He ain't heavy, he's my cousin brother

WHAT'S happening to us as Indian South Africans? Why are we allowing the traditional family ties and friendships that once pervaded our lives, to just fade away?

- Dennis Pather

That’s the theme of a popular meme doing the rounds on social media this week, posing some searching and pertinent questions about relationships among Indian people.

The originator of the meme, whose identity is not revealed, recalls the days when homes in Chatsworth, Phoenix, Merebank, Isipingo, Tongaat and beyond were warmed by a spirit of togetherness.

“Cousins were like brothers and sisters. Siblings stood shoulder to shoulder. Neighbours became family. Sundays were for visiting, not for rushing. Eid, Diwali, weddings, funerals — whatever the occasion — we showed up. No invite needed.”