Vara joyfully inspired

Reflecting on the past two weeks leave me with several questions and much more appreciation for the locals. I have been struggling to understand why some conversations I have had recently regard a fear for difference and more, a fear of the townships. What really appalls me is how people perpetuate their separateness. For example I had a conversation with a couple of white men (obviously well off) on the train coming home from the beach. They were even reluctant to talk to me as I had sand in my hair and super casual beach attire. They were wearing button downs and had a pretentious air about themselves. What I felt was the most appalling was their reluctance to be around the other people on the train. Conversation was short and they seemed anxious simply stating that they were from the Southern Suburbs. They claimed that I wouldn’t know the town they were from, but they got off at the Rondebosch stop just as I did. They made an effort to isolate themselves and cornered themselves as to not communicate with the passengers of the daily rush-hour, most going to their homes in the townships. Other conversations start with “why would you chose to go to the townships,” but that answer to me is simple. Why isolate yourself and only get one perspective of race especially since it is such an important topic in this country at this time? And why be scared of people that you don’t know, and could very well teach you something important? That leads me to my next and more inspiring story of the week.

This past Saturday featured one of the most eye opening experiences I have had while in Cape Town. A group of us who were interested in heading to Guguletu for lunch at a meat restaurant hopped on a mini-bus taxi and embarked on a life-changing afternoon. To start, our mini-bus taxi was not scheduled to go to Guguletu, but the driver decided he wanted to help us out. My classmate Avery began the conversation with the driver speaking about his connections in Cape Town ranging from a mountain tour guide to a leader of a non-profit community improvement organization. We of course went to lunch and enjoyed speaking to the locals and holding one couple’s child who they willingly handed over. After lunch though, we got back in the same taxi because the driver offered to take us to a traditional Mannenburg street parade in preparation for the city’s parade competition. We even drove past the driver’s wife and the assistant driver’s daughter along the way. Family is such an important aspect in the townships as is the spirit of helping each other no matter how little one family may have to give. Once in Mannenburg, the parade was truly amazing. The assistant driver walked with us down to the parade and the spirit was so captivating it made me tear up with joy. Actually, the feeling was new to me, it was overwhelming and beautiful and special knowing that this parade brought all the people together. This parade was one that kept children off the street as the town coordinated music lessons for all the kids playing instruments in the parade. They all looked out for each other and the best interest of the community really embracing the idea of Ubuntu (I am because we are). The parade is an event I have been unable to stop thinking about. The atmosphere was incredible and made me remember that despite differences in skin or culture, no one should ever question interacting with townships or people unlike themselves. You never know who you will encounter or how it will inspire you, as the parade did for me.

Avery & Vara enjoying themselves at a parade in Manenburg