A Home On Voster Street by Razina Theba’s is a memorable memoir
By Jojokhala C. Mei
Come to think of it, lawyer Razina Theba’s 2021 coming of age memoir set on the western flank of the Johannesburg Central Business District brandishes no paperback cover promises that she does not keep.
On the front cover astute writer and former SA cabinet Intelligence Minister, Ronnie Kasrils, promises it ‘Splits your sides, enriches your soul and evokes all reasons why we love our diversity and who we are’. Alongside blossoming literary facilitator Karabo Kgoleng’s heart sings “Theba’s story reminds us that life can be full, fun and meaningful even in times of deprivation , and that it is crucial to keep family legacies alive.” And the back cover concludes that “she (Rezina) learns of the value of family love and the enduring.”
Afterall, publishers Jonathan Ball is on the roll showcasing many unheralded South Africans with a fascinating life story to tell in their own words.
A Home On Voster Street goes far beyond merely stringing together exquisitely drawn major and cameo characters act out in quant and hilarious vernacular incidents is told in hilarious language peculiar to the once Gujarati-speaking Indian-originating small very religious commercial-cum-residential Newtown community. Excursions with her extended family and friends to other parts of the country and cross-border provide a wonderful stretch of the imagination.
Razina Theba memorializes the community’s favourite ‘born scowling’ character for reasons unlike mine. “Salim was the chocolate wrapped in purple cellophane in box of Quality Street, he was everybody’s “favourite-favourite”. Bhaje, ma and Khala-next-door all fell hopelessly in love with this scrawny baby. So did my mum. … “He was a little SHIT!” My mother would beam, in a way that made one think that it was something to be aspired to.” The twist to who’s favourite he becomes is a treasured bittersweet laugh at oppressive apartheid yesterdays.
And it turns this is the, man Professor Salim Vally who graciously voluntarily helped with my Drama Honours Long Essay from his Education Faculty office on the far-end Wits University West campus while the Drama department is on the main campus.
The writer finally learns that intelligent laughter breeds all the devotion her second son will need.