Jacob you know, me I am poor. What you can do, look for a simple course temporarily like teaching. It will be temporary. When you teach, you can save money and go to the college you want. He did not understand before, but now he does. 

You know, also us, the blacks when they are rich they mistreat. Don’t think it is only white men or Indians. They are bad people and they are good people.

     When we moved from our previous landlord’s home, where he was employed, Blackson moved with us as well. For the past 14 years he has been our trustee gardener. However, he helps us with much more than tending to my mother’s pride that is our garden. Blackson also occasionally paints the house or changes the odd lightbulb. He is a father to six and has more dependants who live with him, such as his sister-in-law and nieces. His oldest son, Jacob, is 26 and wishes to go to law school. With help from my mother, Jacob has been working towards this aim, saving up to pay for his fees. Blackson's second son Bernard, is 23 years old. As a husband and father, he is currently employed with us as a gardener in order to support his wife and child. Blackson and his large family live in Kanyama compound in a two-bedroom home. Their living room is used as a bedroom in order to accommodate everyone. Bernard, his wife and child live behind Blackson’s house in a single room which acts as a living area and bedroom.

It’s better you see our house so that you can understand. The problem is this: if the things were cheaper, we can save money. The problem is mealie meal is high, relish is high. Everything has gone up. It is difficult to save when you have to look after six people – to eat, to go to school. They can’t go without eating. 

In my future what I want, that house you saw, I don’t have a room for the children to sleep. So I am planning to make bedrooms for them and to make the sitting room bigger. 

Jacob is a nice guy; he is a decent guy. He wants to finish school but I don’t have money to sponsor him to go to college, so it’s a big issue for Jacob. He still wants to go to college but I know God is going to help. I even advised him: Jacob you know, me I am poor. What you can do, look for a simple course temporarily like teaching. It will be temporary. When you teach, you can save money and go to the college you want. He did not understand before, but now he does. 

You know, also us, the blacks when they are rich they mistreat. Don’t think it is only white men or Indians. They are bad people and they are good people.