Posted on November 13, 2007 - by Justin Hartman
Sometimes I Hate South Africa
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Last Friday morning Rian Kerkhof (53) died in hospital after being robbed earlier that Thursday evening. Rian was a good family friend and news of his murder only made its way to our household early yesterday evening.
Rian was shot in the right side of his body and was then tied to his daughter while the four scum rummaged through his fridge, ate some dinner, cleaned his cottage out and left him there to die. His daughter Helene was visiting him from Thailand and was beaten and taunted all the while watching her father slip away.
“I looked forward to returning to South Africa, but I cannot live in a place where such pigs are terrorising the community. Nobody is safe. It’s not enough to rob. They want to kill.” — Helene Kerkhof (21)
Rian used to own a Sneakers store in Cape Town before he lost his business and it was during this time that he gave me my very first pair of Nike shoes at age 13 and I will always remember him for this – he was my hero.
After he lost his business Rian struggled through the years and I really felt for the man as no human being should ever go through the hardships he went through. The fact that he was so brutally murdered just sickens me to the stomach and this whole incident just makes me furious.
I can’t help but feel absolutely powerless when I witness the events that take place in South Africa. I love my country, have contributed on occasion to SA Rocks to prove my cause and have even tried to make a small difference with my localised web applications yet at moments like these I just want to run far far away.
When is this lack of respect for life ever going to change? We’re a savage nation that cares nothing for the value of life and I’m struggling to come to terms with these brutal murders that take place every day in this country.
I am often fearful for the safety of my family but when it hits home like this I am completely hopeless.
My deepest condolences go out to Rian’s wife and four children – words can not describe the sadness I feel for them right now…
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November 13, 2007
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There is indeed not much one can do. I seems hoping that you are not the victim is the order of the day in many peoples cases. I also have South African Based websites and i too have a love for this country. But not enough to love till death. I want to rather live my life in a fearless (even very little) environment. This country has got a serious problem. I’d love to get deeper into it but i might start offending people. In short this country has systems in place that grant for huge crime incentives and a crime wave could very possible be on it’s way. Thats if we are not already shrouded by it’s ever present shroud.
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November 13, 2007
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[...] more here Der Beitrag wurde am Tuesday, den 13. November 2007 um 00:54 Uhr veröffentlicht und wurde [...]
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November 13, 2007
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Foxinni I really hope you’re not right about a pending crime wave. I really feel like we’re in one already and I actually can’t imagine it much worse!!!
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November 13, 2007
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I firmly believe that the SA gov. can stop the crime situation today if they really wanted to,
but , they simply choose to ignore this case,
what i mean is, the way crime is handle here, man…, it’s appalling,
or maybe the gov. is getting some “ROI” from crime in this country and that is y they choose to deal with crime they way they currently dealing with it? well, me don’t know,
what im not saying is, that the gov. is not doing anything at all, but rather, they can always to do a much better job, there is always room for improvement.
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November 13, 2007
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Yes Yasser you’re right but the question is which leader is going to step up to the plate and deal with this issue once Mbeki has left politics?
Zuma?…….
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November 13, 2007
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Man, this type of thing hits deep – so sorry, for his family and all those affected [including yourselves]. I’m always pushing SA too and I love this place – but when it hits so close to home its a different story.
As for hope – if we don’t have hope, we don’t have anything, so I certainly won’t give up on that [its when things seem hopeless that we need it most], and I trust you can be a pillar of strength to those affected in this time, and help restore their hope [not easy I know]!
Stay strong!
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November 13, 2007
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Hope?
there is always hope man,
but as for “JZ?”
my comment is , wwaaaahahahahahaha, it will be only comedy in parliament, not politics, lol
ain’t no hope with this dude man,
hope i won’t get sued by him for 6m like bullard, lol
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November 13, 2007
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It is the Wild West out there. I remember reading in Fortune that the difference between Nigeria and SA is that in Nigeria they will rob you and apologise.
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November 13, 2007
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There is indeed not much one can do. I seems hoping that you are not the victim is the order of the day in many peoples cases. I also have South African Based websites and i too have a love for this country. But not enough to love till death. I want to rather live my life in a fearless (even very little) environment. This country has got a serious problem. I'd love to get deeper into it but i might start offending people. In short this country has systems in place that grant for huge crime incentives and a crime wave could very possible be on it's way. Thats if we are not already shrouded by it's ever present shroud.
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November 13, 2007
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A powerful post Justin. There are no words for tragedies like these…
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November 13, 2007
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Foxinni I really hope you're not right about a pending crime wave. I really feel like we're in one already and I actually can't imagine it much worse!!!
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November 13, 2007
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I firmly believe that the SA gov. can stop the crime situation today if they really wanted to,
but , they simply choose to ignore this case,
what i mean is, the way crime is handle here, man…, it's appalling,
or maybe the gov. is getting some “ROI” from crime in this country and that is y they choose to deal with crime they way they currently dealing with it? well, me don't know,
what im not saying is, that the gov. is not doing anything at all, but rather, they can always to do a much better job, there is always room for improvement.
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November 13, 2007
Permalink
Yes Yasser you're right but the question is which leader is going to step up to the plate and deal with this issue once Mbeki has left politics?
Zuma?…….
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November 13, 2007
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Man, this type of thing hits deep – so sorry, for his family and all those affected [including yourselves]. I'm always pushing SA too and I love this place – but when it hits so close to home its a different story.
As for hope – if we don't have hope, we don't have anything, so I certainly won't give up on that [its when things seem hopeless that we need it most], and I trust you can be a pillar of strength to those affected in this time, and help restore their hope [not easy I know]!
Stay strong!
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November 13, 2007
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Hope?
there is always hope man,
but as for “JZ?”
my comment is , wwaaaahahahahahaha, it will be only comedy in parliament, not politics, lol
ain't no hope with this dude man,
hope i won't get sued by him for 6m like bullard, lol
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November 13, 2007
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It is the Wild West out there. I remember reading in Fortune that the difference between Nigeria and SA is that in Nigeria they will rob you and apologise.
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November 13, 2007
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A powerful post Justin. There are no words for tragedies like these…
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November 14, 2007
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Thank you for the wonderful thoughts on Rian.
On Friday morning when Rian died – murdered by savage evil bastards – the “proudly South African†in me also died.
Maybe it is time for the new South African flag, so proudly tattooed on my body a few years ago, to go.
Rian was a wonderful man. I gave a speech on his fortieth birthday – “Life, love, lust and hamburgers†– all things that I learned from him since working with him at the Montana Spur in Potch many years ago.
Rian indeed went through a very hard time the last few years and sadly he was on the verge of getting on top of things again.
I have not got the courage yet to delete Rian from my outlook contacts or my cellphone. I still want to mail and phone him, sharing achievements, sadness, jokes …..
These bastards took more than just Rian’s life.
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November 14, 2007
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Thank you for the wonderful thoughts on Rian.
On Friday morning when Rian died – murdered by savage evil bastards – the “proudly South African†in me also died.
Maybe it is time for the new South African flag, so proudly tattooed on my body a few years ago, to go.
Rian was a wonderful man. I gave a speech on his fortieth birthday – “Life, love, lust and hamburgers†– all things that I learned from him since working with him at the Montana Spur in Potch many years ago.
Rian indeed went through a very hard time the last few years and sadly he was on the verge of getting on top of things again.
I have not got the courage yet to delete Rian from my outlook contacts or my cellphone. I still want to mail and phone him, sharing achievements, sadness, jokes …..
These bastards took more than just Rian’s life.
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November 14, 2007
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dont you get it. africa is a cesspool. any non white government is a complete joke. the primary objective of africans is self enrichment. its payback time boys and girls and its gonna get a whole lot worse. the only thing this government is interested in is staying in power at all costs with as little effort as possible while making as much money as possible. low slef esteem and inferiority complexes are the order of the day with name changes and how many blacks are playing in a sport they never ever showed much interest in in the first place is top priority. everyone in charge knows stuff all about economics or maslows hierarchy of needs and would rather stroke the masses egos by getting back at all the whites rather than creating jobs and houses for EVERYONE. if you think we can stand together and unite as one against them till we are victorious then you are living in a dream world. the masses are too ignorant and just plain stupid to understand first world principles.
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November 14, 2007
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A few minutes after Rian died in Pretoria, we, Rian’s European friends, got this very sad and incredible sms from his friend and partner.
Also our “SA-Dream” is gone. It was Rian Kerkhof who made the link and contact with Round Table in Europe some 10 years ago.
Rian & Round Table Stellenbosch 56 made a lot of friends in Europe. Almost everyone of us went to SA, and had the time of our life with them and explored a magnificent country. For some of us, it was almost more than a dream.
We even learned about rugby and supported the SA team last month. More : we had a party after the final.
But tuesdaynight, 4 PRIMATES, took Rian’s, his family’s, his friends and our dream away. For us, SA will never be the same again.
We thank Rian for his friendship, and send our deepest feelings and condolences to his family.
Rian’s European friends
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November 14, 2007
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dont you get it. africa is a cesspool. any non white government is a complete joke. the primary objective of africans is self enrichment. its payback time boys and girls and its gonna get a whole lot worse. the only thing this government is interested in is staying in power at all costs with as little effort as possible while making as much money as possible. low slef esteem and inferiority complexes are the order of the day with name changes and how many blacks are playing in a sport they never ever showed much interest in in the first place is top priority. everyone in charge knows stuff all about economics or maslows hierarchy of needs and would rather stroke the masses egos by getting back at all the whites rather than creating jobs and houses for EVERYONE. if you think we can stand together and unite as one against them till we are victorious then you are living in a dream world. the masses are too ignorant and just plain stupid to understand first world principles.
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November 14, 2007
Permalink
A few minutes after Rian died in Pretoria, we, Rian's European friends, got this very sad and incredible sms from his friend and partner.
Also our “SA-Dream” is gone. It was Rian Kerkhof who made the link and contact with Round Table in Europe some 10 years ago.
Rian & Round Table Stellenbosch 56 made a lot of friends in Europe. Almost everyone of us went to SA, and had the time of our life with them and explored a magnificent country. For some of us, it was almost more than a dream.
We even learned about rugby and supported the SA team last month. More : we had a party after the final.
But tuesdaynight, 4 PRIMATES, took Rian's, his family's, his friends and our dream away. For us, SA will never be the same again.
We thank Rian for his friendship, and send our deepest feelings and condolences to his family.
Rian's European friends
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November 15, 2007
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[...] colleague Justin Hartman has written a powerful account of the murder of a family friend, Rian Kerkhof, 53, who was killed in a robbery at his [...]
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November 15, 2007
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I was Rian’s partner and friend in his latest “Wine on Tap” venture. I am an Afrikaner with roots going back to 1700 in Africa. I blame the politicians for not building the Rainbow Nation and who allowed their greed to overpower them and adhere to no principle anymore. Rian’s death is a personal wakeup call for me to understand that South Africa is not a normal country. That the Whites face a slow genocide, silently condoned by the ANC leadership and implemented by transformation of the Rule of Law to anarcy, democracy to one party state politics and new apartheid economy that only favour a black elite.
I am proud of the new South Africa, I like the progress we are making towards a non racist society , I believe in the goodwill of man, I enjoy multi culture society, I will never be scared into racist politics again. But these senseless killings is undermining our county in a profound way that cannot be tolerated any more.
Rian’s assitent that has been with him from the beginning when they were still delivering wine in a 1984 Datsun Safari is a black man Joseph Zwaai April. Here is his words:
Riaan
It was such a pleasure to have met you in my life journey. You have been like a father to me who helped me see life its true form.
Although I will sadly miss the moments and times we shared together,I will certainly cherish the lessons I’ve learned from you.
You have done your bit, now it is the time for your to rest in peace. May God see your wonderful soul.
Love
Josph Zwaai April
“Lord for you are the spring of life,in your light we shall see the light.”
Psalm 36:9
On behalf of myself and the entire April family, I wish to express my sincere condolences to the Kerkhof Family.
From: Joseph Zwaai April & Family
What more can I say??
Johan Schutte
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November 15, 2007
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There is hope for this country and for future government. There is only one party in South Africa that is ready to take a hard line on crime: the ACDP. The DA as a left-wing party don’t support the death penalty. In addition, the ACDP will bring in the highly successful Taiwanese model where prisoners actually work while in prison, helping to repay the economy that they’re drawing from.
In moments like this we do still have a role to play in our country in order to prevent murders like these. While crime of some sort will always be a feature, there is much we can do to reduce it and to protect our families.
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November 15, 2007
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I was Rian's partner and friend in his latest “Wine on Tap” venture. I am an Afrikaner with roots going back to 1700 in Africa. I blame the politicians for not building the Rainbow Nation and who allowed their greed to overpower them and adhere to no principle anymore. Rian's death is a personal wakeup call for me to understand that South Africa is not a normal country. That the Whites face a slow genocide, silently condoned by the ANC leadership and implemented by transformation of the Rule of Law to anarcy, democracy to one party state politics and new apartheid economy that only favour a black elite.
I am proud of the new South Africa, I like the progress we are making towards a non racist society , I believe in the goodwill of man, I enjoy multi culture society, I will never be scared into racist politics again. But these senseless killings is undermining our county in a profound way that cannot be tolerated any more.
Rian's assitent that has been with him from the beginning when they were still delivering wine in a 1984 Datsun Safari is a black man Joseph Zwaai April. Here is his words:
Riaan
It was such a pleasure to have met you in my life journey. You have been like a father to me who helped me see life its true form.
Although I will sadly miss the moments and times we shared together,I will certainly cherish the lessons I've learned from you.
You have done your bit, now it is the time for your to rest in peace. May God see your wonderful soul.
Love
Josph Zwaai April
“Lord for you are the spring of life,in your light we shall see the light.”
Psalm 36:9
On behalf of myself and the entire April family, I wish to express my sincere condolences to the Kerkhof Family.
From: Joseph Zwaai April & Family
What more can I say??
Johan Schutte
Visit My Website
November 15, 2007
Permalink
There is hope for this country and for future government. There is only one party in South Africa that is ready to take a hard line on crime: the ACDP. The DA as a left-wing party don't support the death penalty. In addition, the ACDP will bring in the highly successful Taiwanese model where prisoners actually work while in prison, helping to repay the economy that they're drawing from.
In moments like this we do still have a role to play in our country in order to prevent murders like these. While crime of some sort will always be a feature, there is much we can do to reduce it and to protect our families.
Visit My Website
November 15, 2007
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I’m sad for your pain, and for the pain of the many – the thousands, the millions – who suffer the madness of violence. Not only the physical violence that damages and kills the body, but also the psychological violence that damages the mind.
But why did they kill him?
Because they felt no compassion.
But why no compassion?
Because they did not learn it.
But why did they not learn it?
Because they were not shown it.
But why were they not shown it?
Because they did not learn it.
But why did they not learn it?
Because they were not shown it.
But why were they not shown it?
Because they did not learn it.
[…]
The only way to teach compassion is to learn it.
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November 15, 2007
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I’m sad for your pain, and for the pain of the many – the thousands, the millions – who suffer the madness of violence. Not only the physical violence that damages and kills the body, but also the psychological violence that damages the mind.
But why did they kill him?
Because they felt no compassion.
But why no compassion?
Because they did not learn it.
But why did they not learn it?
Because they were not shown it.
But why were they not shown it?
Because they did not learn it.
But why did they not learn it?
Because they were not shown it.
But why were they not shown it?
Because they did not learn it.
[…]
The only way to teach compassion is to learn it.
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November 16, 2007
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Guys. I read this post today and it makes me sad. So so sad. I’ve had 3 mates this week (seperate incidences) highjacked and robberies. It’s a wave of crime and this country needs to do something. I’ve decided to start a new BLOG too, wasn’t too sure what it was going to be about but I’ve decided it’s going to be about CRIME in this country and helping end it if at all possible.
So for those of you’d like to start something hey, lets give it a try http://southafrica.amagama.com and I’m going to call it Dear Mr President. This will be the first post I link to.
Sorry to hear of the loss my friend, it’s a terrible terrible tragedy and my condolences to the family too!
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November 16, 2007
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[...] When a person who dearly loves this country and stands for everything this country is trying to achieve and ends up having to write a post like this, it’s SAD. Please read the post on Justin Hartmans site “Sometimes I hate South Africa” [...]
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November 16, 2007
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Guys. I read this post today and it makes me sad. So so sad. I've had 3 mates this week (seperate incidences) highjacked and robberies. It's a wave of crime and this country needs to do something. I've decided to start a new BLOG too, wasn't too sure what it was going to be about but I've decided it's going to be about CRIME in this country and helping end it if at all possible.
So for those of you'd like to start something hey, lets give it a try http://southafrica.amagama.com and I'm going to call it Dear Mr President. This will be the first post I link to.
Sorry to hear of the loss my friend, it's a terrible terrible tragedy and my condolences to the family too!
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November 17, 2007
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Every day I hover over the keyboard: I want to answer my son’s question. But I am as powerless.
As powerless as gentle Rian must have been when he couldn’t protect his dearest.
As powerless as all gentle South Africans are…
We yesterday said farewell to the man I loved for nearly four decades, a man who shared my dreams, lows, soul and always held me close. So very close.
In that hot church in Pretoria I was hoping to hear and find some hope. Try to understand a supposedly loving God. Try to forgive.
But nothing. The answer still escapes me.
And the anger is seething.
Seething because of a generous soul lost. Senselessly viciously lost forever.
No Dear Mr President will give me back my faith. No Dear Mr President will make a damn of a difference. Sorry to say.
And if my nearest and dearest now tell me they are looking for greener countries I, for the first time, will not fight them. Enough blood shed here.
I might just follow…
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November 17, 2007
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Every day I hover over the keyboard: I want to answer my son’s question. But I am as powerless.
As powerless as gentle Rian must have been when he couldn’t protect his dearest.
As powerless as all gentle South Africans are…
We yesterday said farewell to the man I loved for nearly four decades, a man who shared my dreams, lows, soul and always held me close. So very close.
In that hot church in Pretoria I was hoping to hear and find some hope. Try to understand a supposedly loving God. Try to forgive.
But nothing. The answer still escapes me.
And the anger is seething.
Seething because of a generous soul lost. Senselessly viciously lost forever.
No Dear Mr President will give me back my faith. No Dear Mr President will make a damn of a difference. Sorry to say.
And if my nearest and dearest now tell me they are looking for greener countries I, for the first time, will not fight them. Enough blood shed here.
I might just follow…
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December 1, 2007
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I have been in the UK now for ten months, and not a dayhas passed that I haven’t wanted to come back – that is until last friday. I got the news that my great nephews, 3 and 5 years old had been manhandled and my sister shot by filthy, disgusting, cowardly criminals! Thank the good lord that after 5 days in intensive care she survived. My verdict? South Africa is a beautiful country and I miss my family and friends – but I am not coming back!
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December 1, 2007
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I have been in the UK now for ten months, and not a dayhas passed that I haven't wanted to come back – that is until last friday. I got the news that my great nephews, 3 and 5 years old had been manhandled and my sister shot by filthy, disgusting, cowardly criminals! Thank the good lord that after 5 days in intensive care she survived. My verdict? South Africa is a beautiful country and I miss my family and friends – but I am not coming back!
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December 7, 2007
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I’ve been out of the country for almost 9-months, living the American Dream. I miss South Africa and its culture, its people, its traditions, biltong and the way you can say “now-now” and anyone (white, black, young or old) will understand exactly what you mean.
What I don’t miss is having to constantly look over my shoulder. Life in New York is everything that life back home was not, but the one big difference is that I have not felt threatened once. I walk around this big city alone late at night and in a city with over 8.2 million residents within an area of 830 km², I feel completely safe.
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of Kerkhof. I wish we could turn back time. This is not right. It is not anything that should happen to anybody. Ever.
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December 7, 2007
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I've been out of the country for almost 9-months, living the American Dream. I miss South Africa and its culture, its people, its traditions, biltong and the way you can say “now-now” and anyone (white, black, young or old) will understand exactly what you mean.
What I don't miss is having to constantly look over my shoulder. Life in New York is everything that life back home was not, but the one big difference is that I have not felt threatened once. I walk around this big city alone late at night and in a city with over 8.2 million residents within an area of 830 km², I feel completely safe.
I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of Kerkhof. I wish we could turn back time. This is not right. It is not anything that should happen to anybody. Ever.
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February 15, 2008
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Rian Kerkhof is my dad. justin: i dont know you but thanks so much for calling him a hero, because that’s what he was and is. a hero.
he took everything with a pinch of salt and thrilled in pushing buttons…quietly, ofcourse, and playing dumb when confronted. 
he was pro anc in the apartheid days and was almost taken to jail for supporting the anc. he never discriminated against others and saw the best in everyone. he was a liberal.
something he always said to highlight the irony of the church was “love your neighbor like you love yourself….except if he is black”
. he was the most special person i knew and he understood deeply all the things i needed him to. he was a hero. i believe he saved my siters life that night.
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February 15, 2008
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Rian Kerkhof is my dad. justin: i dont know you but thanks so much for calling him a hero, because that's what he was and is. a hero.
he took everything with a pinch of salt and thrilled in pushing buttons…quietly, ofcourse, and playing dumb when confronted. 
he was pro anc in the apartheid days and was almost taken to jail for supporting the anc. he never discriminated against others and saw the best in everyone. he was a liberal.
something he always said to highlight the irony of the church was “love your neighbor like you love yourself….except if he is black”
. he was the most special person i knew and he understood deeply all the things i needed him to. he was a hero. i believe he saved my siters life that night.
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February 16, 2008
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Marian and family
I just read your post and i truely am sorry!!!
I remember your dad as being funny when we were little!!!!
South Africa is a sad place to be, the death sentance should be brought back!!!!!!!
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February 16, 2008
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Marian and family
I just read your post and i truely am sorry!!!
I remember your dad as being funny when we were little!!!!
South Africa is a sad place to be, the death sentance should be brought back!!!!!!!