Key Takeaways:
- Visitors from across the country and beyond are flocking to Durban’s beaches to collect "holy" water for spiritual purification and rituals.
- The tradition of collecting seawater for personal use is longstanding, with many people using it to rejuvenate themselves spiritually and physically.
- Enterprising homeless men have recognized a business opportunity in selling water containers and fetching water for visitors.
- The presence of homeless people and their informal business has elicited mixed feelings, with some street vendors claiming they negatively impact the number of visitors to the beach.
- Some travelers appreciate the convenience of purchasing water bottles by the beach, praising the homeless individuals for engaging in productive activities.
Introduction to the Phenomenon
The beaches of Durban have become a hub of activity, with visitors from all over the country and beyond flocking to the shores to collect "holy" water. This phenomenon is not just about people seeking enjoyment, but rather a spiritual pursuit, where individuals collect seawater for personal use in rituals and for spiritual purification. Equipped with large containers, these visitors make their way to the beach from as early as 5am, staying until the evening to collect the precious water. The tradition of collecting seawater is a longstanding one, with many people believing in its spiritual significance.
The Tradition of Collecting Seawater
For many people, collecting seawater is a family tradition that has been passed down through generations. Dineo Phasha, a visitor from Gauteng, explained that her family has been coming to the beach for cleansing since the time of her ancestors. She believes that the seawater has the power to rejuvenate herself and her family, both spiritually and physically. The water is used for various rituals, including drinking and cleansing, and is believed to rid individuals of curses and negative energies. Phasha and many others like her are willing to travel long distances to collect the "holy" water, which they believe holds spiritual significance.
Enterprising Homeless Men
A group of enterprising homeless men has recognized a business opportunity in the influx of visitors to the beach. They sell water containers for R15 each and offer to fetch water for an extra R5. These men, including Lucky Nzama and Malusi Ngidi, have found a way to make a living by catering to the needs of the visitors. They rise early and stay up late, searching for containers in bins around the city, in nearby neighborhoods, and along the beach. The money they earn is used to buy food and pay for shelter, and while it may not be a lot, it is enough to sustain them until the next day.
Mixed Feelings about the Homeless Presence
The presence of homeless people and their informal business has elicited mixed feelings among the local community. Some street vendors, like Fikile Xulu, claim that the homeless individuals deter visitors from coming to the beach due to their poor personal hygiene and tattered clothing. Xulu believes that the homeless people have contributed to the decline in the number of visitors to the beach, which has negatively impacted his business. However, others, like Zanele Hadebe, appreciate the convenience of purchasing water bottles by the beach and praise the homeless individuals for engaging in productive activities instead of wandering aimlessly along the beach.
The Impact on Local Businesses
The Covid-19 lockdown has had a significant impact on local businesses, including those of street vendors like Xulu. The reduced number of visitors to the beach has resulted in a decline in sales, making it difficult for vendors to make a living. While the presence of homeless people and their informal business may be a contributing factor, it is not the only reason for the decline. The lockdown has had a far-reaching impact on the economy, and many businesses are still struggling to recover. However, the enterprising homeless men have found a way to adapt and make a living, despite the challenges they face.
Conclusion
The phenomenon of collecting "holy" water at Durban’s beaches is a complex issue, with different perspectives and opinions. While some people believe that the presence of homeless individuals and their informal business is a negative factor, others see it as a positive initiative. The tradition of collecting seawater is a longstanding one, and the enterprising homeless men have found a way to cater to the needs of the visitors. As the city continues to grapple with the challenges of poverty and homelessness, it is essential to find ways to support and empower individuals, rather than stigmatizing them. By doing so, we can create a more inclusive and compassionate society, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.