Let's bring back the good of the bad old days

GEORGE NEWS - Inspired by the fashion of Sophiatown and District 6 when Miriam Makeba's song Pata Pata was on everyone's playlist and Drum Magazine the only read, The Brotherhood of George is set on reviving this vintage 1950s swag and style.

In 1950 the apartheid government was intensifying its rule and enforced the Group Areas Act by moving black people from their homes in areas classified "white only" to cramped townships far away from economic hubs.

Although these were the hardest of times, people found comfort and an escape from their misery through jazz, poetry, dance, and fashion. Apartheid might have taken their freedom, but they refused to let go of their humanity.

Although A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens does not refer to South Africa of the 50s and 60s, he summed it up when he wrote: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way - in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only."

Reviving the good out of those days, a group of men from Thembalethu, The George Brotherhood, want to illuminate the era of 1950 by revitalising and embracing the sprint of 'Kofifi' - characterised by shebeen queens, writers, musicians, dancers, and politicians.

The George Brotherhood show off their fashion style.

During those days there was a sense of unity among the people which helped them to better cope with their socio-economic conditions.

"During those days people were united.They continued to learn from each other, embrace each other's cultures and shared good memories in a spirit of Brotherhood. This is what we are trying to do - to bring back people to their roots and seek Ubuntu in them," said Camagu 'bra Joe' Somdaka, one of the founding members.

Somdaka said they are not only about fashion and entertainment but they want to teach young people to care for humanity, to address social challenges and to look out for one another.

Bonisile Marhafu (left) and Anele Yona also joined The George Brotherhood.

"We want to address issues such as women and child abuse, domestic violence, crime, drug and alcohol abuse and install a sense of pride in people, to believe in themselves."

They are calling for people from all walks of life to come and join The George Brotherhood. Somdaka said you don't have to be from that era, but as long as you love the style of fashion and are inspired by what they stand for, you are welcome to join the group. For more information contact Lindile Hlasela on 063 556 2648.

The George Brotherhood are calling on people to join their movement. Photos: Zolani Sinxo