DARK TIMES
RACING AGAINST THE LOADSHEDDING CLOCK
Dee Orrie
Loadshedding is driving me batty. The constant checking to see at what time the electricity will be switched off and the racing against the clock is taking its toll. So much so that, when we got a bit of reprieve over one weekend, I rejoiced - I was so happy; it felt like I had won the Lotto. That's how taatie I've become.
Last night I had just finished a finance meeting in Maitland at 17:30, and the sweat droplets started to form. Loadshedding was scheduled for 18:00.
That M5 is packed with workers having the same anxiety. Gaan ons dit maak?! Do I stop off at Cosy Corner and grab a dite? I look across at the oke in the next lane. He looks back at me - panic in his eyes, knuckles white as he clutches the wheel. We're all sharing the same fear. I do some breathing exercises, which he copies.
The traffic clears a bit as I near my turn-off and I decided to go for broke. The news comes on - it's 18:00.
I swear I took the corner on two wheels. It's cold and wet and by now, I seriously also need to run to the toilet. I'm planning my move as I screech into my driveway. The oke who flips the switch is late most of the time.
I open the door, switch off the alarm, and throw my bags and laptop on the floor on my way to the kitchen. I , put the leftovers on a plate and into the microwave, fill the kettle with water and
