This archive report was first published on 18 May 2020.
Life as a Junior Fundi ¶
As I worked on my small project to increase my egg production, I couldn't help but reflect on my childhood days in the construction industry. My grandfather had built a house made of stones, and I was his casual labourer and acting Deputy Contractor.
It was a project that taught me valuable lessons about hard labor and the importance of family. My grandfather, a self-proclaimed 'Fundi,' was a man of great skill and experience, but also had a tendency to disappear for days at a time, leaving me to wonder if I would ever see him again.
Despite the challenges, I learned a great deal from my grandfather, including the art of mixing concrete and the importance of perseverance. And although the project was not without its hiccups, we eventually completed the structure, albeit one that was a far cry from modern day architecture.
Looking back, I am reminded of the sacrifices that my grandfather made for our family, and the lessons that he taught me about hard work and determination. And as I continue to work on my own projects, I am grateful for the experience and knowledge that he imparted to me.
As I write this, my children are watching cartoons on television, completely unaware of the hard labor and historical injustices that I endured as a junior fundi. But I am proud of the man I have become, and the lessons that I learned from my grandfather will stay with me forever.
