“So, last week, as I ran through my mental rolodex, I remembered how my mother has always mentioned “Abassie’s worsies”, a staple in her home as a child. Ironically, she never carried on the worsie tradition with us as I grew up, so, with spiked curiosity and the intense urge to satisfy my cravings – or the “lussies”, as many say – I drove to Adams Moslem Butcher, colloquially known to many as “Abassies”, at 41 Coronation Road, Walmer Estate, here in Cape Town.
As I approached the butcher, instantly the bold and colourful paintings on the outside walls struck me. With interest, I stared at the intricate art. A familiar and nostalgic feeling engulfed me, although I had never been to the butcher before. I entered the relatively quiet space, with my stomach yearning to eat the much-anticipated warme worsies. Finally, as I reached the counter, a woman with kind eyes stated, “Maaf (sorry), we are sold out. We only sell worsies every Wednesday and Thursday.” But before I strolled out of the butchery in disappointment, I turned around, because in my heart I knew that there was a story I needed to tell.”
Read here:
Zubayr Charles grew up in the picture-postcard neighbourhood of the Bo-Kaap. He teaches English First Language at the Good Hope Seminary High School and coordinates the school's drama club. At the same time, he is busy with his master's degree in creative writing at UCT. 'I write short stories, but I also consider myself a poet and playwright. In 2019 I showcased my first play dealing with gender-based violence The Battered Housewives' Club.' Zubayr is in the process of self-publishing an anthology of poems on the topic of the gentrification of the Bo-Kaap. Zubayr was hesitant about submitting his work to the Kommadagga panel. 'I have learnt that reading is subjective and people can either really like or dislike one's writing. So, I wasn't sure how the panellists would respond to my submission. When I received the good news, it was humbling because, although I have grown more confident in my writing, I wasn't sure about the reaction I would receive.' The short story he submitted deals with many of the taboos that millennials in Cape Town struggle with and that older and more conservative generations may not necessarily warm towards. 'I feel extremely honoured to be part of this programme and I hope to improve my writing in order to continue sharing the stories of the marginalised in the Cape Town of today.'
