The time in Pretoria was short, but rewarding. It was highlighted by a study of the political and governmental facets of South African society. Pretoria is about an hour drive north of Jo-burg, a city historically vital to the segregationist’s struggles. It is often called the apartheid capital of South Africa. From hearing different perspectives of people living in Pretoria, it is easy to see the pervasive influence of race and the manifestation of the apartheid legacy in everyday life. On a brighter note, Pretoria contains a history rich in culture and beauty shown through political buildings and parks. I will briefly describe some of the different experiences our group managed to have:
Tour of Voortrekker Monument- The Voortrekkers were a group of immigrants from the Cape Colony who made a “Great Trek” into the interior of Southern Africa. The monument commemorates the history of the people and has become a national icon for Afrikaners in South Africa. Our guide showed us the history of a people in conflict, particularly with the English and Zulus (further info: http://www.southafrica-travel.net/north/a1pret04.htm).
Freedom Park- A place set up in honor and dignity for all peoples of South Africa. It is a spot to reflect on the past, the system of apartheid and major conflicts that have devastated the South African climate. All plants and trees are native to South Africa and symbolism bounds throughout. It includes a burial site surrounded by 11 boulders representing each of the 11 official languages in South Africa and an eternal flame highlighting the spirit of the nation (further info: http://www.sa-venues.com/attractionsga/freedom-park.htm).
US Embassy- We were given a presentation of U.S. policy in South Africa which included issues such as HIV/AIDS, poverty and gender equality (further info: http://southafrica.usembassy.gov/).
Parliament Gardens- Outside the parliament building of Pretoria is a beautiful multi-leveled grassy area containing an array of red flowers. Here our group spent time reflecting on our time in South Africa.
Overall, I really enjoyed my time in Pretoria. We stayed in massive rooms in a nice hotel, containing beautiful plants and an outdoor pool. Our unit- who I shared with only two others- contained a bathroom and a small kitchen area in a total of three separate rooms. The whole place smelled of privilege and came into extreme contrast to what we had seen in Kliptown, Soweto. Our group enjoyed solid bonding time for our two nights together. On our last night we went out to a glorious buffet, with a large array of meats from Africa, traditional cuisine and South African wines. It was a time purposely filled with luxuries to highlight the vast inequalities between abject poverty and immense wealth. We had seen contrasts when comparing housing of the new black rich class to most of Soweto. We had seen contrasts during our drive from Sandton (the wealthiest region of Africa) to Alexandra (one of the poorest areas of South Africa). These contrasts were highlighted once again from living in our hotel and visiting the surrounding areas.
The reason for the high levels of violence, even 20 years after the end of apartheid is not simply poverty. It is most characterized by the extreme disparity between the few rich and the large poor population. In a world where globalization is the key word, the poor have increased awareness of the rich. They see it on the television and they read it in the paper. It is pervasive. The inequality lights are flashing. They can’t escape from seeing the lives of the rich. As the rich continue to get richer and the poor poorer, the problems faced in Southern Africa and the world become more economic.
When I look back on my time in Pretoria I can’t help but feel a rich desire to change the wrongs and to put on the gloves of justice. It brought with me new insight into the greatest discrepancy between human beings I have witnessed in my life. South Africa was a time to ponder these things. It was a time to think deeper about history, culture and social development. It was a time to question and revise. It was a time to reflect, but look towards the future. I was on my way to Namibia and prepared to see new things. I was excited about the possibilities of experiencing Namibian culture and to be with a new community of people. Here I can be with people and witness a part of their lives. I can live, breath a new way of thinking. I can see, hear and feel a new perspective. NAMIBS HERE I COME!
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