Croc cliché instead of Chardonnay

Will I ever escape those plastic, sweaty heffalumps for feet?  Crocs simply have to be the worst fashion accessory since puff ball skirts, and yet most English people seem to think they are indicative of every South African’s taste.  That and a nation of biltong-chewing, green jersey-wearing, rugby-mad beer drinkers.  Loud and over here.

Yet my last trip to Cape Town reiterated my beliefs that South Africans in general are a class above the rest.  We must be the most sophisticated nation on earth.  Rich or poor we are immensely talented, well bred, mannered and endowed with incredible talent — for everything.  Right down to the wire and beaded animal figures sold at the nearest intersection.  Where else do I see such incredible entrepreneurship?

Despite the negative publicity, one cannot but be amazed at the high level of service in the hotels, the restaurants, in retail. Young, creative individuals are opening shops with South African designs, flavoured with indigenous influence — through sculpture, art, food and fashion to promote the flavours of South Africa.  I found soaps and skin care products infused with Rooibos, Aloe, Khaki and other delicious local ingredients.  Candles scented with memories of the Highveld, the Cape in winter, all testimony to our proud heritage.  And then there were the books — first class stories, licked with our languages to savour, devour when one is far from home.  Some may never understand them, but that does not matter, we do.

Our wines are still the best in the world.  Our music is unique, lyrics peppered with tales of what it means to be part of something extraordinary.  Afrikaans-scripted fabric and one word that stood out — gees — spirit.  We certainly have buckets full of that!

And of course we love rugby.  We may fail sometimes but I doubt if any country feels the love for the game quite as much as we do.  We love our teams and wear the green and gold with pride.  I will not mention the crocs again but urge those who think themselves spiffy in those to reconsider.  Okay, we fail on some counts, but on others, we are absolutely fabulous.  The revival of Afrikaans décor, sometimes mixed with a little Huguenot notes is uplifiting.  Visiting places like Babylonstoren makes me realize that we needn’t feel anything but way up there with any global competitor.

Back in England, which I love, I realized just how much South Africa has to offer.  We are moving, developing styles unique to our shores, embracing young designers who are digging deep into our history and changing it, moulding it, pushing the boundaries to showcase true new-age fashion.  I guess our melting pot of cultures offers us the ability to mix, measure and deliver products of outstanding quality.  I can see it, but how to make the rest of the world sit up and listen.

How do we get past the clichés of what people perceive South Africans to be abroad?  Only we can do this by embracing the sophistication of Chardonnay over crocs. With style.

Read more:

The Optimist: Excess is baggage I cannot handle

The Optimist: Abdication

The Optimist: A reason for Optimism

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