I am a ‘laaitie’ from Belhar in the Western Cape of South Africa. This region forms part of the notorious Cape Flats area, and historically segregated as one of the largest coloured communities originally in the Western Cape. This is where I grew up, went through my schooling years, and matriculated. I would like to put the emphasis on the fact, that I matriculated in this gang driven region at the time on the cape flats.
Everyone that understands the history of this region, will know it was not easy to be a teenager growing up during this era, and get to matriculate successfully. Today, Belhar is still known to host some of the Western Cape’s most notorious gangs. Despite all the odds against myself, and Belhar, this community produced some of the finest career professionals, which includes, but not limited to; Doctors, Lawyers and Judges, Law Enforcement Officers, Politicians, Nurses and Teachers, Engineering gurus, successful Business owners, and me.
The community where I come from has a lot to do.
