Tours and Reflections

With the arrival of new volunteers, the CCS staff organized a discussion about the history of South Africa and several introductory tours to the city and the townships.  Stephanie and I had not had the opportunity to do a city or township tour because of our special start date.  I was very excited about getting a better feel for the ins and outs of Cape Town.

The City Tour           

            Sunday, May 15^th, we started the day with our program director.  She narrated a presentation on the incredible history of South Africa.  She discussed colonialism, the Land Act, Apartheid, and community leaders.  She also discussed the importance of youth activism in pushing against Apartheid and the very public murders of many children and youth.  I was particularly excited to hear about the integral role youth activism.  I hope to come across more resources on the South African youth movement and where it is today. 

            After lunch, our newly formed group ventured out with our guide, Ferris, to tour some of down town Cape Town, vistas of Table Mountain, and the Water Front.  Ferris pointed out historical landmarks that I had only read about.  Just as the sun was beginning go low, we made our way up the look out mountain for the best views of the city and all of its natural wonders.  Even with the autumn fog that had settled over the city, the views were spectacular.  After twisting down the mountain, we stopped by the Water Front to briefly explore the beach area and take in the views. Being me, I climbed down to the tidal pools to watch the sunset.  The entire tour improved my mental map of Cape Town.   

The Township Tour

            Today, Mama Rose took us around some of the townships: Athlone, Nyanga, Longo, and Bontiville.  I got the opportunity to talk with her about some of the living conditions within a majority of the Townships.  She said that the apartments, or hostels, hold a family per room (sometimes 2 families per room) with only one toilet and sink per building.  She also said that the South African government is slowly renovated the hostels and building up to 30,000 new houses with water and electricity a year.  Though many people are still in deplorable living conditions, there is a positive urban housing movement in Cape Town. 

            After our brief introduction to some of the Townships, we visited some community sites.  We stopped by a preschool to listen to young ones perform beautiful songs.  We also stopped by a truly amazing service organization, Etafeni.  Etafeni provides skill training, life skills classes, health care, day care, and host a craft works program for women living with HIV/AIDS.  The Craft Works program allows women with HIV/AIDS to sell goods while receiving health care, obtain child care, and receive emotional support through counseling.  For more information about their mission and programs, please go to their website at www.etafenitrust.org. 

            After today, I am starting to see the many sides of Cape Town.  Yes, there is a almost unbearable financial divide, but there is also vast community-based action and community development.  

 

Lunch on the Lawn

 We end our time with Mama Rose with a lunch on the lawn in front of the CCS home base.  The sun shines through the home's gardens while we eat, chat, and begin to get to know one another......