Extraordinary calamity and chaos pertaining to COVID-19 and the devastating ripple effect it brought upon global economies, have without question been at the forefront of every news agency’s go-to list for the past few months.
However, there is not a ton of local literature discussing how peoples social lives, especially socially active people and their outlooks on socialising or for lack of a better word, partying, has evolved. Town people of all ages already deal with limited entertainment options and therefore, even prior to lockdown, find great solace in their own company or the relaxed and unjudging company of family and friends.
This is unique when compared to our fellow South African’s, residing in cities, filled with ever-enticing stimulation.
The Newcastillian – Online Daily News asked three very different people, how their lives have changed in respect to socialising and now that the “shackles” of the lockdown have been all but lifted, how has this all changed for them and Newcastle?
Addy van der Walt is no stranger to the social scene within Newcastle, KZN. Being a highly approachable and welcoming person, Addy chatted with us about how Level 5 and 4 affected his social life?
He opened by saying; “To be fair, the initial announcement of a 21-day lockdown didn’t seem that scary at all. I mean we can all go a few weeks without the need for socialising, especially if other people’s lives are at risk. I definitely missed the ol’ “Friday Beer with the boys”, but in reality, this pandemic was more serious than that. So yes, of course, it affected our social lives. But in the same breath, it created and forced a new dynamic, time for families to bond, it slowed down the rushed lives we live and created a good space for a little self-reflection and re-evaluation.”
Apart from the new dynamics and personal development enjoyed during this strange time, what did he miss the most?
“What I missed most during these times, was the ease of meeting up with friends, associates and potential clients. I’m convinced most of the small business owners in Newcastle know, quite a lot of the town’s business gets done at our local watering hole – The Pint & Pigout,” Addy says with a smile.
With the greatly appreciated by all yet, limited freedom of being able to socialise and visit pubs again, how has Addy’s mindset been impacted, post lockdown?
He states; “I can’t say it has changed much, however, it does feel like one of those long-overdue visits in away. I think from this whole ordeal, we can all learn that things shouldn’t be taken for granted, and maybe sometimes and only sometimes it might be okay to stay until they call the last round, because who knows it may just be the last round for a very long time.”
Wise words, which ring true in many Newcastillian’s worlds. But, how has the lockdown and forced time at home changed Addy’s outlook on partying and a big social life?
“I agree that it has changed my outlook on the parties and my social life and I love how the question asked referred to ‘a big social life’ ,” he laughs, “But at some point, we all need to grow up and somehow require less of the social satisfaction we crave as youngsters. I think a 5-month lockdown has forced me to knock on the door of that debate.”
In conclusion, how does NKZN’s king of talent, Addy, feel Newcastle’s preferences in socialising have changed?
Addy concludes, “I don’t think Newcastle or the people’s socialising preferences have changed, or ever will. We’ve just been taught a lesson or two about patience and staying home on a weeknight, which may not be a bad thing for a community that shows no hesitation when it comes to a good time. On a personal note, my friends may have an opinion about this, but I think we all needed the lockdown gents!”
Our second Newcastillian taking centre stage is the full of life, Tanya van der Merwe.
While toting a bubbly persona and positive outlook on life we asked Tanya how did Levels 5 and 4 affect her party life?
Showing her love for her friends, Tanya says “You know, a party isn’t a party unless you can enjoy time well spent with friends. Level 5 and 4 made it difficult in being able to enjoy a good time, as you miss your friends. And then you feel depressed.”
Admitting that time not being able to socialise with friends was depressing, Tanya says she missed being able to laugh, cry, joke and just being silly with her extended family, her friends. A detached and odd reality millions of South Africans had to deal with.
However, in light of being able to socialise and visit pubs again, how has Tanya’s mindset been impacted, post lockdown?
“Well from a business perspective, it’s good. But we are still scared and very cautious about our hangouts,” she highlights. A very good approach, especially when factoring in the fact that COVID-19 is still very much a major threat to each and every one of us.
Yet in spite of the challenges faced, how has the lockdown and forced time at home changed her outlook on partying and a big social life?
Tanya says, “Being with family creates more memories and we learn how to respect and enjoy each and everyone’s differences,” she emphasises.
Wrapping up, we asked Tanya how she feels, Newcastle’s preferences in socialising have changed? To which she said,” People now realise that you can socialise from home and still have a good time yet, will be safe.”
When it comes to socialising, the younger generation tends to forget those social legends, who came before us, but are still swinging their glasses, while pumping life into any social environment. One such master of the crowd is none other than Mr Peter Evans. A man who is known for his larger than life personality and witty sense of humour.
Asking the older and wiser Peter the same question as our two previous youngsters; as a social person who enjoys a good time, how did Levels 5 and 4 affect your life?
“I would say it initially affected it with a sense of trepidation and shock, leading us to adjust to this ‘new norm’. However, adjusting was less difficult than I imagined it would be, but I think the seriousness of the situation made one more grateful to be alive than going out.” Looking at the world our silver generation has been living in since the dawn of coronavirus, truer words could not have been said on the subject.
However, what did Mr Evans miss the most during this time?
“The companionship, interactions and catching up with the latest news, as the lockdown felt like a prison sentence. We couldn’t even take our dog for a walk.”
The always positive Welshman believes, that as much as he enjoys socialising, common sense must always prevail during difficult times. Stating, it is concerning to see how many people still refuse to wear masks. As by simply following the regulations, one could work their way back to the good times of socialising and catching up with friends.
As a man who is always up for a good laugh and enjoying a healthy exchange with friends, how is his social life now post lockdown?
Being on the other side of the spectrum of the COVID-19 scale. Peter stresses that the safety aspect of the lockdown has taken prevalence in his life, as well as always going above and beyond in practising the necessary health protocols when going out.
“I am diabetic, have less than 50% kidney function and I have hypertension, so safety is of the utmost importance.”
With a dissimilar outlook on socialising then that of the younger generation, at this stage of reality, how does Mr Evans feel the hard lockdown has changed Newcastle’s socialising preferences?
“Those with common sense will follow the necessary protocols,” he begins. But he feels it will take time for people to fully adjust to our new way of life, where facemasks and social distancing are now encouraged.
As we digest and absorb the different understandings learned during this time from our three candidates. It is very interesting to note that apart from the collective learning experience, how all three came to appreciate being at home, being with loved ones. A collective sense, I feel all of us have taken away from this pandemic.
Authors: Quinton Boucher and Calvin Swemmer
Edited: Calvin Swemmer
Comments 1
PETER YOUR LOOKING GOOD EVEN WITH THE LOCK DOWN AND A CURTAILING OF YOUR SOCIAL LIFE BUT LIKE YOU SAID YOU MISS THE OUT DOOR SOCIAL LIFE TALKING TO PEOPLE AND MOVING AROUND I LIKED MY SOCIAL LIFE IN NEWCASTLE MOVING TO WARNER BEACH WAS A BIG MI SOM STAKE BUT HAD TO LEAVE CRIME COULDNT TAKE MY DOG OUT IN THE MORNINGAND WE HAD THREE BEACHES WARNER, TOTI. WINKLSPRUIT, BUT WE MOVED ON I KNOW FROM FRIENDS IN WARNER TELL ME IT IS VERY HARD BUT IT IS THE SAME HERE IN MY HOME TOWN TREE DOGS THREE ADULTS AND MY GRANDSON IF THE CLIMATE WAS RIGHT SOUTH AFRICAN PEOPLE I KNOW WOULD RETURN AND ME WELL PETER HEALTH,WEALTH ,HAPPINESS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY