I visit my small rural town of Vryheid whenever I get the opportunity. That is where I grew up and attended primary and secondary school. Every time I leave to return to Johannesburg, I am depressed and depart with my heart in my mouth. Over recent decades I have seen the continuous deterioration of neighbourhoods, infrastructure and orderly, structured existence in many communities around the country. To see it first-hand in the area where my youthful consciousness was formed seals the reality of our country for me. In my mind, Vryheid has become the microcosm of what is bad in South Africa...