Connection ... even without wifi

Dear Kuierkos Family,

With all the technology around us today, the screens, messages, and noise, we often wish for a simpler life. A life like we had on the Springbokvlakte. In those days, “going offline” was not a choice. It was just normal life.

Entertainment was simple. We listened to the radio for stories, music, and news. There were no remotes. No playlists. No skipping ads. We used our imagination. Silence was not scary. It usually meant someone was thinking, or cooking.

Making a phone call was an art. First, you had to check if the line was busy. You picked up the phone and asked, “Besig, besig?”
If nobody answered, you dialled one short and one long on the old black Siemens Bakelite phone. This connected you to the switchboard. A friendly tannie would answer and connect you to your ouma, or to whoever you wanted to speak to.
While you waited, it was hard not to listen to the neighbours’ calls. That was how you heard the community news.

We got our first television in the late 1970s. It was a big event. TV was never just background noise. You planned for it.

Around five o’clock, we had to ask my mom if we could watch TV. If she said yes, I had to start the generator. There was no electricity. Only courage and diesel.

That was not easy. The path to the engine room was full of dubbeltjies. I was sure a snake or a rat was waiting for me.
Starting the diesel engine was a big job. But when it finally worked, I felt like a hero. I had earned my screen time.

Children’s shows like Heidi and the evening news were our only TV.
While we watched Heidi, the smell of my mom’s cooking filled the house. It was hard to focus on the screen. Riaan Cruywagen read the news. You listened carefully. If you missed something, there was no rewind.

Life was slower.
People talked more.
Moments mattered.
Especially moments with family, good food, and a full heart.

If you miss home, you are always welcome at Kuierkos.
Come for a warm meal, a friendly face, and a good chat.
Just like the old days

Warm regards,
Marnella & Andreas