Reality.

The other day we had the chance to spend a fair amount of time in Zwide and Njoli townships. I’ve seen poverty and struggle back home, in urban and rural areas alike, the same sort of struggle can be found here in Port Elizabeth.

As much as South Africa has been able to successfully host the football World Cup and its manufacturing industry is one of the biggest on the continent there are still millions of South Africans struggling to make ends meet. This is a recurring theme across the continent of course, but sometimes I need reminders in order to fully appreciate the harsh realities on the ground.

Many in the township have no consistent employment, HIV and AIDS are ravaging the population and “by any means” necessary is a mantra followed by too many, resulting in too many incidents of rape, violence and theft. Of course PE is not the only city/ region facing such problems. Africa’s poor, have been short changed by historically failed leadership and mismanagement.

During the day the streets are littered with kids, of all ages, kicking around rag soccer balls, chasing each other down and generally not worrying about the bleak surroundings they find themselves in. By no means would I want to burden the thoughts of a child, with a run down of all of life’s harsh realities. But to leave a child, any child in these circumstances makes for an uncertain future. This is why the visit to SOS was particularly significant to me. In the SOS village, the kids have been given an opportunity to grow , express themselves and learn uninhibited by their surroundings. Every child deserves opportunities,and spending a few hours in the townships brought home so many of the troubles facing our continent.

There’s work to be done…

A moment of clarity

I am in a new country experiencing its people, culture, languages, traits, traditions, prejudices, and weather for the course of a year. Although I was born and raised in neighbouring Zimbabwe, I cannot claim to have extensive views and insights on this country besides general viewpoinbts that I have developed through my learning and television.

At times when you read this blog you might mistakenly think that I am foreign to Africa and its unique localities and lets face it oddities at times.  I am an African through and through (born and raised here, for the first 19 years of my short life) and I have seen and experienced the many aspects of life on the continent, but not all.

Driving into the township of Zwide every morning is incredibly humbling, especially for someone who hasn't  experienced township life extensively. And again we're only working in the township, not living and breathing it day and night. As much as there is economic lack in places like this, the undoubted spirit of opportunism and genuine joy in day to day interactions does exist. Without being too romantic about the whole scenario, I must qualify my statements and say that crime and violence are very much present and they are an unfortunate aspect of life in the township, but I believe in the good of the majority of people living here more than the negative element. 

Looking at the townships of Port Elizabeth (especially the ones we work in mainly: Zwide being our base) is especially humbling when I consider how people living in townships back in Zimbabwe, are possibly worse off economically considering our country’s recent struggles. I only hope and pray that the work of the like of GRS can help the people gain access to more opportunities as they seek to pull themselves out of a life of lack. I think the resourcefulness that exists among the people of the township is a lesson in creating something out of perceived lack.

Africa will always amaze and intrigue me. I am always seeking inspiration from its people, whether it be family, friends or people leading special lives. Either way, I’m encouraged and hopefull. 

Viva Africa!