How not to cut down a tree in Africa

Posted by Tyson Jopson on 28 November 2012

Whether we’re on the road, at a campsite, in the bush or even just at home, remembering that old saying, ‘n Boer maak ‘n plan‘ is often the incentive we need to start thinking about alternative solutions. Of course, sometimes those solutions don’t quite work out as we had hoped.

 

 

I found this clip a few weeks ago and it made me think about that old South African saying, ‘n Boer maak ‘n plan‘. I love the saying. I think, even in times when it seems like it’s all gone pear, it’s kept many South Africans going. Whether we’re on the road, at a campsite, in the bush or even just at home, remembering that is the simple incentive we need to start thinking about alternative solutions.

In fact, I think it’s even gone beyond that. Proving that we can maak ‘n plan proves that we are true South Africans. I’d go so far as to say that I’ve even been oddly excited when things haven’t gone right and I’ve had to make a plan … even if it gets me in a little trouble (see: A letter of apology to Kruger National Park’s Orpen Camp).

Indeed, as a nation, we really are a resourceful bunch, perhaps the most resourceful of all. Our maak ‘n plan attitude has lead to the invention of things like Pratley putty, dolosse, and the kreepy krawley (see: Great South African inventions) and we should pat ourselves on the back for that.

It has also, however, led to some monumental stuff-ups, like the one below. It’s not hard see that this is not a good plan. It’s also not hard to see what’s going to happen next. It is hard not too shake our heads and mutter, ‘Idiots,’ the whole way through. And I think that’s something we (those of us not in this video, anyway) should also be able to pat ourselves on the back for: knowing a kak plan when we see one.

How not to cut down a tree in Africa

Here’s to hoping that your next maak-‘n-plan moment is better thought out than this one!

If you have any stories to share about the time your resourcefulness saved the day (or even just yourself) share them in the comment box below.

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