Lynneth (Laya) Clode (m. Ross)
| Town/City | Monbulk, Victoria |
|---|---|
| First name | Lynneth (Laya) |
| Last name | Clode (m. Ross) |
| Country of Origin | South Africa |
| Date of Birth | 31.08.61 |
| Year of Arrival in Australia | 1981 |
| Submitted by | Laya Ross |
Story
Our family left (fled in secret) Cape Town, South Africa in 1977 as we did not support the politics of the white minority government. We lived in the shadow of Table Mountain and across the paddocks behind us was Pollsmoor Prison, where Nelson Mandela was held for some time. It was after the Soweto riots at the height of Apartheid and world-wide sanctions. South Africa was at war with all the countries it bordered and my older brother was due to be conscripted in the army. We lived in fear all the time and I witnessed unspeakable atrocities – with no power to do anything about it. The only option was to leave the country and the only country which would accept us was Wales, my father’s country of birth.
After 3 years of cold in the British depression and a year-long wait for migration acceptance as UK citizens, we flew to Melbourne, Australia. We chose Australia because we had an uncle in Melbourne and Australia was similar to South Africa geographically, with wide open spaces and wildlife.
Because I was coming to Australia, the hot, dry land, I gave away all my warm clothes, only to land in Melbourne in winter! I also did ‘bring a plate’ – and cutlery and a glass. I waited at home for people who said, “See you later” and and I learned NOT to say, “Ag, shame” (a South African term of endearment) when I saw a new baby. But mostly, I have learned to live without fear. I am so proud – and grateful beyond words – to be a true-blue Aussie.