Adventures in South America

Kayamundi

We took a tour with a very generous and knowledgeable Capetonian, Selwyn Davidowitz. He has done a lot (and continues to do) for this township (township=favela= villa=ghetto/project, etc). It’s admirable and useful stuff he is doing in his retirement and I think he understands the legacy of apartheid and is willing to make sacrifices to make amends. The people of Townships know of sacrifice and hardship in ways I have never known. They mainly live in shacks, small houses and occasionally temporary shacks. The houses are always proudly open and neat and the communities are amazing in ways we do not share. They take care of their own – orphans are looked after, crime is practically non-existent and the daily struggle is evident. HOWEVER the warmth from the adults, as well as the smiles and laughter from the children is powerful. No portable play stations, no tv’s in the backseat, etc… there is a respect for elders, a discipline in the children and yearning for a better tomorrow. Many parents spend most of their income on private school for their children so they can learn English and obtain a passport to middle class. There is also very little open resentment or hatred (when there easily could be) towards whites (like me or Selwyn) To come away from the township humbled and awed. Really, sadly, much of the world lives in these conditions or worse and while they are not a complaining lot we (meaning the rich world) owe them better. What can we do? Well start somewhere – make some sacrifice. Because it is just blind luck to be born where u are instead of in a favela/township, etc… and while I have worked for where I am – I am still lucky and the legacy of colonialism (that wretched era that started this ugly course) is on full display here. The advantages countries who had slave labor received is obvious (many other factors as well) but the laws of economics and history books agree on 1st mover advantage and how far behind some of these people are starting from. What is the proper punishment to the crimes of your ancestors? Question to ponder in the “new” South Africa. I hope most visitors here take the time and do a tour of a township and hopefully in a respectful, heartfelt way that Selwyn gave his tour.

posted by sethnem @ 9:42 AM