Our public discourse has shifted and moved from the celebratory tones of April, touched on the election madness in May, remembered the youth in June, July seemed to have passed us all by, and now in August we are focused on the plight and triumphs of women in our society. Our discourse shifts according to themes, but I am of the opinion that we cannot wait until December for a brief reflection on reconciliation.

During a recent interview I was asked what my stance is on the “#blacface” incidence (the two UP students dressed up as domestic workers). Being in interview one needs to respond promptly and devoid of the luxury for sufficient time for reflection. To be honest the first time I saw the picture on News24 I really did not have an “official” stance on this incidence other than disappointment. Disappointment that 20 years on we still ‘other’ one another. The media coverage also did not contribute towards remedying the situation. When I voiced this in the interview and elaborated that I am not in a position to say what the two students did was right or wrong, the three people in the panel looked at my in utter disbelief. How could I dare not unequivocally state that it was wrong!?

Let me make this clear: it goes without saying that this incidence was wrong, but even more so, and the point I wanted to stress in the interview (and subsequently did) was that what is even more concerning and wrong, is the fact we still allow social settings that continues to create a new generation of South Africans that still perceive black people as different and even worst subservient.

My major concern is that by merely condoning the two students (and what they did) will not change the immediate situation and certainly won’t contribute towards reconciliation. It won’t surprise me if one had to confront these two students that they themselves would not be able to grasp how what they did (supposedly for innocent student fun) could be regarded as an offensive act. That’s the problem with an engrained mind-set; people harbour stereotypes of those they perceive to be different from themselves and the unfortunate (and frustrating) part for us as devout nation builders is that these individuals unknowingly foster the process of ‘othering’. We need a different strategy. Perhaps a potential starting point could be to question and dissect the environment and influences that continues to shape and (mis)inform the outlook of these students (and South Africans in general) who still have gross misperceptions of one another.

This following exert from an article by Steven Friedman and is definitely applicable:

SA should try reconciliation for real this time, BDay 30 July 2014

If we see it (reconciliation) as a process that recognises that we are divided but also works towards a day in which one group will not dominate another and the divisions are manageable enough to ensure that we can talk to and, more important, listen to each other, it can take us forward. Without it, there will always be strict limits on what we can achieve.

Part of the objective for this blog is also to allow me to share some of my personal day to day experiences. I therefore decided to use 7 August 2014, a sun-soaked-beautiful-winters day as a sample portrayal of my daily life. A day like any other where I was confronted with lives unexpected events and the accompanied feelings and difficulty of having to determine anew what is required of me to move forward. This blog does not intend to ponder on current affairs (or meant to be profound) but rather just reflects on me negating incremental (and at times profound) change on an average ‘normal’ day.

They say obstacles transpires in three fold, and after the day I had experienced, I can confirm that this is definitely true. As I set out, with all seriousness to start to work on my honours research assignment (that’s due within less than 22 days!) my PC all of a sudden decided that today is day it will use to deny me access to my own Windows profile. Moving on. After a long line at IT and a few hours later (not to mention the costs related!) my PC was fixed. Obstacle one: time and money lost, but the obstacle was at least rectified and in my eventual control.

Moving on to obstacle number two. So while I stood in line at the IT department I finally received a long awaited email that would determine my options for 2015. The information conveyed was unfortunately not what I had hoped for. Obstacle two: initial disappointment and disbelief, this ‘small’ and sudden change of route for 2015 is acknowledged and if for nothing else, at least without any resentment.

The third ‘obstacle’ of the day refers to my ability (and no option provided) to adapt towards change that is definite, absolute and beyond my intervention, a change in familial relations forever. Forming part of a loving extended family I am in the fortunate position to also share in the times of joy when we as a collective celebrate. But unfortunately I also share in the times of pain when we as a family mourn loss of a fellow beloved family member. On this very same day filled with trivial and mundane events, news broke that my only remaining grandmother had passed away….......‘Obstacle’ three: we can manage many a thing as human beings, yet our ability to ‘manage’ everything that transpire in our daily lives is a fallacy. Some change that transpire has some clear and definite limits that does not allow for control; death being one of them.

An average day. That’s what I intended the 7^th of August to be. A day set aside for me to focus on my own immediate obligations. Yet this was not to be. On the contrary, I was forced to consistently adapt and the more I tried to focus on the task at hand, the more I was distracted and disrupted by other events. Some in my control, others not. As much as I planned for this day, and by extension for my future, things change – life change. Day to day, this is where life is made, us as normal human beings negating change and striving (hopefully) ever forward. In the end that is all we can do. Moving with change, every minute, every hour…..every day.

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 16 4 2313 14.0

The paragraph to follow is an extract from an essay that the team were instructed to complete individually. The essay topic is ‘community engagement in the context of higher education institutions in South Africa’. The reason I have chosen to submit this piece of writing is that I think it is crucial for thinking to shift away from ‘community service’ and rather toward the notion of ‘community engagement’. Understanding the difference between these two concepts is just one of the many insights that I will take away from my participation in this life-shaping programme.

Community engagement as a concept can be juxtaposed with that of community service. The latter of these concepts is rooted in a relationship where the powerful hand out resources to the powerless in a passive engagement between the parties. On the other hand, community engagement seeks to challenge the idea of power relations by questioning the traditional manner of engagement with disempowered communities. Community engagement is a reciprocal relationship in which the volunteer reflects on the actions that he/she may take which may inadvertently perpetuate stereotypes and inequalities. While the receiver of the support is empowered by the volunteer, through the creation of an ‘enabling environment’, to identify his/her personal and community challenges in such a way as better both the receivers life and the community in general. In this way the person receiving support is treated as an agent of change and not merely a hollow recipient.

Traditional forms of support involve practices, which ultimately deny ‘poor people their knowledge, often one of their few resources, and fails to see them as agents,’ (Van Der Valden, 2004:78). The knowledge’s of communities through the traditional form of community service thus become branded as ‘… inadequate or insufficiently elaborated’ (Foucalt, 1997:82).

Conversely, community engagement seeks to tap into this knowledge in such a way as to empower the receiver and inspire introspection in the volunteer. Knowledge is shared in the process and consequent to such engagement power relations dissolve. The import of such a concept is that it has real and influential impacts in a country founded on a relationship between the wealthy and powerful versus the poor and powerless.

One of the biggest tasks for a modern leader is the ability to grasp the position and circumstance of others. This essentially means the ability to discover and develop mentalities that are not uniform, but rather to try and understand each other and our differences sufficiently so that ultimately some degree of compatibility becomes possible or at least discussable.

This is but one aspect required from leaders that not only wish to operate in a plural society where not just confronted with difference on international front but increasingly also at a domestically level. Therefore the contemporary requirement of any modern leader would be to have the ability to properly engage within this plural world by developing the capacity to put themselves into the minds of others as a first attempt to try and see why different people might be inclined to act in the various ways that they do. Thus if we want to achieve a more cosmopolitan reality were we gradually expand our understanding of the differences amongst people, the first port of entry would naturally be to reach across the divide and start engaging. Nothing can ever substitute for the act of honest and equal dialogue. It is only through conversations and continues engagement that we will be able foster the required capacity to not only hear stories that differ from our lived reality but more importantly gain the necessary understanding to appreciate difference. Once we consciously can embark on this journey perhaps then we would see more conducive engagement from our global leaders and not the polarization of difference dominating current news headlines.

Bring Back our South Africans...

Having seen the true unity from the Americans, I could not help but feel joy in their unity! I want to see this in South Africa, I want to feel this in South Africa. Will I ever see this in South Africa, what should we be doing in order to see this in South Africa? Although we have built the foundations of a democratic country, we need to build a united people in the Country. So South Africa is being built, it is now time to build South Africans.

There are great lessons to be learnt from men like Giuseppe Garibaldi. Who was an Italian General and politician who played a large role in the history of Italy. Through his role in uniting an Italy divided in two sees him as one of Italy's "fathers of the fatherland". When Garibaldi finished his military mission in securing independence in Italy; he said, “We have made Italy, now let’s make Italians”.

Italy was homogenous in its division, on the other hand there is a multiplicity within the division in South Africa. There are divisions based on class, race, and culture and in many other ways. We need something that is going to bring people in South Africa together. We need people to be united as a country and also at the same time love the country that we all call home.

There is a great need for social cohesion. I see a great need for South Africa to relook how it promotes an inclusive society for all. Through our education system. At the very foundational academic level students should be taught an inclusive history that celebrates all struggle heroes. There is also a great need to use sports and arts as a unifying factor in the country. We need to promote local arts that unite people from a disintegrated society and look at encouraging people to start living outside their comfort zone.

Earlier this year the South African President remarked earlier this year; "…we will also continue to promote the Constitution in schools and ensure that our children grow up with positive values and love for their country and its people”. If the president is prioritizing this in his next term, people need to come alongside and get their hands dirty. In other words we have a basis for patriotism in South Africa.

Our Constitution built the foundation for a free and open society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights. Our constitution is renowned worldwide as very progressive. We need every South African from all sectors of society to objectively submit to our constitution. When everyone submits objectively to the constitution; real reconciliation will begin giving birth to South Africans.

South Africans will be born.

Building South Africans in Africa

My SAWIP journey continues… The last five weeks in the United States of America have been incredible. But like all good things, a wonderful part of my adventure has ended. I am still soaking and reflecting on the adventure that has passed. As there has been many things to write home about and also a deepening and changing of perspective when it comes to development in Africa. Due to the fact that while in the US, I was able to interact with so many well-informed thought leaders on US-Africa policy. This truly was a great privilege and also being able to continue these conversations even back here at home.

I am also reflecting on having had an amazing opportunity of professional work exposure has left me thinking on what does this all mean. Being placed in a government agency (USADF) that assists in supporting African-led development has left me very optimistic about US-Africa development partnerships.

In addition, I was left in awe when I saw that my work colleagues within my office space shared a deep love for Africa. It was quite incomprehensible to see people who have grown up in much developed society with deep sincerity and passion for grassroots development in Africa. These were individuals who were more than willing to get their hands dirty, living among the marginalized in order to assist in their entrepreneurial enterprises. I look forward to discussing ways in which we can form progressive partnerships in the future.

One thing, I take away from the average person in the streets in America is the deep sense of patriotism for their country. I saw this on July 4^th and also at the Baseball game that we went to. Never had I seen it before… People of all age, gender and race united with a clenching of bodies in their deep love for their country and shouting: U-S-A!!! U-S-A!!! U-S-A!!! U-S-A!!!

Its been almost two weeks since I arrived in South Africa, after spending 5 weeks in the United States of America. Whilst trying to readjust to the sudden change in time zone and keeping up with my university commitments, I was confronted again with the great inequality that exists in our country. After much reflection on my amazing experience I could not but ask myself, how do I translate what I have learnt into action. I was told that in order to change a nation, one must first change him/herself and those around him/her. I have certainly changed and there is great responsibility to engage those around me in meaningful conversation about transformation. Whilst sitting on the Jammie stairs at the University of Cape Town, watching as thousands of students rushed from one place to another, I realised the need for a platform that will engage and unite the students in institutions of higher learning. After extensive readings and reflection there is but a concerning reality that confronts the black child in South Africa with regards to attaining a an economically stable future. The fact that approximately 12 million black South Africans live in shacks and that the minority white live lavishly in suburban areas is a clear indication of colour economic inequality. It is thus safe to say that the conditions of the black population is disadvantageous to compete with the privileges of the white community. To assume that a black child is well resourced to compete with a white child is ignorant. Thus the failure of Universities, such as the University of Cape Town where the number of white students far exceeds that of black South Africans is concerning. Their failure to create policies that will support and enable more black students to attend institutions of higher learning is an indication of a failed system. In my view although the new admissions policy raises many valid points of class inequality and recognising disadvantage across the spectrum, I believe it will only change the type of black child that attends this institution and is insufficient in creating an institution that represents the demographics of our country. Even more concerning is the government loan given to disadvantaged students in the form of NFSAS. According to the NFSAS loan, after a student graduates and starts working a reasonably paying job the student has to make arrangements to pay the government back. Now majority of students in South Africa, are black students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds, most of them are first generation at an institution of higher learning thus carry the responsibility to be the hero at home. Having to pay back the government only slows down the progression of the black child. South Africa really needs to rethink about their efforts of redress. Education is a fundamental aspect in the progression of a people. With so many obstacles to over come it makes it difficult to have an expedited transformation, especially when the marginalised are at the receiving end of the error in policy. The assumption made that 20 years is sufficient at addressing the inequalities of the past is a mistake. South Africa is far from this realisation. Reality Check. South Africa is still black and white.

In a previous blog I expressed the hope that SAWIP would give me direction in my life. Now, having spent 5 weeks in Washington DC reflecting on my options, I face the opposite dilemma. I touched down on South African soil rejuvenated and motivated, with a clear idea of what I wanted to do and the kind of difference I wanted to make. I felt changed, I felt like I had grown – shed some of the shyness and irrational fears of authority which have held me back for years – but everything here is exactly as I left it. In DC the team often used the phrase ‘nothing was the same’ to describe how our time there influenced us. Sadly though, the only phrase which comes to mind when looking around me now that I am home is, ‘nothing ever changes.’

The same people are complaining about tests in class or worrying out loud about how best to get jobs at top tier law firms. The day-to-day grind of buying textbooks and groceries and worrying about driver’s licenses persists, but now I feel out of place – I feel as if I should be doing more than simply worrying about the things I always have.

Our time in DC had its ups and downs and I think that I may have fallen into the trap of focussing on the negatives towards the end of our stay. Having had time to reflect though, I have treasured memories and friendships which I took away from my time there and have come to realise that my only real regrets are diary-regrets. The schedule was busy and I wish I had made time to write down what I thinking and feeling at the end of each day. There are many moments that I would love to blog about, such as our discussion on race with Sonya Woods, or my interactions with a social worker on the bus to Anacostia, but I feel that I just can’t do them justice now. Looking back, I can’t capture the true feeling of rapture or awe, I only have the general lessons which will stay with me forever, I think, but which are far less poetic without the emotional details.

Now that I am back at varsity, people constantly ask me how my holiday in America was. I don’t have the energy to explain that it wasn’t a holiday but rather a learning experience and have simply designed a standard answer: ‘it was busy but awesome! I learnt a lot.’ Maybe it is arrogant of me to think that people won’t understand how profound the experience was, if they weren’t there to feel it themselves. All I know is that I have no desire to tell people on campus the ins and outs of my time in DC but whenever I see a SAWIPer or chat with them over whatsapp, it is all I want to speak about.

I have returned from DC armed with the lessons I learnt from wonderful interactions with session coordinators, the team and my host family. It is true that in our time away very little back home changed and this makes us feel uncomfortable. Perhaps it is a good thing that we aren’t telling people our SAWIP stories and explaining our inside jokes to them. It means that we have realised that our discomfort won’t be cured by sharing, it will only cured by putting all of the lessons we learnt into action and actually making a difference in our communities to ensure that something does change and that it changes for the better.

It is exactly 7894 miles from Pretoria to Washington DC. It is 7894 miles from DC to the house where I grew up. It’s 7894 miles from DC to my family and my support system.

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Brynne Guthrie and I have had the privilege of spending the last 5 weeks living with Tim and Kathie Lynch in Chevy Chase.

Through SAWIP we champion South Africa, our universities, and most importantly, our families and family stories which have made us who we are today. Our family stories are tales in 2 parts - the first part being the nurturing and upbringing which delivered us to this place where being selected for SAWIP has become a reality. The second part of the story is a tale of the families who open their homes and their hearts in order to support us through the DC leg of this journey.

The 18 members of this team all come from very different backgrounds and I hope that you have had the opportunity to hear the inspirational stories that they all have to tell. My story is about the strongest woman I have ever known – my mother. My mother was a qualified teacher but opted to stay at home to look after my brother and me when we were young. However, when my parents got divorced in 2004, she was forced to work three separate jobs to ensure that my brother and I could keep our comfortable lives in the suburbs and the house, which sentimentally my mother grew up in, which was far beyond our financial means. You can ask any member of the SAWIP team – I am the resident feminist and because of this journey, I have decided to dedicate my life to the protection of womans rights. The fire in the me which created this passion comes solely from watching my mother conquer every obstacle the men in her life built in front of her.

I’ve come to view my house as a safe haven and so, as we enter the second part of the family story, we must emphasise the magnitude of the service that the SAWIP host families perform. My host parents hosted someone very close to me last year and so before even meeting them, it felt as if I knew them. Upon meeting them, I realised that the Lynches are even friendlier, kinder and more interesting that I expected. During the first week of my stay in DC I spent a night in hospital and the Lynches reacted not like host parents to a stranger but instead like biological parents with an understanding of how terrifying hospital can be. Couple this with the insights that our late night conversations have given me, my host family has brought a personal side to this experience that would have been impossible to get elsewhere.

SAWIP brings together young people from all socio-economic groups, races and cultures. It then requires us to work as a team for the development of our community and nation, as a whole. This team is made up of future leaders - all with different talents and visions, who may never have met if it weren’t for this program and together, and together we have the potential to do great things. Our journey to realise this potential is not always smooth sailing. In times of tension or tiredness, it is important to have somewhere quiet, comfortable and supportive to go. As our host families, you have provided us with that space, but more than that, you’ve given us plenty of laughs, love and access to perspectives which are pivotal to our growth and success.

Our backgrounds cultivated the drive that brought us to SAWIP but you,

our host families have made the DC part of this adventure something that we will treasure and remember for the rest of our lives. I speak on behalf of the team when I say that our only regret is that we could not spend more time with all of you. I know that we will keep in touch, I know that some of our paths will cross again but until they do, we thank you – we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

It’s exactly 7894 miles my house in Pretoria to Washington DC. It’s 7894 miles from Pretoria to the place where memories and friendships were born. It’s 7894 miles from Pretoria to Chevy Chase – the place where the people who have been my second family live.

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 32 9 4536 14.0

It is said that impermanence is in the blood of white settlers; it is the knowledge that the place they love used to belong to someone else.

Good evening ladies and gentlemen. My name is Joshua Nott and everyday I struggle with this feeling of impermanence, knowing that I am a beneficiary of a system that has become infamous. Although my father fought a brave and often selfless fight against the Apartheid government, I still feel that my fight lies ahead of me.

My feeling of impermanence is worsened by the fact I have not faced the crippling socioeconomic challenges that some of my team members have. Often I wish that I could have experienced the hopelessness of poverty - just so that I may have a closer affinity to the many marginalized South Africans today.

This is not to say that I have not had my own battles to overcome. I have to deal with a constant and ugly questioning about my involvement in workers rights groups, black student organizations or programmes advancing a transformation agenda. I have experienced the side effects of a racist society in a unique way. The bullying of my beliefs has lead me to the conclusion that South Africa in fact suffers from two poverties; the economic poverty of the poor and the moral poverty of the rich and their continued failure to address our past.

In times when I struggle with both internal insecurities and external interrogation, I look no further than the words of tata Madiba who said; “for to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” These words remind me that my fight is to break the chains of poverty, unemployment and inequality, regardless of what others may perceive or what my social standing may dictate. With my freedom and privilege, I hope to cut the shackles that have kept South Africa’s people in a state of bondage lasting 400 years.

My respect and understanding for the working and disempowered peoples of South Africa caused me to feel some serious reservations about the prospect of visiting the United States. Many South Africans know to well how the U.S. administration of the 1980’s did little to stop the injustices of the Apartheid regime. The prospect of visiting a nation, which at one time appeared to turn its back on my people, deterred me greatly. My preconceived ideas were ones of cynicism and skepticism.

However, I was wrong.

While watching my team members dance and sing, after far too little sleep the night before; I felt something that can only be described as an epiphany. Here I stood watching 4 American Jazz artists perform a number, which describes the forced removals of the South African 1950’s. These Jazz musicians know of the special importance that the song ‘Meadowlands’ has to many South Africans. Their understanding of its meaning translated into a performance of extraordinary reverence and energy. In doing so these artists embraced our past and, for a brief moment took us home.

This experience has become a metaphor for my American experience. There have been no greater representatives of the United States than the host families. Mandela said that a good head and a good heart is a formidable combination. You have shown us the true meaning of this kind of character. We thank you for the time and effort you have taken to welcome us to the United States and for the support you give to the SAWIP.

We also appreciate that the life-shaping programme that is SAWIP would not happen if it were not for our sponsors. You are the men and woman behind the curtain who make our experiences possible. We may not know each of you personally, but I am confident when I say that your generosity makes all the differences in our lives.

To my team I have discovered what incredible human beings you each are. We have overcome so much adversity in our short lives, yet we continue to rise. It has been a great honour of mine to represent our countries people with each one of you by my side. There seems little we cannot achieve when we return home and it is this prospect that makes me excited to return to uMzantsi Afrika.

Robert Sobukwe, an unsung hero of the Apartheid struggle and catalyst of the Sharpeville protest of 1960, once said that the African people are like a tree, firmly rooted in African soil and nourished by its waters. I believe that all of us here tonight have come together to sit under its shade, more than that, we have each becomes its leaves, of the same branch and the branches of the same tree.

Tourist.

A term that simultaneously inspires feelings of excitement and exasperation. Among seasoned travellers and locals, it is seen as somewhat of an insult – a comment on the superficial interest displayed by those who try to simplify the essence of a place into a few ‘key’ experiences or characteristics where locals are seen as individuals who embrace all; understanding that the good, the bad and the ugly cannot simply be separated. Good evening everyone, my name is Lauren Hess and, for most of my life, I have felt surrounded by tourists.

My mixed appearance combined with a middle-class/private school background has allowed me to float through all sorts of circles – whether the group was black or white, listened to house or jazz, whether the address was located in the sweeping gardens of a Bethesda-like backyard or an apartment in an area bearing resemblance to any ungentrified corner of Adams-Morgan – wherever I went, for the most part, I was accepted as a local.

This floating continued for many years, until I started to feel increasingly pressured to limit my belonging to only one such group and began agonising over which parts of my identity to cull in order to do so. The inability of people to place me due to my appearance and apparent lack of defining behaviour had allowed others to project various identities onto me; the only commonality being that they all tried to define the essence of ‘Lauren’, and left me feeling further and further out of touch with the reality of who I was. You see, I had been accepted as a local, but by groups who only sought to be tourists to my identity.

While the essence of ‘Lauren’ remains as of yet undefined, through reflecting upon my SAWIP journey; one of the most important things the program has taught me is that a group characterised by different backgrounds, upbringing and ideology is a sure way to challenge, shape and open one up to entirely new worlds of possibilities. This goes not only for the individuals in our team, but all with whom we have the opportunity to interact – session facilitators, fellow commuters on the metro and you, the families who have generously opened not only your homes, but your hearts to us.

You have allowed us to build homes – to really live and not simply experience from the outside in. With the SAWIP schedule being as intense as it is, it is not always easy for us to spend as much time with you as we would like which, I must admit had sometimes left me wondering just how such a family dynamic could ever work – yet somehow it does. As the weeks have progressed ‘Lynda/my host mom’ has become ‘mom’ and ‘Lynda’s house’ has become ‘home’. While many comment on the rigorous selection process through which the team has to go, we must acknowledge that being selected as a host family is no walk in the park either. And once selected, you too are subjected to the demands of SAWIP – the undeniable support system of the SAWIP team.

From repeating metro directions for the 20^th time to being soundboards for our ideas; from keeping a plate of food out on the weekdays we only manage to arrive home at midnight to impromptu family road trips – your contributions extend far beyond the material. The simple truth is that SAWIP would not function were it not for the investment of time, money and experience which you have all given so willingly and often at the expense of your own personal lives. The fact that my mom stands here across from me instead of celebrating her birthday elsewhere speaks volumes. It is my hope that SAWIP continues to build upon the foundation laid out by our host families; one that seeks to expose the team to DC in all its glory in a way that provides us with a diversity of perspectives, family life and experience.

The most important piece of advice, according to my dad back in South Africa, is to always thank your parents, but that if push comes to shove and you can only remember one – always thank your mother. It has therefore been my honour to thank my mom and all the other host families on behalf of the team. Your insights have prevented us from being tourists, while teaching us that there is no one standard for being a so-called local.

Thank you.

Yesterday was the first morning where I woke up feeling sane and ready to start my day in time.

At 9:45 am?!

Even then my eyes were bagged and red. My sleepy head stumbled into Cape Town markets in a weak attempt to gather up everything I need before my semester starts.

It’s been 5 days since we landed at the Cape Town airport.

Classes started on Monday last week... So we were supposed to hit the ground running.

On our way back, the team enthusiastically discussed timetables and the more studious members of the 2014 team promised to be on campus the next day.

Ofourse! This was not the case….

The time zone jerk from the U.S to S.A got the best of us.

On the first two nights our SAWIP whatsapp group, was constantly vibrating, with messages running back and forth till 5am the next morning. Nobody could fall asleep!

Locked in a world of our own, similar to Lagos we were as the city that never goes to sleep. Throughout the first two nights, we sent messages back and forth. Merrily reminiscing about the memories made in DC, we laughed at pictures and videos, throwing around familiar phrases that only we could understand.

5:04 am: We couldn't fall asleep!

12 pm…...nor wake up!

The disconnectedness between our nights and days is our sweet spot. It draws us back into a world of our own as a team. It’s a smoother transition to our campus lives than the jerky time zone shift that we experienced overnight.

Despite the tiredness the next day, the opportunity to be locked in a world of our own, in-between night and day is a sweet reminder of the memorable experience and bond that we shared in Washington DC together.

Born in the depths of Mbashe River, where there are no constructed roads, where nature is the only beautiful backdrop of possibility, where community has been built on the long walks to find firewood and water from Mbashe River. At the tender age of 14 my grandmother Rose Nobhunga Mayekiso was forced into an arranged marriage. She says in that moment, she one prayer and one cry, “Thixo, uzundiphe noba umnye umntana ufundileyo,’’ meaning, God at least give me one educated child, just one.” In that moment her only cry knew that the doors of learning had been closed.

From reading this blog post you know, My name is Sihle Nontshokweni. I am pursuing a Masters degree in Political Science at the University of Cape Town, and In 2012 I completed my undergraduate degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics. My achievements have become my grandmother’s treasure, an evidence of her faith.

The first to break away from the contours of Mbashe River, was my mother, she is the first substance of my grandmother’s prayer, and and essence of her faith. She had a insatiable hunger to learn and she pursued education relentlessly. When she got married, the greatest challenge to her education and vision was far greater. She ran into the lines of patriarchy, which were deeply entrenched in my father’s family. Here the education of women was not supported; marriage into the Nontshokweni’s meant the end of formal education for women. She studied in hiding and part time. She shares of nights where, she kept her feet in a cold bucket of water to stay up, because all day she had to carry out her duties.

I have looked to these two women as a source of inspiration, to always remain intellectually curious and to pursue all opportunities to learn. Strong family values, independence, entrepreneurship, and taking risks, these are strong values which were instilled in me at a very young age. These core- values have remained a as compass throughout my life.

You see from an early age, I displayed an uncanny ability to turn straightforward interactions into entrepreneurial goldmines. I recall copying and modifying my mother’s c.v. at 9 in search for my first job. I’d boldly ask to see the store manager in the hope that my business acumen and confidence would convince them that I was the perfect employee. In retrospect I realize that there is not a time in my life where I was not selling something as a child. From being called the “muffin girl” in my town because I sold muffins at the government department of education every holiday, to having a stall at every annual carnival in my municipality area, to selling boerewors rolls on New Year’s by the beach. "My empire-building efforts may not have yielded significant economic profits, but it was upon these foundations that my entrepreneurial spirit and enthusiasm for business were nurtured."
In the holiday season, walking in shopping malls, my mother would tap me and challenge by saying “you see whilst everyone is shopping you should be thinking, what are you going to sell. My SAWIP journey has been a parallel challenge to me. Whilst many complain about the division that exits in our beloved country. I continue to ask myself, what will you say and do that will affect positive change, Sihle? The opportunity to be part of the SAWIP team of 2014 has been one of my greatest achievements. Over the last 17 weeks have worked and jostles ideas with 17 of S.A's brightest minds. From Business, to politics, to human rights and deepening democracy our curriculum has been rigorous and challenging.

Over the last 5 weeks I have had the wonderful opportunity of working at John Snow Incop. This is a health consulting firm, where the work culture has been inspiring. This experience has been important for both my career development but more firmly because it has affirmed the power of and importance of a workplace where there is equality of opportunity for both women and men.
Born in a country with deep divisions on the lines of gender, my SAWIP journey has reaffirmed my confidence as a source and hope for change. I see myself as a paragon of possibility for the beloved youth in my country, who doubt that they will ever have the same platform that I have been afforded by SAWIP. Being part of SAWIP has opened my eyes to the endless possibility that exists in this world.
This is my story! I now write it with a greater sense of self. I am increasingly aware that "playing small" does not serve the world. I know this more than I have ever known before, that much like my grandmother and mother I carry in me the hopes of what could have been. I now know that I carry in me the dreams and hopes of what can and will be!

After a fulfilling journey abroad I am back in SA more humbled than the person I was before I left for the States. The time away from my comfort zone have been anything but plain sailing; apart from fatigue and occasional stress, just when you thought you had some sense of control, schedules changed etc. – essentially being consistently forced to adapt. One of the most valuable gifts of the DC component (apart from the new relations formed) has definitely been my improved ability to adapt to change while still thriving. This as the program intentionally (and at times unintentionally) set out to consistently ensure that we do not settle into new temporary comfort zones. A valuable skill indeed as the only certainty we as leaders have is the certainty of uncertainty.

I am still in the midst of the process of unpacking all the new knowledge gained and it will be interesting to find out when upon continued reflection of my time in DC what stands as the ultimate lessons gained. For now at least I am more than certain of my unique and pertinent role to realise the country of our dreams. The road ahead may be long and filled with many up hills; but if anything I now know that it is definitely possible to realise a better South Africa for each and every one.

Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well. ~Voltaire.

Good evening ladies and gentlemen, SAWIP board members, honoured guests and the SAWIP 2014 team. My name is Ishara Ramkissoon and I will be your MC for the evening. Welcome to the SAWIP 2014 Appreciation Dinner, an evening dedicated to all the loyal supporters of the SAWIP program – in particular, the 15 host families who have played an integral role in the DC part of the SAWIP journey.

15 families who have welcomed 18 young South Africans into their hearts and homes . 15 families who have made the dreams and aspirations of the 2014 a reality. 15 families that we can all call our own.

While time doesn’t allow for each team member to express their gratitude to their families, know that tonight is a small token of our appreciation. I would like to make special mention of Mary-Anne Sullivan and Larry Petro – our hosts for the evening. Thank you for welcoming us into your home tonight and celebrating of one the most important evenings we can share together.

• I now call on my team mate Lauren Hess to share her SAWIP Journey with you all.
• Thank you Lauren

From helping us navigate the Metro during the first few days of the trip to providing us with pearls of Washington wisdom over a quick breakfast; I can assure you that we are now well acquainted with DC life and no longer tourists and as I call myself, an honorary American.

Each SAWIP team member has had their challenges and vices to contend with in life – how we handle these obstacles is largely what defines us and what brought us on to the SAWIP 2014 team. Spending 5 weeks in a foreign country is a challenge in its own right – something that I found comforting after a long` day at my work placement and I’m sure my team mates can agree, is coming home to Silver Spring and just sharing my day with my host sister Sihle and mom and dad Patti and Jon. Little Sam slept blissfully as we chatted into the early hours of the morning; often regretting it the next morning.

• The team poet and as he often refers to himself – future Noble Prize Laureate , Sechaba Nkitseng, will now express his experience and gratitude.
• Thank you Sechaba

When Jaya asked for host family “requests” many of us were perplexed as to what to expect or even ask for. The general impression was that Americans love their pets and for those of us who let’s just say don’t consider them “furry friends” we were a little anxious as to what to expect. Nonetheless, each and every one of us has fitted in perfectly and has come to love every family member, pets included, in this short space of time. I cherish seeing little Luna, wagging her tail and barking as she comes to greet Sihle and I every afternoon.

• One of my team members Thato, also shares fond anecdotes of the pets at home (including one of her almost losing a beloved pet) I now call on Thato to share her DC journey with you.
• Thank you Thato

The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention. As young individuals who pride ourselves on being servant leaders one of the pillars of SAWIP, it is the small acts that we believe have made a difference during our trip. Whether it is our host families picking out little treats they know we will appreciate it to make us feel more at home to throwing a mini birthday party for me like Jon and Patti so graciously did. Treating us like their own children and family members – never made Sihle and I miss home; and I’m sure, other than the busy SAWIP schedule, being in homes where we felt loved and appreciated, missing home was the last thing on our minds.

Similar to Sechaba, many of the SAWIP team members have been fostering dreams of travel, inspiring change and most importantly, representing our country abroad. A great opportunity afforded by SAWIP and facilitated by each and every one of you. Having a place to call home so far away has not only made this dream a reality but added such a valuable lesson of globalization and interculturalism.

• I call on Brynne, our final speaker for the evening and a true testament to the future of female leaders in South Africa.
• Thank you Brynne

As I’m sure many of you can smell the many traditional South African delicacies we have prepared for you; we won’t keep you any longer from tucking in! We will now have 15 minute break for you to enjoy the delicious South African food we have prepared. Please return to this area after you have helped yourself so that we may continue with the program.

To conclude a great evening with the words of an even greater man, the late Nelson Mandela, “A good head and good heart are always a formidable combination” With that said, a hearty thank you to each and every mom, dad, brother, sister – on behalf of SAWIP 2014 we are eternally grateful.

When I look at my upbringing, I cannot help but feel a strong sense of pride and intense admiration for my parents. Yes, sacrifices were made in order for me to have been and still able to get a good education, but my appreciation is also for the way in which they raised my siblings and I. My mum is a strong woman, definitely the strongest woman I have ever known (followed by my late-grandmother). My mum fights for what she believes in, especially in situations where others are quiet about injustices being done. My mum is a soldier. My dad is equally strong. He is also the kind of person who always advocates in favour of the truth, irrespective of how much if may not be favourable at that particular time. My father is a preacher, very stern in his religious convictions and beliefs, and I think what I admire and respect about him the most is the fact that he has never imposed his believes onto others.

Our home has always been a place were individuality is encouraged. I remember the time when I went through the 'Goth phase' in my teens and was very much into dark eye make-up, black clothing and chains hanging from my jeans' pocket. My parents did not question why I dressed the way I did, they allowed me to discover who I was, on my own and on my own terms. They did not mind me playing my Hard Rock music loudly or even shaving my hair into a jaw-dropping mowhawk. I had the space to just be. Without being questioned, without having to explain.

As an adult now, I look back at that and I think about the gravity and magnitude of the way in which my parents reacted to my many identity changes during puberty. I wonder why that is not the case in our society. Why can't we just accept each other? Why can't we allow each other the room and the space to explore every corner of who we are. Why do we want to silence our diversity when it so blatantly screams from the integrated corners of our communities. Is freedom not important? It frustrates me that freedom is rationed out, especially in unequal portions. Yes, you can vote for a government, but you cannot be who you want to be, because that is totally unacceptable. When society preaches conformity so much, is it then not our responsibility to ensure that future generations are not stifled by this bigoted and degenerate way of living. I find it frustrating that in a country like South Africa, which is blessed with so much diversity, that our differences still inform our interactions. Some religious people refuse to interact with those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transexual simply because their religion forbids homosexuality. Some people from different races refuse to interact with each other simply because they wrongfully believe that they have nothing in common. When will this nonsense stop?

I can't help but feel that unconditional acceptance of one another is central to social cohesion. We've seen how segregation brings humanity to its knees. That should not be the kind of South Africa that we want to create. We should work together, in unison, in solidarity, to ensure that our country becomes the standard and epitome of human rights and freedoms as enshrined in not only our constitution but in the blood of so many South Africans who gave their lives to the realization of a democratic and fair society. I know this probably sounded like a sermon, it could be my father's genes. As we see violence against women, homophobic attacks, xenophobic violence and religious intolerance, I ask again, where is the love? Where is the freedom and the solidarity?

As our final week in DC draws to a close, my feelings are a mixture of full gratitude, partly overwhelmed, a sense of fulfillment and excited to go back home to my loved ones. These various experiences (the good and challenging) has left me richer in spirit and bestowed in me new knowledge which I can definitely utilize back home. In hindsight, when I reflect on what I had initially imagined what this experience would be like, the experience I have had thus far definitely more than met my expectations.

As to remain on par with my goal of learning as much as I can, what has made a major difference to me (and ensuring that I get the most out of this experience) was the fact that I have opted to consciously monitor my attitude. By taking on an attitude of ‘everything has meaning’, I have tried to ensure that my mind-set remained open as to soak in as much as possible while simultaneously limiting any form of judgment and/ or frustration. This has definitely not been easy. Being consistently pushed (getting around the city; being on time and prepared, meeting new people, the ever present heat and not to mention the limited time for rest) have proven to me that I am definitely more than capable of handling change. If anything, this experience has shown me that I am able to adapt while still having the ability to thrive – an invaluable affirmation.

Wrapping up my last few days in the city I shall strive to use my remaining time to pack up the warm hearted hospitality extended to me. As I prepare myself to go back to the land of diversity I reflect on the countless new bonds formed and the kindness with which I have been treated. I leave content knowing I fully utilized this opportunity. The States have left me in a ‘state’ of fulfillment and joy. I am a more humbled and confident man than what I arrived as 5 weeks ago. Embarking on my way home I depart with even more appreciation for South Africa and feel enthusiastic to contribute towards building a better society.

Homosexuality and homophobia are the least discussed topics when societal issues are spoken about. Why are we not talking about homophobia? Why is that when those words are mentioned, people's facial expressions change, some cringe, whilst others avoid the topic altogether.

I love to point out the many injustices and crimes against humanity faced by many people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual and transexual, but whenever I do, that point is always avoided. Why is it that when we speak about inalienable human rights we do not include gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transexuals? Does their sexual orientation deny them the right to the human rights and dignities.

I find it interesting that some people tend to believe that being indifferent to these atrocities can be equated with being innocent. Well, keeping quiet, turning a blind eye is the same as lynching a man because he is gay, it is the same as assaulting someone because they're transexual, it is the equivalent to subjecting a lesbian to 'corrective rape'. When will we learn that silence is an equal evil?. Someone wise once said, "Evil thrives when good women/men do nothing". Well, I am not the kind of leader who can keep quiet when gross human rights violations take centre stage, I do not have that within me. And irrespective of how one feels about homosexuality, whether or not one's religion condemns homosexuality; the fact that we have taken the responsibility to assume leadership means that our primary obligation is to defend human rights.

Imagine if all those who participated in our liberation struggle were as indifferent as we are today, would we be enjoying the democracy moisturized by their bloodshed? I think not. Being a leader, for me, means putting people's human rights at the centre; using whatever influence I may have to expose atrocities against fellow humans. Is that not what we're all called to do ? Is that not what our country needs of all of us? I will speak about the discrimination against people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual and transexual. I need to do that. I simply cannot keep quiet. I won't keep quiet.

During the change process, when one transitions and becomes a better version of one's self, when pre-existing paradigms are done away with and new ones take shape - one is in one's most vulnerable state. During that time, that transitional period, all emotions become heightened, internal turmoil surges as comfort zones are abandoned and immigration into unfamiliar internal territories commences.

It's easy to become overwhelmed during that time, particularly if there is a challenge in not only articulating what is happening to you, or even understand it. People have always called me 'deep', which I have never really understood. Perhaps it's because I am in-tune with myself and all the things I go through. I always look for the below-the-surface meaning.

Before I deviate from the point, let me qualify this transitional process even more. On our journey to self-discovery and starting the loving and mutual relationship with our purpose and what we were born to do, we undergo a process of inquisition; here, we question our values, morals and beliefs in relation to this identified purpose. The newness of the opportunity to become even greater or the possibility to become better versions of ourselves then becomes intimidating. Simply because it requires us to be completely honest with ourselves or even modify our beliefs and values to the point where they may no longer be recognisable. Ofcourse, this becomes overwhelming because of those stifling comfort zones, anything is better than leaving that beloved comfort zone right? Right.

That inner turmoil then creates the breeding ground for increased vulnerability and rawness - we become raw, stripped, and having to rebuild paradigms and start afresh. This process is amazing, this process is necessary. It can be said that my blogs are always speaking about emotions. I believe that self-awareness is a prerequisite for effective leadership. You need to develop your core before you can lead. How can you serve when you are internally emaciated? It's imperative to allow that transitional process to occur, it's imperative to allow change to occur...

Travelling to Anacostia (from Bethesda) every morning is quite an adventure. I always happen to find myself in the most bizarre and funny situations.

It takes me an hour and a half to get to work every day, I have to leave home at 6 in order to make 7:30 at my work placement school.When I step out of the metro, in Anacostia, it feels different and familiar all at the same time. It feels different because it's not like Bethesda or anywhere else I've been to whilst here in in the U.S; the socio-economic realities are different here...It feels familiar because it's just like home, it's just like my Gugulethu. It's hard to find the tranquility of opportunity when disadvantage screams in such a chaotic manner from all angles of the community.

In Anacostia, I feel so much at home. I feel at peace. Primarily because here, I do not have to try and articulate my struggles, because I am immersed in a community which experiences them. Here, I feel free, away from the eyes of pity or buildings and social constructs which always unsuccessfully try to make me feel inadequate. Here, I am with people who respect how much effort and determination it has taken to rise above my circumstances. Even when the doors of opportunity violently closed in my face, these people know that I have had to find underground tunnels and have had to squeeze myself through the windows of hope; hope for a better life, hope for opportunity..

When I think of Anacostia, I think of its beauty - how it continues to exist even when structures in society attempt to deny its existence. When I think of Anacostia, I think of its people - the many times complete strangers asked me, "Are you alright? Do you need anything?" Or even the genuine smiles I got, especially on days when I felt under the weather. Even though I am thousands of miles away from my Gugulethu, my beloved native yards and the community which collaboratively raised me, the people who helped my family and I during times when food was scarce and our only means of survival was our faith, the people who bought us clothes or even donated them to us, I know that I have them here with me, in Anacostia. As children run in the streets, neighbours meet and converse over a fence, I know that I am home. This place feels just like home....