Part of my trip to South Africa was a trip to Cape Town. The trip from the airport to our bed and breakfast was much like any trip in any other city. We traveled along a bustling freeway lined with billboards and other sites commonly seen in any metropolitan city. However, looming over us was Table Mountain and Lion's Head Mountain. These beautiful landforms quickly reminded me I was in one of the most amazing cities in the world.
After lunch we visited the Central Library Cape Town where we were involved in a discussion on the history of South Africa. As expected much of the discussion focused on not only the founding and development of the country but the struggle of the indigenous people for freedom and equality. The discussion took on special meaning when after wards we were able to walk to Cape Town City Hall and stand on the balcony where Nelson Mandela first addressed the people after his release from prison and after his election as president.
As we learned and discussed at the library, the struggle for freedom and equality has been long and difficult. Cape Town is a vibrant and beautiful city, but it is also a stark reminder of the divisions in class and socio-economic status that still exist in South Africa. Up against the back drop of the tall modern buildings, historical architecture, and exquisite landscapes, are the desperately poor townships. The prejudice disposition of the owner of our bed and breakfast was also painfully obvious. Like so many countries in the world, including the United States, racial relations are strained and long for improvement. I want to bring a consciousness of this reality to my students in hopes of opening up pathways to discussions and resolutions.
Quote: As long as poverty, injustice and gross inequality persist in our world, none of us can truly rest. - Nelson Mandela
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