I didn’t grow up with a singular cultural heritage, but rather a rich blend of influences.
Born in Namaqualand to parents from the Cape—an English father and an Afrikaans mother—I often found myself caught between worlds, unsure of where I fully belonged. At times, this felt like a loss, as though I lacked a clear cultural anchor. But over time, I came to see this “geroesemoes”, this colourful mixture, not as a disadvantage, but as one of my greatest strengths.
By Sub A/Grade 1, I was already fluent in both English and Afrikaans, while many of my peers were still navigating the basics of their primary languages. Standing “wydsbeen” across this cultural divide gave me a kind of dual citizenship—not just in language, but in experience. It allowed me to move fluidly between communities, to connect with people from different backgrounds, and to work and socialise with ease across cultural lines. Language, in that sense, became more than just a tool—it became a bridge.
This experience taught me that heritage matters deeply. It grounds us. It gives us identity, belonging, and the stories that shape who we are. But just as important is the ability to step beyond our own background and embrace the unfamiliar. That’s where growth happens.
As the Big Book says: “Yster slyp yster”—Iron sharpens iron. But even that old proverb doesn’t tell the whole story. To truly sharpen iron, you need more than just iron. You need friction. You need contrast. You need different materials—chromium oxide, silicon carbide, diamond dust. Even beyond that, you need cooling, lubrication, and technique.
My point is this: you don’t grow by staying in echo chambers or surrounding yourself only with those who think, speak, or live like you. Real sharpening—real transformation—comes from rubbing shoulders with difference. With people of other races, religions, languages, and worldviews. That’s how we become “sharper”, more compassionate, more capable human beings. So let’s sharpen ourselves—and each other—with intention. Let’s honour our roots, but never fear reaching beyond them.