by Naledi from Johannesburg asks Santa about zoo lights, learns about the Witwatersrand and Johannesburg’s gold mining history, and hears about the city’s summer Christmas traditions
Dear Santa, my name is Naledi and I am nine years old. I live in Johannesburg, South Africa, where my gogo says our whole city grew up out of the ground because of gold, more than almost any other reason.
Dear Naledi, your gogo is entirely right, and I have watched that particular history shape your city for a very long time myself.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, do you like Christmas zoos, with the lights and decorated animal enclosures? My family goes every December, even though it is already warm outside.
I love a good zoo display, Naledi, and Johannesburg’s warm, sunny version is a cheerful surprise compared to my usual snowy scenery. Seeing animals wander calmly beneath festive lights never gets old for me.
My second question is about our land. My teacher says our whole city sits on a ridge called the Witwatersrand, famous for gold. Is that true?
It is, Naledi. The Witwatersrand is a ridge rich in gold deposits, and its discovery in the late 1800s led to a massive gold rush that shaped Johannesburg into the major city it is today. Flying over that historic, sprawling city each Christmas Eve always fills me with real curiosity about its layered history.
My third question is, why do we have Christmas in the middle of summer here, with everyone at the pool instead of by a fire?
Because South Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere, Naledi, its seasons run opposite to countries in the north, placing Christmas firmly in the warm heart of summer there. It is a proudly South African way of keeping the same spirit of gathering and gratitude, just with sunshine and swimming instead of snow and scarves.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Naledi Khumalo
Johannesburg, South Africa
P.S. Do you get to swim when you visit Johannesburg?
Only very briefly, Naledi. The schedule rarely allows more than a quick dip.
