Cape Town – Saarah Survé

Moonisah’s Story: From the Mother City to Mangochi

Moonisah Namata was born in Cape Town, South Africa, to Malawian immigrants. A year ago, her parents took her back to Malawi to live with her aunt and uncle.

The Mother City to Mangochi

Four years ago, I interviewed Oscar Haj Namata (45), a Malawian who had been living and working in Cape Town (the Mother City) since 1996. At the time of the interview, Oscar and his wife, Mabel, expressed the wish that their two-year-old daughter, Moonisah, would have a better future in Cape Town, where she was born. Recently, I discovered that they had sent Moonisah (now age 6) to Malawi to live with Mabel’s sister.

Oscar and Mabel with their daughter, Moonisah, age 2, in Cape Town, South Africa, 2016

Both Oscar and Mabel are employed at the same company as driver and receptionist, respectively. As driver to the CEO, Oscar’s hours are unpredictable, and it was becoming difficult for him to fetch Moonisah from school, and public transport in Cape Town can be unreliable and unsafe. The decision to send her home was not made lightly, as Oscar explains:

“Sometimes I had to leave her alone in the house and run back to the office quickly before anyone noticed. That was not easy for us. Anything can happen and we always find out too late and we cannot blame anyone.
We had no choice but to send her home.”
Oscar Haj Namata

The last time Oscar saw Moonisah was in September 2019 in Malawi. Mabel’s sister decided it would be best for them not to communicate with her for the first three months so that she could adjust to her new life. “She didn’t know where we were until we gave her the first video call. She didn’t say anything. The tears were just dropping.”

*Mabel looks at photos of Moonisah, now age six, Cape Town, South Africa, 2020*

Now they speak almost daily on WhatsApp via voice notes. Moonisah speaks English to them, because she thinks that her parents don’t understand Chewa. Although it is difficult for them to be away from her, they believe that she is safe and well-looked after, since Mabel’s brother-in-law is a school teacher and they live on campus.

Oscar will be visiting Moonisah in December. She is excited for his visit and the South African chocolates and ice cream that he will bring. He wants her to return to South Africa in a few years’ time when “she can take taxis by herself”.

Although Moonisah was born in South Africa, she is not a citizen. According to Oscar, her birth certificate shows she is a foreigner, but he hopes that “one day she will be able to go to Home Affairs and get that citizenship”.

Read Oscar’s story here

Oscar’s Story: From Mangochi to the Mother City

In 1995, Oscar Haj Namata first travelled to South Africa from Malawi as a teenager to sell curios. Twenty-five years later, he has lived through five South African presidents.

Mangochi to the Mother City

In 1995, Oscar Haj Namata frequently travelled from Malawi to South Africa with his uncle to sell curios. His uncle had encouraged the then 19-year-old to get a passport so that he could learn the business. “His focus was on showing me … the routes to take, how it works on the borders … to open my eyes. That’s why I stuck with him,” explains Namata. However, when Namata met up with school friends who had settled in Johannesburg, he aspired to their lifestyles. When he saw the small black and white televisions in their rooms, he says that he knew that was what he wanted, but he was not earning much working for his uncle.

“At the end of each trip, his thank you was LUX soap or tea bags. It was never money. Soap, soap, soap …” Namata laughs. He decided to work in South Africa on his own terms and moved to Cape Town (the Mother City) from Mangochi. “The place I was feeling safe and where I would be welcomed was Cape Town with my sister.” Namata worked in a grocery store for a few years, before becoming a driver.

Oscar Haj Namata in Cape Town, South Africa, 2016

Namata was born Haj Namata, but chose the name Oscar when he was in primary school. “I remember very well … like yesterday (he laughs). My close friend, who was in high school, thought I resembled someone he knew called Oscar. He wanted to call me Oscar. I liked it immediately. I changed everything. I used it until people didn’t know my other name, Haj. Only my parents. Haj comes from my great-grandfather. My father’s surname is Namata Haj. I found it [Haj Namata Haj] awkward … it didn’t sound nice. That’s why I was so quick to accept the other name. Oscar Haj Namata. I take all of them. Officially changed. Everyone knows Oscar.”

Although Namata has been in South Africa for 25 years, he sees himself retiring in Malawi. “I cannot think [about it] twice. One day, I know I will get tired and mature. I will … need to go home and do something else, whatever it is. If there is money, I can decide to start something. Maybe in the next five years. That’s only a wish. I’m not really sure. I will be 50. It’s time for retirement.”

For now, Namata is very happy in Cape Town. “You see, I had no this (points to his stomach). I always remember my first time I came, I weighed 52 or 56 kilograms. Now I’m talking about 100 [kilograms]. That means I’m happy. The stress is very little.”

Namata prides himself on understanding Xhosa. “The belief is that when you are staying in a foreign country, you must try to adopt certain languages. Just a little bit. In order for them to welcome you. Even if it’s just greetings: Molweni (hello), kunjani? (how are you?). It helps. I believe that.”

Namata counts on his fingers that he has been in South Africa for five presidents: “Mandela, Mbeki, Motlanthe, Zuma and Ramaphosa. I wish I had nice documents, so that I could tell you straight away: ‘I’m here to stay’.”

*Oscar Haj Namata in Cape Town, South Africa, 20*20. Photographs of Nelson Mandela are behind him.

I asked Namata if he eventually bought his own black and white television. “I have more than that. I came to South Africa when there were no cell phones. If there was, only certain people had. After I got my first cell phone, I immediately wanted to go home … Thinking I had everything (laughs).” He recalls that it was a Nokia with an aerial. “I can even remember the ringtone (sings ringtone). Now I’m not talking about TVs and small things. I want a Toyota bakkie. One day, when I go home, I can drive to Malawi and put whatever I got in the bakkie and go.”

Read about Namata’s daughter’s journey here

Rival minstrel groups proud of their success

As seen on IOL.

Western Cape | 4 January 2017
Saarah Survé

Cape Town – Despite the bickering between the Klaapse Klopse Karnival Association (KKKA) and the Cape Town Minstrel Carnival Association (CTMCA) in the lead-up to the Tweede Nuwe Jaar minstrel march, both organisations declared their events a success.

KKKA director Muneeb Gambeno said the traditional parade through the city centre was a big success.

“We started within a 40-minute period, which is a success compared to other years, and we officially finished in front of City Hall at 7.30pm. The last troupe was there at 11.30pm.

“We worked well with law enforcement and service providers. There has only been positive feedback.”

Gambeno said the KKKA will try to be bigger and better next year.

“We will apply for the tender for next year. It’s an arms-length process, but everyone has to.”

The process is easier if you are compliant, said Gambeno.

Kevin Momberg, CTMCA chief executive, said their competition held at the Athlone Stadium went off smoothly.

Last week, Momberg withdrew his troupes (totalling about 5 0000 members) from the march over the awarding of the hosting rights to the KKKA.

“All the teams were there, only three or four joined the parade in Cape Town.

“We are satisfied, but we are taking the city to court.”

Despite Momberg also levelling allegations against the city council over security certificates, mayoral committee member for tourism, events and economic development Eddie Andrews said he was not aware of any legal action that had been taken against the city.

Andrews said he was only aware of a delay and a security issue with the police, saying there were not enough marshals at the stadium.

Andrews said some of Momberg’s troupes from the CTMCA were welcomed at the traditional street parade in the CBD.

Momberg said he would like to see next year’s event become more inclusive, for the different minstrel associations to work more closely together and for the city to act as an “enabler”.

See the article here.

Minstrels do Cape Town proud

As seen on IOL.

Western Cape | 3 January 2017
Saarah Survé

Cape Town – Thousands of people made the annual trek to Cape Town’s CBD on Monday to experience the Tweede Nuwe Jaar minstrel march.

Some families camped overnight, others since last week to catch the minstrels in action.

Fatima Jordan and her family from Kensington, including a two-month-old baby, had been camping at the Grand Parade since Thursday.

Nahira Sonday, from Atlantis, paid street people R100 a day to save a spot at the Grand Parade for herself and her family of 14.

The yearly parade dates back to the mid-19th century when the slaves in Cape Town were granted one day off in the year by their colonial masters. To celebrate, groups would dress up as minstrels, waving parasols, strumming banjos, making music, dancing and parading from District Six through to the city centre. Many of the songs still sung today date back to the 1800s.

Muneeb Gambeno, director of the Kaapse Klopse Karnavaal Association (KKKA), said he was looking forward to a successful, peaceful event.

“People are out in their thousands, they’re smiling and happy. Their smiles are indicative of a people who are saying ‘today we are bigger than our problems; today we celebrate community, kinsmanship, communal living and family’.

“People of Cape Town must come out and celebrate with us. We expect people to be joyous and to celebrate together. The city has gone to great lengths to facilitate this.”

Gambeno said they expected between 45 and 60 troupes from various organisations, including the KKKA, Cape District Minstrel Board Association and the Cape Town Minstrel Carnival Association. Troupes range in size from 350 to 1 500 members. The Original District 6 Hanover Minstrels started the march at 2pm. They have been the champions for the last nine years.

Local comedian and radio personality Soli Philander marched with the Good Hope Entertainers.

When the troupe began its preparations, a friend asked him to join them.

“It’s been really great,” he said. “They are the best troupe ever. There is a family feel.

“I’m of the persuasion that it’s really important for me as a Capetonian to celebrate this occasion. It’s really special to be part of it on this Tweede Nuwe Jaar. It speaks to my heart in incredible ways,” Philander said.

The Juvie Boys celebrated a milestone in that it was their fifth year participating in the annual march.

See the article here.

Free Concert draws large crowd

As seen on IOL.

#CTIJF 2017 | 29 March 2017
Yasmine Jacobs and Saarah Survé

Cape Town – Families came in their numbers, with their camping chairs, to Greenmarket Square to listen to the amazing line-up on Wednesday.

The MCs shared some banter with the crowd before the Free Community Concert kicked off.

The All Star Band started the festivities. The bandmembers are all younger than 18. They ended their performance with the song “Weekend Special”, much to the delight of the lively audience.

Sounds of approval could be heard.

“How many of you believe in Cape Town talent?” the MCs asked the crowd.

The Sactwu’s Got Talent Winner 2017, Danielle Jacobs, then took to the stage with back-up dancers.

See the article and my photographs here.

Free Concert 2017 sets the mood for Jazz Fest

As seen on IOL.

#CTIJF 2017 | 29 March 2017
Yasmine Jacobs and Saarah Survé

Cape Town – “It should be called the people’s concert.”

These were the words of Billy Domingo, the festival director of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, at the Free Community Concert on Greenmarket Square.

He explained that because so many people from all walks of life come to this concert, it should be dubbed as such. And one could see the diversity in the crowd.

After singing an original tune, VuDu seemed happy to touch down in Cape Town from Port Elizabeth.

“It’s an absolute dream,” the lead singer, Sisanda Myataza, said enthusiastically, just before breaking into another original hit.

The Free Community Concert promised to feature internationally acclaimed artists such as En Vogue and fan-favourites Mango Groove.

With the Free Community Concert being a success, one can expect nothing short of wonders at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival this weekend.

See the article and my photographs here.

SA meets India

As seen on IOL.

Special Features | 30 March 2017

Yasmine Jacobs and Saarah Survé

Cape Town – When you combine the sounds of South Africa and India, one cannot predict the end result.

The answer lies in the combined sound of Deepak Pandit, Ranjit Barot and Marcus Wyatt.

“The idea is that it should be blending nicely… The idea is that two different musics when played together should sound like one piece of music,” said Pandit, at a press conference for the Cape Town International Jazz Festival on Thursday.

Wyatt joined in on this point and added, “It’s not super easy because stylistically we come from quite different worlds.”

They have been rehearsing for a few days and what they have found is a commonality.

“I believe the point of this (collaboration) is to have some sort of ‘cross-pollination’ of sound and style from the two countries.”

Wyatt reiterated that this is easier said than done. “Some styles of music blend easier than others and I have always been a musician that is up for a challenge.”

Barot chimed in: “I think it all begins with a willingness to have a dialogue… I think that there is a place where all people, all cultures, all genders meet. It’s a neutral, magical place where you stop defining yourself by everything that has been imposed on you in this life. “

See the article here.

STTA introduces ‘next-level’ electro

As seen on IOL.

Special Features | 30 March 2017

Yasmine Jacobs and Saarah Survé

Cape Town – STTA (better known as Sampling Through The Ages) is promising ‘next-level’ music at Cape Town International Jazz Festival this year.

Forget all you know about DJ’s, mixing beats, MPCs and electro.

“The best way I can describe our sets is a DJ set being performed live. We take on popular music in itself and remix and rearrange it in front of you and give it our own twist,” said Joshua Zacheus, the band’s drummer, vocalist and musical director.

STTA is a local live concept band that can formulate their music to the preferences. They consist of a drummer, two turntablists, three live beat machine samplers, one versatile vocalist/hypeman and a collective of “industry-recognised” guest features.

Festival-goers can expect a tribute to a number of musicians who passed away last year in STTA’s set.

The band opens the Bassline stage on Friday, March 31.

See the article here.

Day 1 as a Cape Argus intern

I had no idea what to expect on my first day at the Cape Argus, but was pleasantly surprised when I was tasked with covering the Tweede Nuwe Jaar minstrel march. The march takes place every year on the 2nd of January and has its traditions in slavery in the Cape.

In the nineteenth century, slaves in Cape Town were given one day off in the year (2 January). On this day, they dressed in fancy costumes and sang and danced through the streets. Some of those songs can still be heard at the parade today.

All of the photos below were taken by me.

file_000-13 — All set up for the march at the Grand Parade.

file_001-5 — Waiting patiently for the minstrels at the Grand Parade.

file_000-14 — The Original District 6 Hanover Minstrels were the first troupe in the procession. They have been the champions for the past nine years.

file_000-12 — A member of the Original District 6 Hanover Minstrels.

file_000-15 — Two young members of the Juvie Boys.

file_000-16 — The Juvie Boys celebrated their fifth year at the minstrel march.

file_000-17 — A young minstrel looks bewildered as he marches through the parade.

Click on this link to read my article, which appeared in the Cape Argus on 3 January: http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/western-cape/pics-minstrels-do-cape-town-proud-7317114

Photojournalism portfolio

PHOTO STORY

Malawians of Cape Town

From Mangochi to the Mother City

oscar — Oscar (41) arrived in Cape Town in 1995 from a village called Mangochi in Malawi, looking for “any work”. He has been working as a driver for the last five years. PHOTO: Saarah Survé

javison — Javison (42) arrived in South Africa in 2007, hoping to find a better future for himself. Before he came to Cape Town, he worked as a gardener in Johannesburg. He works as a security guard. PHOTO: Saarah Survé

frank — Frank (28) came to South Africa in 2009, looking for work and “greener pastures”. He has been a petrol attendant at the Caltex at the Waterfront and is now a driver. He would like to go to photography or graphic design school. PHOTO: Saarah Survé

dawood-and-mohammed — Dawood (26), in the blue T-shirt, came to Cape Town in 2012. Dawood has a diploma in business management, but works as a security guard. He is with his younger brother, Mohammed. PHOTO: Saarah Survé

mohammed — Mohammed (23) followed his brother Dawood to Cape Town in 2014. He cleans houses and works as a gardener. PHOTO: Saarah Survé

oscar-and-family — Oscar (41) and Mabel (29) got married in Cape Town in 2009. They live with their daughter Moonisah (2) in Claremont. Mabel works as a receptionist. PHOTO: Saarah Survé

moonisa — Moonisah rides her tricycle through their flat in Claremont. Her Malawian parents hope that she will have a better future in Cape Town, where she was born. PHOTO: Saarah Survé

NEWS

police-looks-at-sign — A police officer reads a sign held by a protesting UCT student, outside Parliament, on 7 October. The sign reads: “Free education. End debt slavery”. He hoped to engage passers-by to further and deepen the debate on free education. PHOTO: Saarah Survé

police-outside-of-education-building — Police officers and private security stand outside Stellenbosch University’s Education building on 10 October. The presence of police and private security heightened after students and workers began protesting that morning. PHOTO: Saarah Survé

PORTRAITS

attie-portrait — Arthur Nico van der Merwe, 45, sits in the middle of a parking lot in Andringa Street in Stellenbosch. Arthur was released from Pollsmoor Maximum Security Prison in Cape Town two days before this photograph was taken. PHOTO: Saarah Survé

portrait-2 — A young boy leans against the wall of his home in Old Delhi, India. Many children are left to play without adult supervision during the day. PHOTO: Saarah Survé

portrait — A young boy playfully sticks his tongue out at the camera. He lives in a rural area in the Dominican Republic. Over 20% of the country lives in extreme poverty. PHOTO: Saarah Survé

FEATURES

feature-group — Children, in the Dominican Republic, pose for a photograph in front of their homes. In the absence of toys, they play with old tyres and sticks. PHOTO: Saarah Survé

feature-woman — An old woman sells vegetables at a local market in Peru. PHOTO: Saarah Survé

feature — A family waits while a toddler relieves himself against the wall in a parking lot in Chengdu, China. PHOTO: Saarah Survé

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