INTRODUCTION

In the background of the old South Africa's racial discrimination which ascribed only 13% of the land to the majority of its citizens who were African people, it has been my long cherished dream to own land and build my own house one day. Now as I am nearing my retirement age, that day has arrived.

Below I want to discuss in some details the home I want to build from scratch and on my own piece of land. In this article I will endeavour to create soemthing new on paper: to draw up particulars of the home structure, the amenities, facilities, rooms and the flower garden.

REALIZING A HUMAN QUEST TO BELONG

In each one of us there is a basic longing for a place that one can call a home; where one may let go of one's being and assume to be understood, loved and welcome. On the verge of my retirement, I want a decent and comfortable place to in with the privacy that is due. As a social being I also need a space to meet at leisure with my friends and colleagues to discuss, plan and execute things we believe can help us change our lives for the better, and how we can be of assistance to those in desperate need of help.

However, so long as this remains only a desire, it is not good enough. There are instances when the vision fades from my memory, and I have to revive it. Sometimes while listening to other people's comments and criticism, it makes me feel tht the dream is too ambitious or unattainable. I have to persist or to be stubborn enough to continue hoping that this is not a pipe dream. Indeed, my great challenge today is to make this dream a reality.

THE STRUCTURE OF A HOMESTEAD

The outcome of my vision of thisnew home will depend on the geographical setting of the land site and on the movements of the sun rise and sun set. I am envisioning a piece of land on which to build, to be not less than 5 hectares. Several building units will be raised next to each other and linked by footpaths which are covered on top protect walkers from the rain. The units will be arranged in a semi circular formation like a homestead.

After the main entrance there will be a space for car-ports where trees will be planted for shade. Starting from the main entrance and going towards the right hand side of the semi circle there will be a building unti with two rooms: one for my personal assistant or switchboard operator, and the other room will be my library and office. Further on there will be a guest house with two rooms ensuite, a common lounge and a kitchenette. The next unit will be my house with two bedrooms ensuite, a lounge, a dining room and kitchen. There will also be a private meeting room and office, a jacuzzi, a steam-room and a private open space with a water fountain for relaxation. The next unit will be the chapel/prayer room facing the centre of the open square. On the left hand side of the semi circle starting from the main entrance there will be a larger room for gatherings and entertainment with snooker table, table tennis and other indoor games facilities. This will be followed by a guest room ensuite and two other rooms with common ablutions for the domestic staff. At the centre square will be a gazebo (in thatch roof) partly open for a barbercue area and a swimming-pool. The whole property will be fenced right round. There will be a footpath made along the fence for jogging and walking every morning or evenings. On strategic positions of the property an alarm system will be installed to ensure that all people living in my home will be safe.

FLOWER GARDEN TO MAKE HOME BEAUTIFUL

It will give me an immense joy and satisfaction, to spend most of my retirement in planting flowers of different colours, types and sizes, to grow some vegetables using the organic methods and maintaining green lawns around the units.

To do gardening properly, I will hire the services of a florist for regular guidance and advice. I will also keep contact with reputable flower centres to get adequate information and education on garden planning, to construct various aspects of the garden, paths, archs and patios, and then to make correct choices of types of flower colours, perennials or biennials to suit the four seasons of the year spring, summer and autumn.

Nothing else would make me happier and more proud, than to walk around my own home through an array of colourful flowers and shrubs some of which I had planted with my own hands.