A comment I received on my previous blog brought to mind an interesting question that had not been addressed by any of our lecturers or by our visits to sites. During Apartheid people were classified into a massive number of groups but something that was not seen by us was that the government classifications. People were not called white coloured Indian and Black. They were White Coloured Malay Indian Oriental Xhosa Zulu the list goes on. Now people talk about Africans of South Africa including all people but they also talk about the history and put an interesting divide. They call the groups as I mentioned in the first group by colour names. Even Dr. Foster did so and my question is why? Why have they lumped all African ethnic identities into one group?
This is not my only question. I feel that we have gained great knowledge from our experiences here and the lectures we have been to. However I want to know how you start to reconcile. Professor Keasley brought up many points today in his lecture to us and clarified many things about the theoretical and even the practical aspects of reconciliation. However I still see a huge barrier to true reconciliation in how does one start the process? I have tried putting myself into a South African mind set I have tried putting myself into a Scandinavian mind set or even Chilean. I still feel that were I like Tabo, a man working at DACPM (the Direct Action Centre for Peace and Memory) who told us of his time in MK (the militant arm of the ANC) and what he has done to find peace in himself and to bring that to others, I would have had the hardest time stopping. I am not a soldier and so perhaps I cannot understand but I believe in ideals that are worth giving everything for, but I have not been tested.
I brought this up earlier, however I think it bears repeating, that the issue of land has yet to be resolved. I do not think that we will see a generation at peace with itself in South Africa until this is addressed. Addressed not in the rural areas only but in the cities where South Africa grew up. Giving land to a man and saying farm does not make him a farmer. Giving houses to people who are starving does not put food in their mouths. RDP is a failing program and the land return is not equitable to anyone involved. Dr. Ntsebeze, when we spoke briefly, believed much the same as has anyone I have spoken to about this issue. However not a single one of us knows what to do. My thought had been to provide free training in agriculture however this is only one small thing and does not address all the issues that are present.
These are three questions I had there are more in my mind and I will take them back with me to ponder and search for answers. I think that the lesson I have taken from this is that we must continually seeking the answers to questions even those we do not know yet.
Hamba Kahle! Until we meet again Ryan E. Hardman
26 May 2010
24 May 2010
Race the Oxymoron
Our Lecturer today Dr. Foster brought up many questions in my mind the biggest was the idea that race is an idea. I whole heartedly agree with this and have tried to live it in my own life with varying degrees of success. However he also brought up the point that although we must do away with race it still has to be used at least for the present otherwise we would not be able to make the society equal. See the ridiculous of that statement? South Africa wants to do away with race so it must use race to even the playing field. The other lecturer we had today Dr. Thaver brought this up as well.
To change gears slightly here is a startling statistic only 16% of students in South Africa’s Universities graduate, in the U.S.A. it is almost treble that. So to even out society we need to change education that was what Dr. Thaver spoke to us about. She mentioned that there are good things occurring however there is still massive disparity and the solutions are far off. Dr. Foster brought up a very similar set of points when he spoke to us. The level of contact which is part of doing away with the “Race” question is dismally low. Almost everyone in the surveys he and others conducted said “no I do not want increased contact with others races”. But surely on a University campus people intermingle.
That is so far from the truth it is hard to write about. Neither CU nor UCT students readily congregate in mixed groups the only example I neither institution I can think of is the international coffee hour at CU but that does not mean people are crossing lines in there every day life. I saw this at UCT on the steps to Jameson Hall, Dr. Foster had research to the same effect, students of different races did not mix and they congregated into easily distinguishable groups. This apparently happens everywhere in South Africa which is startling worrisome and interesting in that order. Startling as everything we had heard so far lead me to believe the opposite. Worrisome because if this continues we will see a system not unlike apartheid’s in its brutality arise in South Africa. Interesting because knowing this means that we have another piece of the puzzle which leads to a truly unified South Africa.
I am not a scare monger so please excuse the above however it is quite true. Zimbabwe had the same thing happen to it after its “liberation”. The inequalities eventually led to open violence that is shocking in its telling. South Africa is younger than Zimbabwe yet she is almost as blind to her problems. I hope that the world cup brings more than fans to this nation. Perhaps the U.S.A. can take a lesson and look to resolve our own issues about race. The first step will be in actually having a discussion about race and how we can move past it.
Hamba Kahle! Until we meet again Ryan E. Hardman
To change gears slightly here is a startling statistic only 16% of students in South Africa’s Universities graduate, in the U.S.A. it is almost treble that. So to even out society we need to change education that was what Dr. Thaver spoke to us about. She mentioned that there are good things occurring however there is still massive disparity and the solutions are far off. Dr. Foster brought up a very similar set of points when he spoke to us. The level of contact which is part of doing away with the “Race” question is dismally low. Almost everyone in the surveys he and others conducted said “no I do not want increased contact with others races”. But surely on a University campus people intermingle.
That is so far from the truth it is hard to write about. Neither CU nor UCT students readily congregate in mixed groups the only example I neither institution I can think of is the international coffee hour at CU but that does not mean people are crossing lines in there every day life. I saw this at UCT on the steps to Jameson Hall, Dr. Foster had research to the same effect, students of different races did not mix and they congregated into easily distinguishable groups. This apparently happens everywhere in South Africa which is startling worrisome and interesting in that order. Startling as everything we had heard so far lead me to believe the opposite. Worrisome because if this continues we will see a system not unlike apartheid’s in its brutality arise in South Africa. Interesting because knowing this means that we have another piece of the puzzle which leads to a truly unified South Africa.
I am not a scare monger so please excuse the above however it is quite true. Zimbabwe had the same thing happen to it after its “liberation”. The inequalities eventually led to open violence that is shocking in its telling. South Africa is younger than Zimbabwe yet she is almost as blind to her problems. I hope that the world cup brings more than fans to this nation. Perhaps the U.S.A. can take a lesson and look to resolve our own issues about race. The first step will be in actually having a discussion about race and how we can move past it.
Hamba Kahle! Until we meet again Ryan E. Hardman
Perspective
During our sojourn we have looked at how South Africa has tried to move from the hatred and violence that permeated the Apartheid era to the new Democracy. We have spent time in Orlando West gone to museums and truth telling sites. We have spoken with many people and seen the work of a variety of organizations. However the one thing I have noticed and was really cemented in my mind by our lecturer today was the fact that we have almost universally had a perspective from the victors and to not put to fine a point on it from a black perspective.
Aside from our first lecturer at UCT and Dr. Foster we have not spoken with White South Africans. I do not mean to say that we should focus on them or that they are more valuable or any such nonsense. What I mean is that our perspective is one that has been of rose coloured glasses. Like Hoffman I was oblivious to what might be right in my face. As Dr. Foster said there are serious problems still facing this country it is not even really all that advanced, if we are really not going to pull punches. The murder rate in South Africa is the highest in the world the unemployment rate is 41%. So many people think that this is the time for South Africa to shine but the current government is doing some things that the National Party and others before them did. For example there are a huge number of shanty houses along the road from Cape Town’s airport so they are trying to shine them up or else hide them. Has the city forgotten district 6? I wonder when someone will finally “wait what do these people want?”
I am not saying that there has not been great change and improvement but things are not as rosy as they seem and I believe that we have not had the chance to be exposed to the other side. I would personal use this in my own endeavors towards making a truth telling site in the San Luis Valley by making sure to fully research all aspects pull in the community re-research then perhaps I might have just scratched the surface. However that is not to say this course is a failure I applauded the fact I was able to draw this from what I have experienced. I think that the course is ongoing and I know already that it will be changing with new sections added and others removed the same as any other course. I think it is also hard to get a white perspective because many of the opinions that would shine light on these dark places are hard to get without placing ourselves at great risk.
I do not know the answer to this question and I do not claim to I simply realized that there was an element to the idea of reconciliation that had not been touched upon and I wished to place it in the open for people to comment on.
Hamba Kahle! Until we meet again Ryan E. Hardman
P.S. Of the lecturers we have had 2 have been white 2 have been african and 1 was coloured. However as I stated above I am talking about the organizations and people "in the field".
Aside from our first lecturer at UCT and Dr. Foster we have not spoken with White South Africans. I do not mean to say that we should focus on them or that they are more valuable or any such nonsense. What I mean is that our perspective is one that has been of rose coloured glasses. Like Hoffman I was oblivious to what might be right in my face. As Dr. Foster said there are serious problems still facing this country it is not even really all that advanced, if we are really not going to pull punches. The murder rate in South Africa is the highest in the world the unemployment rate is 41%. So many people think that this is the time for South Africa to shine but the current government is doing some things that the National Party and others before them did. For example there are a huge number of shanty houses along the road from Cape Town’s airport so they are trying to shine them up or else hide them. Has the city forgotten district 6? I wonder when someone will finally “wait what do these people want?”
I am not saying that there has not been great change and improvement but things are not as rosy as they seem and I believe that we have not had the chance to be exposed to the other side. I would personal use this in my own endeavors towards making a truth telling site in the San Luis Valley by making sure to fully research all aspects pull in the community re-research then perhaps I might have just scratched the surface. However that is not to say this course is a failure I applauded the fact I was able to draw this from what I have experienced. I think that the course is ongoing and I know already that it will be changing with new sections added and others removed the same as any other course. I think it is also hard to get a white perspective because many of the opinions that would shine light on these dark places are hard to get without placing ourselves at great risk.
I do not know the answer to this question and I do not claim to I simply realized that there was an element to the idea of reconciliation that had not been touched upon and I wished to place it in the open for people to comment on.
Hamba Kahle! Until we meet again Ryan E. Hardman
P.S. Of the lecturers we have had 2 have been white 2 have been african and 1 was coloured. However as I stated above I am talking about the organizations and people "in the field".
19 May 2010
history and History
I was realizing today that although we here in South Africa have had the benefit of the history of the country most if not everyone who is reading these blogs will not have had that chance. I have therefore decided to bring a little explanation if you will to what the History is and why we even bothered to come here in the first place.
South Africa’s history began in 1652 with the Dutch. Wait, no the name arrived with the Dutch the History began with the San people when the Dutch were still leaving Africa. As our Lecturer Van Hynigen told us the San were most likely the first people in the area and the oldest recognizable group in the world. They would later be pushed out by the Khoi Khoi people who were cattle raisers. Cattle are extremely important to the different Ethnic groups in South Africa and indeed the Whole of Southern Africa. The Khoi Khoi were the people the Dutch encountered when they setup the way station at the Cape of Good Hope.
From the start the Dutch tried to extract labour from the native population the idea was foreign to them as they did not have to do such things as the Dutch wanted them to do. To rectify this situation the Dutch brought in slaves from the East Indies and these people sharing a common language group would eventually be known as the Cape Malays. These are the people that live in Bo Kaap in Cape Town and they have a very rich culture and History that includes the first mosque in South Africa and beautiful colonial architecture.
The Afrikaners (Dutch for African) are the descendants of the original settlers. The language they speak is a melting pot of words from several different idioms, which is in contrast to how the Afrikaners viewed themselves during the 20th century and very different to what such radicals as the AWB espouse. The Afrikaners did not want British rule when it arrived due to the discovery of mineral wealth in the area. They went north and founded two republics the Orange Free State and the Boer Republic. This was fine until diamonds and more importantly gold were discovered in Boer (meaning farmer, I use Boer and Afrikaner together as they are similar but not the same) held lands. This led to the Anglo Boer (the 2nd Boer war) which saw 20000 Boers try to fight 250000 British soldiers.
The conflict was long considering the staggering odds however it is important to note two very interesting terms come from this time. First we have Commandos as the Boers were known and from which the tactics come. Second we have the biggest cleave of the Afrikaans speaker “Concentration Camps” I have them here in quotes because they are not like the camps of WWII. The concentration camps used by the British were the only way that they could think to fight the commandos as they received huge support from their families and comrades. However the camps were poorly planned and as was often the case of the times a small disease spread like wildfire. Many people died in the camps both White and Black as there were camps for both groups.
To end the conflict the British signed a treaty which eventually ended in the Union of South Africa in 1910 but which placed the paving stones for Apartheid firmly in place. The right for blacks to vote was removed under the 1902 treaty. This did not set well with educated blacks who had previously had a say in what happened in their country. In 1912 the African National Congress was formed and in 1918 at the end of the First World War they went along with the Zionists and many others to air their claims however unlike Israel they like Afghanistan would be passed over.
In the years between the Wars the far right Afrikaner movement began to take a firm hold and eventually in 1948 they came to power and were able to institute there vicious plan which came under the title Apartheid (separate but equal). Anyone who grew up in this time or has even briefly looked at it can tell you that Apartheid was not separate and equal only separate. For Americans imagine the Jim Crow laws and what they meant for Blacks in the US now imagine that 100 fold and a government who is actually perpetrating the injustice not just turning a blind eye. That doesn’t even begin to explain what it was like but it gets a little close. The National Party (the Afrikaans party) under Dr. Voorword instituted many a despicable law that worked to oppress and marginalize anyone that was not white.
This was what Ghandi and Later J.C. Smuts had feared and the cause would later be taken to its fullest by those with the most vested interests the people themselves. The ANC and other organizations would soon begin to actively work against the system and bring some light into the dark.
Hamba Kahle! Until we meet again Ryan E. Hardman
P.S. more is coming for this post please be patient
South Africa’s history began in 1652 with the Dutch. Wait, no the name arrived with the Dutch the History began with the San people when the Dutch were still leaving Africa. As our Lecturer Van Hynigen told us the San were most likely the first people in the area and the oldest recognizable group in the world. They would later be pushed out by the Khoi Khoi people who were cattle raisers. Cattle are extremely important to the different Ethnic groups in South Africa and indeed the Whole of Southern Africa. The Khoi Khoi were the people the Dutch encountered when they setup the way station at the Cape of Good Hope.
From the start the Dutch tried to extract labour from the native population the idea was foreign to them as they did not have to do such things as the Dutch wanted them to do. To rectify this situation the Dutch brought in slaves from the East Indies and these people sharing a common language group would eventually be known as the Cape Malays. These are the people that live in Bo Kaap in Cape Town and they have a very rich culture and History that includes the first mosque in South Africa and beautiful colonial architecture.
The Afrikaners (Dutch for African) are the descendants of the original settlers. The language they speak is a melting pot of words from several different idioms, which is in contrast to how the Afrikaners viewed themselves during the 20th century and very different to what such radicals as the AWB espouse. The Afrikaners did not want British rule when it arrived due to the discovery of mineral wealth in the area. They went north and founded two republics the Orange Free State and the Boer Republic. This was fine until diamonds and more importantly gold were discovered in Boer (meaning farmer, I use Boer and Afrikaner together as they are similar but not the same) held lands. This led to the Anglo Boer (the 2nd Boer war) which saw 20000 Boers try to fight 250000 British soldiers.
The conflict was long considering the staggering odds however it is important to note two very interesting terms come from this time. First we have Commandos as the Boers were known and from which the tactics come. Second we have the biggest cleave of the Afrikaans speaker “Concentration Camps” I have them here in quotes because they are not like the camps of WWII. The concentration camps used by the British were the only way that they could think to fight the commandos as they received huge support from their families and comrades. However the camps were poorly planned and as was often the case of the times a small disease spread like wildfire. Many people died in the camps both White and Black as there were camps for both groups.
To end the conflict the British signed a treaty which eventually ended in the Union of South Africa in 1910 but which placed the paving stones for Apartheid firmly in place. The right for blacks to vote was removed under the 1902 treaty. This did not set well with educated blacks who had previously had a say in what happened in their country. In 1912 the African National Congress was formed and in 1918 at the end of the First World War they went along with the Zionists and many others to air their claims however unlike Israel they like Afghanistan would be passed over.
In the years between the Wars the far right Afrikaner movement began to take a firm hold and eventually in 1948 they came to power and were able to institute there vicious plan which came under the title Apartheid (separate but equal). Anyone who grew up in this time or has even briefly looked at it can tell you that Apartheid was not separate and equal only separate. For Americans imagine the Jim Crow laws and what they meant for Blacks in the US now imagine that 100 fold and a government who is actually perpetrating the injustice not just turning a blind eye. That doesn’t even begin to explain what it was like but it gets a little close. The National Party (the Afrikaans party) under Dr. Voorword instituted many a despicable law that worked to oppress and marginalize anyone that was not white.
This was what Ghandi and Later J.C. Smuts had feared and the cause would later be taken to its fullest by those with the most vested interests the people themselves. The ANC and other organizations would soon begin to actively work against the system and bring some light into the dark.
Hamba Kahle! Until we meet again Ryan E. Hardman
P.S. more is coming for this post please be patient
Truth Telling Sites From Soweto to Cape Town
Previously I had discussed the idea of truth telling sites. I believe them to be of great importance to the process of reconciliation and healing. They help to meet one of the goals outlined by D. Crocker in that they allow a public forum for victims. An example would be the list of names of women at the fort in Johannesburg. They can also be used to fill other requirements.
However I want to examine them in the context of Gone but not Forgotten that we discussed recently in Cape Town. Dr. Keasley asked us if we used forgiveness in our own life. Our answers were varied and many however a number of us pinpointed trust as a key factor for us. Trust seems to be a key component for any reconciliation to occur. This trust I believe must be on going and continue into future generations. Should this not be done it would be simple for old enemies to nurse wounds and tell their side to their descendents.
To try and mitigate this I think that truth telling sites are critical. They allow for latter generations to learn and remember the truth of the history. Our first lecturer at the University of Cape Town (UCT) spoke to us on the different histories of the country. One story she told was of the concentration camps that the British used during the Anglo-Boer war. These camps were not just for the Boers but for the Africans who were part of their household. The records of those people were destroyed at some point, most likely during apartheid, and now there is no record. A single history that all the people share and recognize is critical and to bring that history home to people sites are needed.
Even so I think that it is clear that a common history and understanding has not yet been fully realized. Lecturers Jolobe and Ntsebeza both emphasized to us that they believe that the process is not finished and that there is still much work to be done. Ntsebeza has been working on research regarding the return and redistribution of land. He was recommending a TRC (Truth and Reconciliation Commission) on Land. He made the clear point that although many of the wounds have been dealt with the fact remains that at least 80% of the land in South Africa remains in the hands of whites. Neither Ntsebeza nor I would like to see a situation like Zimbabwe occur in South Africa however someone must do something.
This leads me back to my goal with these blogs and this class, to determine the means and best use for truth telling sites. I have spoken to a number of South Africans, white and black, and there is not a common history that they tell. Everyone could tell me about the truth telling sites though and they said that they told the true story, as much as was there. That says to me that there needs to me more of these sites that really bring home the history and the interconnectedness of the countries different racial groups.
Hamba Kahle! Until we meet again Ryan E. Hardman
However I want to examine them in the context of Gone but not Forgotten that we discussed recently in Cape Town. Dr. Keasley asked us if we used forgiveness in our own life. Our answers were varied and many however a number of us pinpointed trust as a key factor for us. Trust seems to be a key component for any reconciliation to occur. This trust I believe must be on going and continue into future generations. Should this not be done it would be simple for old enemies to nurse wounds and tell their side to their descendents.
To try and mitigate this I think that truth telling sites are critical. They allow for latter generations to learn and remember the truth of the history. Our first lecturer at the University of Cape Town (UCT) spoke to us on the different histories of the country. One story she told was of the concentration camps that the British used during the Anglo-Boer war. These camps were not just for the Boers but for the Africans who were part of their household. The records of those people were destroyed at some point, most likely during apartheid, and now there is no record. A single history that all the people share and recognize is critical and to bring that history home to people sites are needed.
Even so I think that it is clear that a common history and understanding has not yet been fully realized. Lecturers Jolobe and Ntsebeza both emphasized to us that they believe that the process is not finished and that there is still much work to be done. Ntsebeza has been working on research regarding the return and redistribution of land. He was recommending a TRC (Truth and Reconciliation Commission) on Land. He made the clear point that although many of the wounds have been dealt with the fact remains that at least 80% of the land in South Africa remains in the hands of whites. Neither Ntsebeza nor I would like to see a situation like Zimbabwe occur in South Africa however someone must do something.
This leads me back to my goal with these blogs and this class, to determine the means and best use for truth telling sites. I have spoken to a number of South Africans, white and black, and there is not a common history that they tell. Everyone could tell me about the truth telling sites though and they said that they told the true story, as much as was there. That says to me that there needs to me more of these sites that really bring home the history and the interconnectedness of the countries different racial groups.
Hamba Kahle! Until we meet again Ryan E. Hardman
16 May 2010
Soweto Experience days One and Two
These first two days were spent going through a history of the terrors and tragedy of apartheid. We first visited constitution court and the museum there. The prison was an experience that was shocking. I have seen some amazing and terrible sights however this was amazing for the manner in which they preserved and added to the site. Another such sight I have visited is the documentation center in Nuremburg which is in the unfinished Nazi party congress building. In both these buildings there are histories that should and must be told. The import of these sites is for the public to never forget yet try to move on.
The site contained relics as well as the architecture. Constitution court is not just a mueseum, like Nuremburg, it is a working court. This was important as the court was the only new construction on the site and had been especially desgined for its purpose. Many symbolic elements and many creative ideas were included in the court room. The judges sat as to be eye level with the lawyers. Also there is a window in the court room so that there is transperancy at all times.
The other site we visited was the apartheid museum. This went through the whole history of the creation of apartheid and how it was eventually torn asunder to make way for an inclusive South Africa. This is also a truth telling site however unlike the previous two mentioned this one is in a building constructed just for its purpose. However it did contain relics and carefully constructed exhibits that brought home the message. The site itself was also an exhibit as it worked to bring home the feeling of apartheid.
The different ways in which a truth telling site can be made are important to take away from those mentioned. The use of historic locations and architecture can be a potent reminder of what occurred. However this does not need to be the case as the holocaust museum in Washington D.C. illustrates. I believe however that many times a former oppressor or power leaves distinctive architectural prints that continue to impact peoples’ lives. The Berlin wall is just such an example of a reminder of a difficult past.
I believe that sites such as the ones mentioned previous to this are for every culture that has in some way or another caused damage to another. With very few exceptions the impact that such a site has on the populace is positive. Children learn at these sites and take away lessons that help to shape them into citizens.
I think that in order to promote reconciliation it is key to have truth telling sites. Some key features being: Historical importance, relics, and accessibility. This last element is important because if you create an impactful museum in an old gulag but no one can go see it the site is less then pointless.
Hamba Kahle! Until we meet again Ryan E. Hardman
The site contained relics as well as the architecture. Constitution court is not just a mueseum, like Nuremburg, it is a working court. This was important as the court was the only new construction on the site and had been especially desgined for its purpose. Many symbolic elements and many creative ideas were included in the court room. The judges sat as to be eye level with the lawyers. Also there is a window in the court room so that there is transperancy at all times.
The other site we visited was the apartheid museum. This went through the whole history of the creation of apartheid and how it was eventually torn asunder to make way for an inclusive South Africa. This is also a truth telling site however unlike the previous two mentioned this one is in a building constructed just for its purpose. However it did contain relics and carefully constructed exhibits that brought home the message. The site itself was also an exhibit as it worked to bring home the feeling of apartheid.
The different ways in which a truth telling site can be made are important to take away from those mentioned. The use of historic locations and architecture can be a potent reminder of what occurred. However this does not need to be the case as the holocaust museum in Washington D.C. illustrates. I believe however that many times a former oppressor or power leaves distinctive architectural prints that continue to impact peoples’ lives. The Berlin wall is just such an example of a reminder of a difficult past.
I believe that sites such as the ones mentioned previous to this are for every culture that has in some way or another caused damage to another. With very few exceptions the impact that such a site has on the populace is positive. Children learn at these sites and take away lessons that help to shape them into citizens.
I think that in order to promote reconciliation it is key to have truth telling sites. Some key features being: Historical importance, relics, and accessibility. This last element is important because if you create an impactful museum in an old gulag but no one can go see it the site is less then pointless.
Hamba Kahle! Until we meet again Ryan E. Hardman
05 May 2010
S.A. Land of hope and glory or land of greed and worry?
Goeie nyt,
I have spent a number of days with my cousins and uncle in Joburg now and will be heading to Zim in the morning I have had a few opportunities to chat with people and the general consensus I have heard is that although things have changed there are men who are abusing and using the system to drive wedges between the communities. Recently to men were killed in S.A. one was killed fro what is most likely mundane reasons, he ran strip clubs and may have provided a front. The other however was killed for his very strong pro white Afrikaner stand point. While being strong in support of your culture is one thing the views he seemed to express were contrary to what this country has been moving toward and this worries me. Is S.A. moving toward bigger divisions that could lead to an even more terrible bush war or is there the possibility of reconciling the differences in a more agreeable manner. I only have a limited perspective at this moment however there seems, from those South Africans I spoke to, to be a mutual feeling of disappointment
Hamba Kahle! Until we meet again Ryan E. Hardman
I have spent a number of days with my cousins and uncle in Joburg now and will be heading to Zim in the morning I have had a few opportunities to chat with people and the general consensus I have heard is that although things have changed there are men who are abusing and using the system to drive wedges between the communities. Recently to men were killed in S.A. one was killed fro what is most likely mundane reasons, he ran strip clubs and may have provided a front. The other however was killed for his very strong pro white Afrikaner stand point. While being strong in support of your culture is one thing the views he seemed to express were contrary to what this country has been moving toward and this worries me. Is S.A. moving toward bigger divisions that could lead to an even more terrible bush war or is there the possibility of reconciling the differences in a more agreeable manner. I only have a limited perspective at this moment however there seems, from those South Africans I spoke to, to be a mutual feeling of disappointment
Hamba Kahle! Until we meet again Ryan E. Hardman
03 May 2010
Gweea naand from joburg,
I have arrived in joburg quite recently (3 hours ago) and am settling in nicely with my cousins here at the croft. I have begun asking people about there views on mandela and the SA situation in general. I have recieved a variety of responses and they are as interesting as they are diverse. I will not put them all down for the moment however I would relay that on the whole people seem disatisfied with teh road work and concerned about their politics, everyone has an opinion. I am quite tired at this moment after traveling for the best part of a day and will return to regale you with stories and encounters.
Hamba Kahle! Until we meet again Ryan E. Hardman
I have arrived in joburg quite recently (3 hours ago) and am settling in nicely with my cousins here at the croft. I have begun asking people about there views on mandela and the SA situation in general. I have recieved a variety of responses and they are as interesting as they are diverse. I will not put them all down for the moment however I would relay that on the whole people seem disatisfied with teh road work and concerned about their politics, everyone has an opinion. I am quite tired at this moment after traveling for the best part of a day and will return to regale you with stories and encounters.
Hamba Kahle! Until we meet again Ryan E. Hardman
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