Play and Display in Pimville

Strikingly different to the sessions in Braamfontein.
These, and many other, Soweto kids play Chicago and tin box like pros. Easy in the politics, simple in the rules, up in your face in the game. These kids are confident and capable and take these games in their stride. Just another day "on my block".

Its boys versus girls as usual but there's no really indication of who's better at it. There is a hierarchy though and those not welcome - are not welcome. If you're too young and could get hurt, stay on the sidelines. If you're too old and will hurt others, don't even bother coming near here.

The games run at a frantic pace, this kids through hard and jump fast. bobbing and weaving, throwing and catching, placing as many can as you can between your feet and kicking them into the crate. when they're all in. turn the crate over and start again.
Every now and again this is interrupted by a car that drives down the road, disturbing the tempo for just a minute as it ambles by. Once passed, the kids shuffle the crate pack into the centre of the hot tarred road and get on with it.

The sky is large in Soweto, the buildings do not break it. not high enough. The sense of encroachment and chaotic clastraphobia felt in the cooped-up car park in braamfontein isnt felt here. Rather, the sun beats down on a lazy afternoon as people get back from work after the long trek that apartheid architecture still traces adn homes begin to light up. Its summer so there are still a couple of hours left for kids to do their thing, before their freedoms are temporarily reigned in and they're told to get indoors.
The pavements are short, a kind incline and a narrow way so most people doont really use em. Old lady's and young men alike walk through the bouncing tennis balls and flying cans without batting an eyelash... and for good reason.
Play is part of the fabric here. Kids are given their space. boys and girls are free to duel.