Even though it is probably very bad to say this, but I really enjoyed reading this in the comfort of my office room! Shame, I know the feeling (even though the furthest that my old plastic beer glasses I use to grow cuttings in blew in the winds here were downstairs).
I strongly feel your existential pangs.
No idead if you know about him, Jan Braai on Kyknet DSTV, but he always says: "dinge gaan nog lekker hier in SA," but for how long is another question. I am trying to figure my own place in this country and if I want to buy some property here. Alas, we will survive, albeit with crooked carrots.
Best of luck.