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Luanda has not recovered from the civil war, which ravaged the country for 30 years. A drive around reveals the many faces of the city. An overwhelming majority of houses are poorly constructed while the sky-scrappers are dilapidated. The roads around the city are not in a good state and motorists can stay in traffic jams for hours. The roadsides are teeming with people selling different goods, like clothes, bread, meat, salt and even sand. Some of them sneak between the heavy traffic trying to make a quick sale. To the uninitiated this looks risky, but the sellers look so relaxed as they dart between vehicles to sell. Coming from a country like Botswana, living in Luanda can be a terrifying experience. A number of Batswana, who travelled to Angola to watch the COSAFA Castle Cup clash, looked in disbelief as the bus they were travelling in, drove through the streets of Luanda. Sunday Standard Chief Photographer, Oaitse Sejakgomo lamented that even our own Old Naledi is far much better than what he saw in Luanda. “It’s really bad to see the poor state of a country like Angola which is said to be rich,” he said. Sejakgomo, who was interested in taking pictures around the city, at some stage just stared helplessly at the sights that greeted him.
According to Botswana Football Association (BFA) president, David Fani, those who think that Batswana are suffering should visit countries like Angola. “The problem with our people is that they never travel to experience this kind of environment,” he said. Fani pointed out that if Batswana can start travelling, they would appreciate what they have. The food in Angola was not so appetising for someone who is not used to seafood. Most people kept on criticising the food, which they said was not palatable. The Voice reporter, Dubani wa Dubani said: “We have to appreciate the fact that we are able to eat something.” He pointed out that some people spend the whole day without eating.
At the Government Enclave in Angola, the situation was no better. The State House where President Eduardo Dos Santos lives is not that safe according to some people.
The Angolan State House is enclosed by a fence not a wall. “It is unbelievable to learn that the President lives here,” said one Botswana football supporter. Heavily armed soldiers guard all gates entering Government Enclave. Additional soldiers in four towers watch over State House.
But the interesting thing about Angola is that people in the city are very accommodating. There is a low crime rate and even traffic accidents are few. In 48 hours, I saw only one accident after the crunch game between the Zebras and Angola at the Estadio De Cidadela despite the fact that the streets are always busy. “I must admit that drivers here are careful,” said Simao, an Angolan whose English was not so fluent. He added that crime is low because most people believe in making money through their own sweat. BFA treasurer, David Kandji said there are a lot of business opportunities in Angola. He added that supplying meat to Angola could make a lot of money.
Generally, the Angolans are passionate about football. Every little space in the city is used by aspiring footballers to play soccer. “You see, football everywhere,” said Fernando, an official of the Football Association of Angola (FAF).
According to some of the Angolans, youngsters have realised that they can make money through playing soccer. “There are opportunities especially in Europe, so for them to make money, they have to be serious about the game,” said Sejakgomo. Interestingly, every team, which took part in these social games in Angola have a football kit.
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