Our stinginess has deep roots, but there is absolutely no harm in trying out new things and spending money on yourself, writes Kabelo Chabalala
There are two things that an abject poverty stricken background will teach you once you move away from it. You either become a very stingy person or an extravagant spender. Fortunately or unfortunately, I am the former.
Growing up in a warm and loving home that did not have disposable money had perks of its own, and it also had terrible disadvantages.
At primary school, friends who came from well-off families always narrated stories of their weekend getaways with family. Predominantly, these were families where the moms and dads were either nurses, teachers or police officers.
The phrase; “family gateway” was foreign to me. This would be the same with places like hotels, villas or guest houses, I never knew what were the implications or procedures of being in a hotel until I was 21-years-old, which is literally five years ago.
The concept of having someone come clean after me was alien. My first hotel encounter was in Durban for a birthday celebration weekend away. I found myself trying to make my bed around 6.30am. I knew I was in a hotel, but the villager in me kept on creeping out. I felt embarrassed a few minutes later when I had to google the dos and don’ts of hotel guests.
Stopped at a level crossing to measure the length and breadth our divine country.
One of them was to not bother myself with making my bed. Just in case you are wondering, I did not go to the extend of looking for the kitchen to put away my plates after eating. But I would be lying if I said the thought never crossed my mind.
But such an experience and exposure was all new to me. The poverty I grew up in kept on reminding me of its ways and norms.
This was materialistic poverty, but my mind was never in poverty. I was always dreaming big. My attitude was positive, always looking forward to a life that involves travelling and seeing places my friends used to talk about when I was still a little boy.
Kabelo Chabalala
This got me thinking; there is more to life than family and work.
I may not earn a million bucks a month, but the truth is, the little that I earn can ensure that I have some good time out there. I enjoy being on the road behind the steering wheel, and nature has got so much to offer.
So, if you are like me, still battling with what to spend on and whether it is a waste of money or not; let me tell you, every adventure out there is priceless.
Recently, I was in Magoebaskloof in Tzaneen, Limpopo.
I was exposed to the beauty of our country. I was in awe of nature, the greenness of our vegetation. The orderliness of the rivers and fountains and the dams that are not man-made is meticulous.
There is so much serenity. Trust me, it didn’t cost me a penny to witness such splendour. My stingy behaviour has robbed me of a lot of priceless experiences offered by nature.
I did Gecko Tubing while in Magoebaskloof. Firstly, I don’t like playing in water, and I never got any swimming lessons while growing up. Secondly, even when kids played at the dams in my community during rainy seasons where the dams would be full to the bream; mother would not allow me to join other children to get those free swimming lessons.
It was for health reasons and that is costing the older me.
Enjoying some time out at Burke’s Luck potholes, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve.
But the Magoebaskloof scenery was breathtaking. I saw the art of the hand of God. The sound of the birds, drinking fresh and tasty water from the natural fountain, admiring the beauty that is nature and just forgetting about the stress of work, personal goals and family.
It was liberating. I know a lot of blacks like myself, and we cannot be blamed for how we view things and our stinginess, it has deep roots, but there is absolutely no harm in trying out new things and spending a few thousand rands on yourself.
Our country is beautiful. There is more to it. What do they say? YOLO - You Only Live Once. Live a little black, stingy old-school child.
* Kabelo Chabalala is the founder of the Young Men Movement; @KabeloJay or [email protected]