Sunday in South Africa

Today I had two very separate but equally fascinating experiences while visiting South Africa. I started my morning off by visiting the Langa Township. During the apartheid era, black people were evicted from properties that were in areas designated as “white only” and forced to move into segregated townships. Langa Township is one of the oldest townships. My new friend Sam took me on a walking tour through the township. I saw where people lived sometimes three families to a room, no hot water but there was electricity and one bathroom to share for 16 families. There were other parts of the township were illegal sheds were built when people wanted more privacy and didn’t want to be living in a room with so many other families. And while they get their privacy it comes with a whole lot of other troubles. No plumbing, electricity that you rig on your own and roofs that leak.   I also was shown a part where people are now allowed to buy their own homes if they make enough money. Even within the 2.7 Kilometers of land that makes up Langa there was huge disparity.

On my tour I visited their Sheebeen or local brewery. A Sheebeen was originally an illicit bar or club where excisable alcoholic beverages were sold without a license. The term has spread far from its origins in Ireland to South Africa. One giant jug of beer is 30 Rand, which equals about 2 dollars US. I imagine if you bought a beer that size back home it would be at least 25-30 dollars. Originally Sheebeens were run by women and women and men would sit separately but now everyone intermingles. I asked my tour guide if they stopped talking because I was in there and he said yes and no. They know that the tours do bring in money so they try to be respectful.

I visited their traditional doctor. This was the only time on the tour that I felt scared and not because of where I was but because of the fact that it was very dark and there were quite a few animal feet and faces staring at me. The Doctor asked me to take his picture and that is why I’m including it. I did not fee it was my right to show pictures of the people and town.

The best best best part of my visit to the Townships was Church. According to Sam 90% of the township practice some form of Christianity. They feel that they are able to meld their traditional African beliefs with the views of Christianity. Once inside the church me as an outsider was welcomed with smiles and handshakes. When the music began you couldn’t help but be lifted out of your seat. I did take a very short video but it doesn’t capture even a portion of the feelings in that room. As I looked around I noticed that everyone in church was dressed up, singing and praising their god. These people have what I would consider next to nothing, but they still have their faith.

I was curious as to how the people of the Township felt about strangers and especially white strangers coming into their homes, their churches and their places of business. He shared with me something that I know I will cherish for a very long time. He told me that they had different belief systems and it was more about their “uluntu” or humanity. He shared their saying “A house without visitors isn’t a home.” And that not wanting people into your home says a lot about your personality;) 

 I ended my day with a luxurious (okay maybe luxurious isn’t the right word, maybe more like breathtaking)  Helicopter ride above the scenic Cape Town. All the places I had just visited were mere spots below me. The views were outstanding and I felt like I was on top of the world. While work has been exciting in it’s own way, my weekend adventures are allowing me to see more parts of this town.

XOXO