Prilly & Lena
He introduced himself to me as Prilly but, as he was quick to point out, his proper name is Arthur. People call me Prilly, he said, as his father’s name was April. It was on a subsequent visit that I met his partner, Lena.
I first noticed their home down on the shore, when driving in and out of St Helena Bay. It seemed to be an informal recycling operation, so inquisitive me decided to find out. Indeed, he runs a small recycling business, mainly with cardboard these days, as glass is no longer an option for him, for obvious reasons as you’ll see.
Prilly is a St Helena Bay local or, as I like to refer to them, one of The Originals. At the age of six, he went to a school for the visually impaired in Bellville. He went on to study and practice law, mostly serving the poor. He was too soft, he said, telling clients they only need to pay him when they can afford to. They never paid. So he eventually gave up and returned to StHB.
He has now lost about 95% of his vision. Lena, his partner, has been 100% blind from birth. I only realised the true extent of Prilly’s blindness when I showed him a piece of wood as a sample for picture frames. ( I thought I might be able to give him some business). Lena said, let him touch it so he knows what I’m talking about.
They are well-known and loved in their community, and he is a regular sight as he taps his way around the streets with his metal cane.
They live right on the shoreline, but are threatened by encroaching gentrification. St Helena Bay is the second-fastest growing town in the country, and properties like theirs are being looked at with acquisitive eyes. He has a looming legal battle on his hands.
I will update this as I follow their story.
Here are some photos in the mean time..
When I first met Prilly..
Prilly, with his partner, Lena
Their humble home of many decades..
..and looking in the other direction, their enviable view. Just to my right, out of sight, their son is building his own little dwelling. I hope to meet him soon. (That strange vessel in the distance is a jack-up rig).
A familiar sight, Prilly tapping his way down the street with his fold-up cane. I noticed him of course, and gave him a ride home.
Amazing to watch, as he negotiated his way inside, and to see their son’s tiny abode now pretty much complete.
Their son’s cottage, now complete. Note the cardboard he has sorted, ready for collection. I think I’ll gift them some low-maintenance succulents and aloes for their garden. They thrive in the harsh climate of this part of the world.
Advancing gentrification.
