My name is Ruth Jones

My name is Ruth Jones. It comes from a bible scripture my mom so very much fell in love with at the time she carried me.

I’m a 40 year old Capetonian and I was brought into this world on the 12 of November 1971. I was born at the Peninsula Maternity Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa.

I would do anything for friends and family. I never had the chance to finish my schooling and sometimes I wish to have that better life to provide financially for my family.

I’m second in charge of the Anglican church brigade in Manenberg and I play the flute, bugle, base drum and drums. If I don’t do a good job, they will demote me. Being a member of the church brigade gets me away from the normal life and situations I’m facing daily. I’m able to see the other person in me, being with children from all ages and different groups and families. To teach them and also to respect and appreciate the meaning of the church brigade. The children in our brigade come from everywhere within the community but they all come to our church because
of the brigade. Other churches don’t have brigades and uniforms like ours.

Sometimes people think the brigade is only to walk in the street and to play an instrument. But it’s so much more.

Ruth Jones, Manenberg Township, Cape Town, South Africa, 2012