Observations from 11 weeks in
The strange thing about Capetown is that one is constantly straddling two distinct worlds, one very rich and one very poor. The big difference between here and other places I’ve travelled is proximity , the two worlds are very geographically interwoven. What I mean by this is that there are informal settlements everywhere. Nestled up to very secure gated communities, there can be a village of shacks, and law prevents anyone from tearing them down. Its not like India for example, where you have these massive slums and the two worlds are segregated. Here it is more blended, so we are often interfacing with very destitute people. Its hard on your heart when you get to know the people begging at your corner!
I am challenged in finding ways to make meaningful connections with people in completely different socio-demographic situations. Their lives are unimaginable and its often hard to find anything to talk about besides the weather. So many topics are too hot to mention, and then there’s the whole politically sensitive lingo one has to learn. Using titles that dignify such as ; informal settlements , home helpers, parking assistants and informal waste collectors, it goes on…Meanwhile there is this constant chatter in my head wondering if they hate me because I’m white, or a foreigner ,or because I cant understand their accent.
The longer I’m here, the more I realize how narrow the bridge into some of these communities can be. We just dont think the same, we cant begin to understand the layers of obstacles that come from such complex and deep rooted issues. History, violence, oppression ,lack of education, corruption, addiction, tradition, religion, culture and more, all on top of poverty. I will give you one of the most extreme examples , some of the gangs in a nearby community pay ten year olds to deliver drugs and carry out hits because they are too young to be persecuted by the law. The mothers are so desperate, they are grateful for the 50$ their child brings in from the hit!! We just cant fathom the desperation. As I say, its hard for us to relate to these extreme case’s but there are also plenty of great stories of generousity and love .
So far I am able to stay optimistic while being real about what I can do here. Ive also learned the danger in getting really pumped about an idea…Ideas are a dime a dozen, but turning them into reality is another thing all together. Its challenging ,but Ive loved my time here so far!
With a mixture of gratitude and guilt
Jan
