South Africa: The Truth

No, South Africa is not majestic. Inequities persist. Upon porting in Cape Town, I was shocked to find that we had just docked in an “American city.” From our viewpoint, the city was modern, beautiful, and trendy. Indeed, this was the case. Though, this was not the real case. For I knew that we were missing something.

As it now seems, I am contradicting myself. Yes, this is accurate. For South Africa also tends to be a nation of contradiction. Our second night in Cape Town delivered us a new perspective. Vicky’s B&B played host to me and three friends. Set in the midst of a township just minutes outside of the flourishing downtown Cape Town, Vicky began her B&B several years prior in an effort to give outsiders a better understanding of township life. It was shocking to see the disparity from our experience at the luxurious waterfront area just hours before and our current location. The visible effect that it triggered amongst my peers was exciting for me to witness as it seemed that they had never been exposed to such drastic inequalities. My time in Congo had developed my thinking in this way.

As awful as life in a township might seem, these people appeared to be quite happy. After all, they had one of the greatest treasures of life: community and friendship. In addition, these were a people in which their essential needs were being met. Interestingly, studies have shown that happiness does not find its basis in finances. Simply, the ability to be happy begins when our basic needs are met. Though, as I speak of happiness, I must contend that contentment is of such greater value. Within contentment is the recognition that there will be happy and unhappy times. This recognition and acceptance plays a strong role into reaching contentment. From there, it seems that happiness can be pursued to a greater extent.

Only tens years after the demise of the apartheid, South Africa visibly remained scarred by the 40-year time period during which the policy reigned supreme. This was a very interesting and eye-opening experience. Such an atmosphere causes me to wonder the similarities between the apartheid and the U.S. civil liberties movements. South Africa proved to be a memorable experience!

TS