mdj696

[Mike_Oettle]

Hi, MJD, and welcome to X Marks from the bottom end of Africa.
Regards,
Mike

[mdj696]

Some of my family live in Rhodesia.

[Mike_Oettle]

There is still a sizeable white community in Zimbabwe, which I grew up knowing as Rhodesia. But an immense number of them have left for foreign parts. Some have settled in South Africa, while others (like so many South Africans) have departed for faraway shores, and are to be found in every English-speaking country in the world, not to mention several where English is not much spoken.
It’s tough living in Zim, and I do not envy those who remain there (whether black or white). There has been a flood of black refugees from that country settling in South Africa in recent years.
It is a never-ending stream of humanity. If they cannot afford bus or train fare, they walk. They cross the Limpopo on foot, and not a few of them are eaten by crocodiles.
They settle in Johannesburg, Durban, anywhere they can find shelter.
Some are professionals, and have regular jobs in South Africa (the previous editor of the newspaper I work for is a black Zimbabwean).
Some have qualifications that are not recognised in South Africa, so you will find school teachers selling food or operating barber shops.
And many have no qualifications at all, and survive on charity.
Have you heard from your relatives lately, MDJ?
Regards,
Mike

[mdj696]

Roger. I'm in contact with several cousins. Two cousins who ran Lomalinda Game Preserve in Rhodesia. An uncle Jimmy Murray, a very prominent doctor in Rhodesia, has passed away. From a recent family photo in Scotland his family appear to have moved back to Scotland, I'm researching now as what happened. Here in the US, what happened in Zimbawe is trying to take root here, just my opinion.From what I've seen on TV, things are really bad there. I'm a retired police officer and have seen this mess first hand. Only Breen family member born here in the US. My brother born in New Zealand where my mother met my dad during WWII. I've got great information on what tartans family were entiteled to wear. Viet Nam vet too. check my photos 701mb.com. photos, D company, Mike Jones 67-68.