The big white tents are used for all kinds of events such as weddings, funerals, school and church functions, and just about any other special gathering. It just so happens that our host mother is not only a primary school principal, but also a business owner who provides tents along with tables and extensive decorations such as fancy table linens and chair covers and decorative swaths that go all around the tent walls and ceiling.
For days and days after a busy weekend, young boys will arrive to scrub the tent sections before placing everything in storage. After particularly rainy, thus muddy, weekends, the work is quite extensive. The majority of this work is done just outside my front door as there is both the space and a concrete surface. The boys seem to enjoy working with each other and are probably quite happy for an opportunity to earn a few rand. I don’t know for sure, but I doubt if they are paid more than $10 (and possibly much less)for several afternoons of work.
