There’s something profoundly special about female friendships – the kind that span decades, weather life’s ups and downs, and only grow stronger with time.
Ballito local Wendy Lange knows this all too well. What began as a chance meeting of eight young women in a college residence over 50 years ago has blossomed into a lifelong bond built on shared memories, loyalty and love. Here, she reflects on the enduring power of that friendship.
It all began when we found ourselves living in the same residence at Edgewood College, fresh out of school and arriving from different places. It was there, in that shared space and new beginning, that our paths first crossed.
As we got to know each other through fun activities, shared laughter and long days of studying, a bond began to form. We were all studying teaching – attending the same lectures, walking the same halls – and before long, it wasn’t just about friendship anymore. We were becoming family.
Our families embraced each other, too. We welcomed one another’s friends into our homes and hearts. One of the girls’ parents had a beautiful cottage in Chaka’s Rock, up on Hill Street, and it became a special gathering place for us. Even after we were married, we continued those get-togethers – bobbing in the water at Catfish Rock, sharing stories and laughter.
Over the years, we have reunited in different corners of KZN. No matter where life took us, we always found our way back to Ballito. It’s like a magnet, pulling us together time and time again.
We have shared so many milestones: weddings, children’s birthday parties, their weddings, our parents’ funerals and special birthdays – even the occasional surprise party! And now, we find ourselves cherishing our grandchildren, creating new memories on the foundation of decades together.
Each reunion is filled with reminiscing, love, laughter and yes, plenty of happy tears. We never run out of things to talk about. WhatsApp has been a gift, keeping us constantly connected across distances. We share our highs and lows, and we are always there for one another. That’s what makes this friendship so special.
Our bond is built on honesty, loyalty, teamwork and most of all, unconditional love and appreciation for one another. Our children admire this connection. They see the strength in it, and they feel like part of it, too.
Photograph: Tash Hosken Lange
