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Midnight miracles

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Failed state service on South African Airways

The 720pm flight out of Johannesburg leaves after 8. The steward slaps down a tray of food. A limp piece of meat sags on a layer of “seen better days” pasta. The bread roll is stale. There isn’t a choice. Sorry if you’re vegetarian. Good service doesn’t apply on flights to a failed state. The lights are dim at Harare Airport. We identify our luggage with some difficulty. The sign on the toilet says, Sorry for the inconvenience but the toilet is broken. As is the rest of the country.

No money for parking

I head out to the airport at about 1015pm to pick up my partner. This time the 720pm SAA flight gets in at 1040. I drive slowly wanting to time my arrival so I can effect a stop and grab. As I approach the airport I see car after car pulled over on both sides of the road. At first I think the little dictator and his motorcade is about to round the bend. Of course what was I thinking, he’s round the bend already. But like me, countless other Zimbabweans don’t have enough cash for parking so we wait down the road instead and watch the planes come in. The full moon and my hunting dog keep me company. A face looms at my window. “Excuse me ma’am, has the SAA flight landed?”

Midnight emergencies

My dog Frank looks pregnant. His stomach swells before my very eyes. It’s midnight. What to do? Is Second Street Extension 24hr vet still functioning? Is there any power? Are there drugs? Is there anyone on duty experienced enough to deal with my best loved dog? Tick all of the above. Thanks to Soloman and his team Frank is home today, worse for wear but still alive, for now. A reminder to check my cynicism at the door.

Subscription sustenance

My issue of The Sun arrives. The articles make me think, give me insight and hope. Viktor Frankl was right when he said, What is to give light must endure burning.

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