Nev Young
Nev’s family history is deeply rooted in Harfield, Claremont. Both Nev and his wife, Edith (nee Johnson), are from Harfield. Edith grew up on Surrey Street (number 39), while Nev lived on the corner of 3rd Avenue and Durham Street. His brother, Des Young, coincidentally married a Johnson (Evelyn) as well, though she was unrelated to Edith! Evelyn Johnson lived on Norfolk Street, Harfield.
Nev attended St Matthews School & has fond memories of his grandfather (nicknamed “Old Mr Young”), his dog, Booksie, and the wealth of good friends left behind after their family was forced out.
After the evictions, Nev’s family was moved to Sydney, Australia, where they have been living since 28 December, 1982.
Two of Nev & Edith’s three children, Samantha & Megan, were born in Cape Town, while the youngest, Matthew, was born in Australia, where they still live today.
Nev looks forward to returning to South Africa on visits and hope to do so in 2015 with a group of ex-patriots from South Africa currently living in Australia. The emotional loss experienced after the evictions continues to have a powerful impact on him, and he yearns to re-connect with and reclaim that which was emotionally removed from the Claremont residents during the apartheid evictions.
If you would like to get in touch with Nev, you may contact him at ncy47@optusnet.com.au, or find him on Facebook.
