miscellaneous rambling

In my opinion, Africa is a bit of an enigma for people from North America. For the most part, I think it’s safe to say that when the average person thinks of Africa, he/she only thinks of:

1. apartheid

2. poverty

3. lots of big animals

Yet how can such a place then produce international stars in sports and acting? How is it that Cape Town is voted as one of the top 10 beautiful places to live in my travel magazines?

After meeting many South African’s ( SA), and hearing both good and bad stories about their country, the puzzle just got more confusing. So we decided to go and check it out. Plus, the idea of going on a safari sounds very cool on its own.

Firstly, I’d like to say that the trip was just awesome! We had a lot of fun, and the country really was beautiful. People are friendly, and the food was first rate. ( we both gained weight on this trip..)

1. A bit on apartheid

Basically, one word can sum up South Africa: Contrast. Literally, and metaphorically, the contrasts between rich and poor, first world and third world are clear as black vs. white… as is racism, as we know, has always been a problem within the country.

Just driving from the airport to the suburbs, we can see townships, also known as “informal settlements” which are basically shacks made up of scrap metal and wood, where the poor live. And then 10 minutes later, your middle-class homes, which are very similar to what you’d see in North America, and then another 10 minutes, and you are in middle-upper class homes, with massive yards, and swimming pools in the backyard. One can see all this within a 40 minute drive upon arrival to the country.

The townships are really amazing to see. It’s not just one or two shacks, but hundreds of them together, which means hundreds of people there, living with no water or electricity. They burn wood or coal for fuel ( fire hazard) and the sanitation is terrible. You’d think that the government would notice and do something, when several hundred people decide to just move and build homes literally overnight.

Your average home has a 5-10 foot wall encircling it, with either barbed wire, or electrical wire on top of that. Every house has an electronic alarm, and bars on the windows and even the motors of the front gates to the homes are locked down, because people will steal them. Most parking lots have security guards patrolling it, and you always lock your doors while driving, and keep things in the trunk of the car, because otherwise, someone will smash your window at a red light, and take out (ie. Steal) whatever is in your car.

There are many reasons why SA has so many problems. Apartheid, though now officially over, still has long lasting effects. It will take another generation of people before the future can brighten, because there was an entire generation that was denied education. This is now resulting in 30% unemployment rates, 40% illiteracy, and that’s only in SA! SA, which is the wealthiest African economy, also has hoardes of illegal immigrants from other parts of Africa which are even worse. These people are escaping war, and poverty around them, which is thus putting an even larger burden on SA.

There is obvious indifference and animosity between the different ethnic groups in SA today. Though they do now work together, out on the streets, just watching people interact, and seeing where they live, one gets the sense that things are still slow to change.

2. On poverty

Just taking a quick look at SA, one sees a city that rivals Sydney, and Vancouver. One sees beaches that are finer than ones I’ve seen in California, and in Greece. One sees ( and eats) at restaurants that have foods ranging from burgers to sushi, and South African fusion cuisine from all over the world.

Yet, when one looks closer all this, they’ll most likely see black people as those who are parking their cars, serving their food, and opening doors. Because they are still the ones who are doing the “lower end” jobs in society.

I went into Cape Town University to ask for directions one day, and found lots of black students, so I’m not saying that they are all uneducated. Once again, the next generation is when things are going to get better for this country. ~ actually, speaking of universities, certain universities also tend to have different demographics. Stellenbosch university has primarily Afrikans students for example. Not that there is anything prohibiting blacks and other groups from going there, but there is a definite trend resulting from past habits.

We took a drive into downtown Johannesburg, which was a real eye opener. Once we crossed a particular road, the whole world changed. Buildings were starting to rot, trash filled the streets, and the streets were crowded with poor people. Even the air smelled different ( honest!) I just thought of the phrase “ On the wrong side of the tracks”, because truly we were “not in Kansas anymore”. It’s a good thing we were with friends, because I would not have survived in public transport.

3. On animals

Contrary to popular belief, the modern cities of SA are very modern and not filled with lions and elephants crossing the road. Instead, I saw more than a few Porshes, Mercedes, and fancy motorcycles on the roads. Small towns have the same feel as in small town Alberta. ( even the countryside around Johannesburg is similar. Lots of wheat fields)

There are few tribes people left, and whoever are left, are far from any sort of town or city, so no, we didn’t meet any. (that was a little disappointing )

The countryside is incredibly varied. Within the Kruger national Park itself, the flora is different within a 50km area. The park, only one of several in SA is larger than Taiwan itself. Imagine driving through a park where you have to stop occasionally because elephants are crossing the road, or there are lions suddenly appearing next to the car, and then disappearing into the bushes. All are completely wild animals. They are free to roam as they please throughout the park. One camps in certain areas, which are protected by electrified fences, so the animals cannot come in.

It was amazing to see animals in their natural habitat, and a completely wild. From the photos you’ve seen on the post, don’t think that they are tame. If you step out of the car ( which is prohibited), they will attack and kill you. And the park assumes no responsibility.

*** I began writing this 3 weeks ago when we first got back and things were fresh in my mind. On reading it again, I think that the reader may feel that we had a rough trip, and that Africa is one big problem area. Actually, it’s not. The place is really nice, the people are friendly, and we plan to go back and explore again someday.

My knowledge is limited, but I think it’s a little clearer than most people. Especially those who have never set foot there. So for the SA people reading this, don’t be offended.