Welcome to the Isuzu Ikhaya lekhaya Trip 1: Heading “Home” with Charl-Johan Lingenfelder

My name is Charl-Johan Lingenfelder, and I want to share with you my incredible journey back home. It’s an adventure filled with excitement, discovery, and a touch of nostalgia. Join me as I explore the wonders of my childhood, the beautiful landscapes, and the people who shape my deepest memories.

As a child, Izzzu was more than just a car manufacturer – it was a part of my family. The Isuzu bakkie brought us together, taking us on memorable road trips and helping us experience the joy of exploration. Today, it still represents the bond we shared and the love for our African heritage.

Let’s begin our journey, traversing the dusty roads that lead us to my childhood home. The sun shines brightly overhead, casting a warm glow on the vast, golden plains. The wind whispers through the grass, carrying with it the familiar scents of home.

We drive past the old baobab tree, its towering presence a symbol of strength and resilience. Its branches reach out like open arms, beckoning us to embrace our roots and reconnect with the essence of who we are.

The journey takes us through quaint towns and villages, where smiling faces greet us with warmth and curiosity. We pause to share stories and laughter, immersing ourselves in the vibrant culture that has shaped us.

The rugged terrain tests our Isuzu’s capabilities, pushing it to its limits. But with every challenge, it rises to the occasion, reminding us of its unwavering dependability. It’s more than just a vehicle; it’s a trusted companion on this extraordinary journey.

Finally, we reach our destination – my childhood home. The familiar walls still stand, sheltering a lifetime of memories. Each corner holds a story, etched in the very fabric of the house. It’s a place where laughter echoed, tears were shed, and dreams were born.

As I step inside, a rush of emotions overwhelms me. It feels as if time has stood still, preserving the essence of those precious years. The worn-out furniture, the fading photographs – they all whisper tales of a life well-lived.

With each passing moment, I am reminded of the importance of home. It’s not just a physical space; it’s a sanctuary that nurtures our souls. It’s a place where we can be ourselves, where we are accepted and cherished for who we are.

The journey back home is not just a nostalgic trip down memory lane. It’s a reminder of the values that have shaped me and the deep appreciation I have for my roots. It’s a celebration of the bond between family, community, and African heritage.

So, join me on this incredible Isuzu Ikhaya lekhaya trip, as we head “home” together. Let’s rediscover our roots, create new memories, and embrace the essence of who we truly are.

If you spent any time on the Internet last year, you might have come across musical director Charl-Johan Lingenfelder’s Cape Town apartment. You wouldn’t have seen him though, instead, you would have witnessed a person formed from Prestik maneuvering through the weirdness of lockdown in Charl’s eerie stop-motion animated film, I’m Not Here.

But now it’s 2022, and Charl is present – just like us. There are two filmmakers and one writer, gathered around, indulging in homemade soup, savoring the breathtaking view of Cape Town from Charl’s apartment, and discussing the concept of “home” (which, as it turns out, is far from simple). This marks the beginning of a four-day journey that will shape this video, taking us from Charl’s apartment (which he says truly represents who he is) to his hometown of Villiersdorp in the Overberg.

Why am I taking this trip, you ask? Well, it all started with the creation of Hommelby Genesis, an album I wrote. This album tells the story of a boy growing up in a small town during apartheid. It explores the dreams and ambitions of young people as they transition into adulthood. The music resonated with me on a deep level, and I decided that I needed to experience it firsthand.

So, here I am, embarking on this journey. One of the highlights will be the choir performance by the students of De Villiers Graaff High School, which is where I went to school, by the way. I can’t wait to hear their voices fill the room, their passion and talent shining through every note. It’s going to be a truly special experience.

When I set out on a journey, I love that feeling of complete comfort as the magnificent Isuzu D-MAX takes me smoothly over the breathtaking Du Toitskloof Pass and through the picturesque valleys of the Overberg region. But what I’ve come to realize is that the external journey is just one part of the adventure. The internal journey, the exploration of ourselves, takes us way beyond our comfort zones, and that’s where we truly grow and discover who we are. And that’s exactly what I experienced when I joined Charl on his remarkable journey.

“You know, I’ve been thinking a lot about journeys and destinations,” I say to myself as I navigate the winding roads of Du Toitskloof Pass in the trusty D-Max. “Both are really important because the way you experience your destination is directly influenced by the journey you take to get there. Now, as I head back to Villiersdorp after all these years, I can’t help but wonder how my perspective and experience of the town may have changed.”

But here’s the thing, and it might surprise you. Experiences and perceptions don’t always change the way we anticipate when we embark on a journey. There’s something about coming home that makes everything a bit more complicated.

Follow the amazing journeys showcased in the Isuzu D-MAX and Getaway Ikhaya Lekhaya campaign, and you could have a chance to win an unforgettable five-night getaway to the tropical paradise of Seychelles with three of your loved ones. Click here for more details and to enter the competition. Remember, the competition closes at 15h00 on 2 December 2022.