The last visit of the 2014 team Community Engagement project was focused on departing practical skills to the learners taking part in the project. One of the sessions that I was involved in as a lead facilitator, was a session on Constitutional literacy.

As much as one can wish, the Constitution is unfortunately not as accessible and understandable to many young South Africans. This issue was not only identified by a few of the SAWIP 2014 team members but also by the learners participating in the SAWIP team community engagement project. The main aim of the Constitutional literacy session was to illustrate, to the learners, the importance of understanding the rights that they (and all South Africans) possess as well as the responsibilities that arise from these rights. For example, it was highlighted that although the Bill of Rights protects everyone’s right to equality, it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that they not only uphold this right in their interactions with others but also ensure that the South African Government puts suitable measures in place to ensure the protection of the right to equality. At the start of the session, the learners were asked to list the five most important things in their lives. After many of the students shared their lists, it was highlighted that the majority of the things, which are important in many people’s lives are rights that are protected in the Constitution. This exercise illustrated that the Constitution is more relatable than many of the learner’s originally thought.

The session also highlighted the historical development that took place in South Africa that led up to the creation of the Constitution. The learners discussed the distinction between Parliamentary Supremacy and Constitutional Supremacy and participated in a case study exercise, which enabled them to identity specific rights applicable to a set of facts. Overall, the session was incredibly informative as well as enjoyable.

Reintegration has definitely been a bit of a challenge. I was starting to get accustomed to the usual (read ‘incredibly fast-paced’) D.C. day but then it was quickly back to South Africa for all of us SAWIPers. After working 09:00 – 17:00 at the RFK Center for four and a half odd weeks, it has been well… rather boring returning to South Africa to attend lectures and take notes. Of course, I still enjoy what I study but after having a taste of the working world I really feel like I should be out there making a difference already. While I understand that I have a lot to learn in order to make the difference I hope to one day, I feel that my D.C work experience and my D.C experience in its entirety have left me feeling a little bit on edge – like I should be doing more. I guess that is what the SAWIP program does – it gives student leaders the tools, the drive and the knowledge to one day become leading professionals who are able to make a difference in the lives of others.

I know that this restlessness isn’t just going to go away – I don’t think it’s possible if I look at the amount of sheer passion and energy that my fellow team members emanate (it’s enough to get anyone excited to make a positive change!!) Knowing that I will have a bit more time on my hands in 2015, I hope to explore new opportunities to put this restlessness at ease. I am positive that I will find some place and a few people to share the knowledge and skills that I have gained as well as the incredible experiences that I have had the good fortune of being a part of.

Thankfully, I know that a few of my fellow team members understand the difficulties of reintegration that I have and am still experiencing. Their support and willingness to listen is appreciated.

The fact that SAWIP is even able to take place is largely attributable to the several willing host families who agree to host one (or more) SAWIP students for the duration of the SAWIP D.C program. Li’tsoanelo (Dee) and myself were placed with Catherine and David Tardiff-Douglin. Catherine and David live in Bethesda; their two daughters (Anina and Miriam), a bit older than Dee and myself, have already moved out of home. Their house is about a 40 minute walk from the Bethesda metro however we were fortunate to have a metro bus stop (the ‘47’) just a 5 minute walk from the house. The incredibly timeous 47 took us to the Bethesda metro at 07:39 each morning.

The first weekend that we were in the States was a ‘free weekend’ and Catherine and David took this opportunity to take us to a local farm where we picked tart cherries and blueberries for hours. I’m almost positive that those blueberries were eaten faster than they were picked! We were also treated to an interesting visit to the D.C. Spy Museum towards the end of our trip. Sadly, due to the jam-packed D.C. schedule, we weren’t able to spend as much time with Catherine and David as we would have liked.

Catherine, Dee, Anina, myself & David

Catherine and David graciously opened up their home for us. The relaxed atmosphere of their home, their immense hospitality and Catherine’s cooking are just a few things that made my D.C trip incredible and unforgettable. Our dinner table discussions about education, South Africa and living overseas (Catherine and David lived in the DRC for a while) will be cherished.

It was an unbelievable experience to be a part of the American Independence Day celebrations. The week of the 4^th of July was filled with a heightened sense of patriotism. The fact that, at the beginning of the week, the USA football (‘soccer’) team was battling for a place in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals might have been a contributing factor! I can vouch for the fact that there were a few South Africans rooting for the US and saddened by the final outcome of their match against Belgium. Nevertheless when the evening of the 4^th of July arrived, the SAWIP 2014 team, as per SAWIP tradition, travelled to the National Mall to watch the annual Independence Day firework celebrations on the steps of the Lincoln memorial. It was simply fantastic. I must admit that I was slightly in awe (and maybe a little jealous) of the fact that fireworks are allowed in the US! But all in all the experience is one that I will treasure. It is an experience that is truly unique and simply put very American.

Being in the US for the 4^th of July I felt that I needed a better understanding of the history behind the American Independence Day. SAWIP is an opportunity for us young South African’s to share a bit of our country’s history while in the US and so I felt it was apt to find out a bit more (through an informative internet video) about the history behind the date 04.06.1976 (or if you prefer 06.04.1976). Feel free to check it out.

http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/july-4th/videos/fourth-of-july-history#

One of the bigger events that the SAWIP team attends while in DC is the Woodrow Wilson event. This year, the SAWIP 2014 team was able to listen to three different panel discussions with topics including “South Africa the next 20 years (the role of technology, business and entrepreneurship)” and “South Africa after 20 years of Democracy”. A few of the panel speakers include Enos Banda, Donna Katzin, Gwendolyn Mikell, Colin Coleman and of course a few of our very own SAWIP 2014 team members namely Thato Mabudusha, Lauren Hess, Velani Mboweni and Kessler Perumalsamy.

I found the discussions incredibly interesting. It was an opportunity to express various visions for South Africa and how South Africa has grown over the last 20 years of democracy. The discussion between my fellow team members was one of my personal highlights.

While discussing the topic of “South Africa after 20 Years of Democracy” my fellow team members brought up the following concerns. Thato discussed the idea of vision orientated and service orientated leadership. Her opinion, and one that I share, is that this type of leadership has been lacking in South Africa and it is clear that there is more that can be done in terms of leadership in South Africa. Lauren brought up the concern of inequality in South Africa (and it is quite a big concern at that). It seems as if the issue of inequality has affected various structures, racial dynamics and class levels due to the fact that opportunities are available but only to a few select. In order to address this issue, Lauren suggests that a greater focus on quality leadership should be maintained in business, at grassroots level, within government, etc.

It was great to hear their vision and views for the future South Africa and often their views also represented a few of the SAWIP 2014 team members’ visions. I think the best part of watching my fellow team members up on the panel was seeing the audience members and their reactions to what was being said. It was clear that listening to several thought-provoking, young leaders of South Africa was a wonderful opportunity and one that was well-received I have always enjoyed engaging with my fellow team members and very honestly, I feel that I learn so much more through these types of discussions. Every opportunity where I am able to do this makes my SAWIP experience that much better.

One of the sessions the SAWIP 2014 team attended this week (and coincidentally our first session with the NSL and WIP teams) was focused on the necessity of leaders to tackle difficult issues or ‘wicked issues’ as Paddy, our presenter, would refer to them. Horst Rittel defined the term of ‘wicked issues’ as issues where the solution reveals the problem, there is no definitive solution, the solutions are neither right nor wrong, a solution is a ‘one-shot operation’ and where there are no given alternative solutions. It is important to note that each wicked problem is unique.

There are various ways one can attempt to tackle a wicked problem. First and foremost it is key to have a mind shift. Wicked issues cannot be dealt with in the same way as regular issues. One cannot, for example, approach the issue of poverty the same way that one approaches the issue of deciding what to wear in the morning. In order to have a mind shift two types of questions should be looked at. Regular issues can be dealt with using questions of method and practicality (e.g. how long will it take?) while wicked issues could be dealt with using questions of meaning and purpose (e.g. what commitment am I willing to make?). From the examples used, it is clear that one considers the importance of the task as opposed to the time such a task will take when dealing with a wicked issue.

I found this idea of a mind shift incredibly helpful not only as a tool for leaders to use when dealing with wicked issues but also as a tool for self reflection. A mind shift encourages the use of challenging questions. A vague question allows each person to interpret and answer the question as he or she would. Predetermined and routine replies cannot be used as answers for these types of questions and accordingly one is required to really delve deep and really try to understand their state of mind in order to find their answer to their challenging question.

First week in Washington D.C. what can I say?

Well it’s hot... the humidity is on another level - I don’t think Durban even compares. It is very honestly the exact opposite weather experienced in Cape Town before we all left. I’m not too sure if I will adjust to the heat and humidity and if I eventually do it probably be the day before we have to return back to freezing winter in Cape Town!

Moving onto making my way around DC. The public transport is great and incredibly effective… almost too effective as I mistakenly took the wrong bus home. After realising my mistake I decided to try walk back to an area that was faintly recognisable. This plan completely failed after a call from Li’tsoanelo saying that I was delaying dinner with our host family! I was so grateful for a lift from David because the dinner that Catherine made for Li’tsoanelo and myself was simply delicious. Sitting around the dinner table after polishing our plates while discussing various topics and enjoying each other’s company was a wonderful reminder of home.

On the topic of discussion, I would like to share another insight from my first week in DC. A major part of the SAWIP program (in DC especially) is networking. I was admittedly nervous for this but after this week I realise that I had no reason to be. We have been so fortunate to be able to engage with interesting, intellectual and incredibly accomplished people. The conversations that I have had just about the topic of South Africa’s past and outlook for the future have been thought provoking, reflective and optimistic. There is nothing greater than sharing ideas, knowledge and insights with another person. I look forward to the following weeks in DC because of this.

Women can’t have it all. Or so this is what society has told me (and I’m sure many other women) over the years. You can either be a successful career woman or a successful homemaker. You can never have both. You can try have both but after a while society will shut you down in some way or another. It is just a fact that the corporate world (in the state that it is in currently) does not cater for strong, driven women who are equally career and family orientated. This is an issue that I have been thinking about for a while. Yes, there are women who have proven that it is possible to have both and I have met a few of these women through SAWIP. However in my view it is an issue that society has not properly addressed. As a woman with a business degree and soon to be law degree I will be frank in my wishes. I am equally career and family orientated. I want to have both and won’t settle for less.

Sheryl Sandberg is a wonderful example that women can be a successful career woman and homemaker. I found her TED talk interesting and it would be great if you could watch the “So we leaned in… now what?” video (link below).

http://www.ted.com/talks/sheryl_sandberg_so_we_leaned_in_now_what#t-119000

01:52 - “You cannot be a serious business executive and speak about being a women”

Also please see Sheryl Sandberg’s TED talk video:

http://www.ted.com/talks/sheryl_sandberg_why_we_have_too_few_women_leaders

15 members of the SAWIP 2014 team arrived in Washington, D.C. on June 16 which is a South African public holiday commemorating the youth of South Africa who stood against an unjust regime and took part in the Soweto Uprising. We celebrated in style at Nando’s Peri Peri – who would have thought that this well-known South African restaurant would be in D.C?

Seeing that the SAWIP program identifies and highlights the importance of young South African leaders, I felt it apt to remember the history behind the date of 16 June. Youth day is celebrated to recognize the role of youth in the liberation of South Africa from the Apartheid regime. The uprising stemmed from the Apartheid regulation that prohibited the use of local languages in schools and required the teaching of subjects to be in English and Afrikaans. Afrikaans was largely seen as the “language of the oppressor” and growing resentment in many schools resulted.

On April 30, 1976 students of Orlando West Junior High School refused to go to school and thousands of black students went on a protest rally from their schools to Orlando Stadium June 16, 1976. The rally was intended to be a peace protest however riots broke out and hundreds of students were killed during this protest. June 16^th is celebrated in memory of all the youth who lost their lives during the protest. The Soweto Uprising is seen as a turning point in South Africa’s liberation campaign and laid the grounds for the release of Nelson Mandela this all lead to the end of the Apartheid regime in the South Africa.

Thinking of all the change that 20 years of democracy has brought South Africa brings me a deep sense of happiness and gratitude to all those who fought against the injustice of our past. South Africa recognizes its diversity and protects this diversity through the Bill of Rights. Our SAWIP team of 2014 highlights this diversity and this would not have been possible if the youth of South Africa did not stand against the injustices of Apartheid.

After what seemed like a long period of waiting my anticipation was finally broken when the SAWIP 2014 Team members were informed of their work placements. I had been looking forward to that announcement ever since the Orientation Weekend. Honestly, I was just excited to find out where I would work and I would have been happy anywhere! But I could not have been happier after I found out that I was working at the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights.

Naturally I researched the RFK Center as soon as I was able to and I would like to share what I discovered with you all. The RFK Center is known as one of the foremost international human rights organizations and was established to achieve Robert F. Kennedy's vision of a just and peaceful world. This is done by working together with global human rights leaders, teaching social justice and advancing corporate responsibility. The RFK Center has several core programs that focus on various issues such as the efficacy of human rights defenders and public education of human rights issues. I will be working with Mr. Andrew Graber who is the Coordinator of the Speak Truth to Power program (which focuses on human rights education)!

Robert F. Kennedy once said, "One person can make a difference and each of us should try." This statement resonates with me and reminds me of the power of helping other people. I believe my work exposure at the RKF Center is going to be incredibly rewarding personally and professionally. I expect to learn more about the human rights field and hopefully I will be able to make some sort of contribution to the organization. I honestly can’t wait!!

If anyone would like to know a bit more about the RFK Center place go have a look at this video: http://rfkcenter.org/chi-siamo-6

I found myself unable to find the words to thank Ms Miriam Lichterman, a Holocaust survivor who shared her story with the 2014 SAWIP Team. It is hard for any person to have to relive a time of struggle and pain yet Miriam has done this many times because to her, it is important that people look back at the painful past in order to look to the future with an understanding of the importance of human dignity. Miriam took me on a journey of emotion on 22^nd May and it is one that I don’t think I will forget.

What I took from our trip to the Cape Town Holocaust Museum and from Miriam’s story is the incredible importance between acceptance of difference and acceptance of other people for who they are as opposed to merely tolerating such a difference. Everyone is unique and because of this everyone is the same. We are all human - everyone should understand this. Yes we are different and unique and amazing but we are first and foremost human. It seems as if there are struggles in our world because of this. Struggles close to home with the mining strikes in South Africa. If everyone could accept each other for being human first and foremost before looking at any differences then the idea of violence towards another person would never be considered.

A few of Miriam’s last words to us were ‘Be good’. The simple elegance of this phrase shades its powerful meaning. It is an easy task for us to do and it coincides with the idea of treating other people the way you would like other people to treat you. If everyone is good to each other then it will show that acceptance of difference has triumphed over toleration of difference.

On 8 May, Ms Tamzin Ractliffe, came to discuss the concept of Social Entrepreneurship with the Western Cape based SAWIPers. Although the majority of the session was filled with strong debate regarding society’s views of business, Tamzin’s point was clear: The way that our society is currently operating is not sustainable in the slightest, and if people do not start living by the ‘principle of enough’, the resources that were once plentiful for sustaining all life will be depleted.

It seems like there are many people who, for years, have been trying to get this message across. Moreover, I am pretty sure that the people and companies who are the main culprits of resource depletion have been made aware of the consequences of their continued actions. But why is change happening so slowly? The evidence is all there (and no one can say there is not enough evidence). Is it selfishness? Why are some people so willing to keep their blinkers on and ignore what is happening around them? I must admit it is something that I do not think I will ever fully understand.

Luckily there are still people out there who live by the values of social entrepreneurship, combining the concepts of ‘doing good’ and ‘doing well’ – focusing on social value and positive return to society. A beautiful quote by Bob Marley illustrates this idea succinctly “The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.” In my mind, it just makes sense. My wish for South Africa is that more people and more businesses start to think this way. My wish is that we all measure a person’s worth by the good that they do for others, and not the good that they do for themselves.

Over the past few weeks, I have been feeling so overwhelmed by the sheer generosity of family, friends, and people in general. When I say generosity in this context, I think of two things.

Firstly, I have experienced generosity from family and friends who have so freely shared their congratulations and well-wishes for being selected for the SAWIP Class of 2014. Believe me when I say it took a while to explain to each person who wanted to know more about this prestigious opportunity, what SAWIP actually is. But I would honestly explain everything over again because the genuine support, encouragement, and congratulations that I have received from family, friends, and family friends has been and still is invaluable to me. I feel so incredibly lucky to be surrounded by such special people, and I would like to thank you all for all that you do.

Secondly, I have experienced the generosity of people who have parted with their hard earned money and sponsored me as a part of my personal SAWIP fundraising. The personal SAWIP fundraising was the part of the program that I was most nervous about. This was mainly due to the fact that I find it difficult to ask for sponsorships. Consequently, fundraising is not my favourite things to do. That being said, raising R7000 is a requirement for the program and, accordingly, I had to face my nervousness and send out a few very well worded emails.

Within a week, I was staring at my laptop screen, completely speechless, reading an email that confirmed payment of a donation. How incredible! The thought that someone supports my SAWIP experience to the extent that they are willing to make a donation is overwhelming. How can I say thank you enough? To those who have so generously donated, I can only hope that sharing my SAWIP journey with you as it enfolds will be enough. Thank you for your continuous support and, more importantly, thank you for allowing me to take part in a life changing experience.

On Saturday, 3 May 2014, the SAWIP 2014 Team had the wonderful privilege of visiting Solms-Delta Wine Estate (Solms-Delta). We were taken on a tour around the farm by Sana, who is the chairperson of both the Farm Committee and the local community choir - Music van der Caab. Listening to Sana’s personal account of how her farm has changed over the last few years was very special. Already, it was clear that the things happening on this farm are different. Better.

After the tour, we sat down with Solms-Delta’s CEO, Craig MacGillivray, who explained how Solms-Delta came to be the place it is known as today. It was so amazing to learn about how Solms-Delta has transformed over the past few years, and how this transformation has affected the people of Solms-Delta. Craig told us of how, when Professor Mark Solms first arrived, the farm was in a bad state and, he (Mark) was barely able to have a conversation with the farm’s workers in order to try and make things better. This was mainly due to their distrust of Mark.

This all changed after Mark and the farm workers learnt more about the rich history of the farm and, consequently, the history of the farm’s workers. Slowly a relationship between the farm’s workers and Mark, founded on trust and communication, developed. It became clear to Mark that part of the farm belonged to its workers, and overtime, a three-way ownership scheme was created. Now a community trust, with the farm’s workers being beneficiaries, owns one-third of the farm.

This trust, among other things, ensures the education of the children of the farm’s workers. Over the past few years adequate housing was built for the farm’s workers, an afterschool program for the children was started, and a permanent social worker was appointed. These changes highlight that the farm’s workers are the focus at Solms-Delta.

Great things are happening at Solms-Delta and it is all because of the focus and importance placed on the people who work there. Our visit to Solms-Delta showed me that more people, especially companies, should take social responsibility seriously. It really does work when people are the focus.

At SAWIP Selection Camp, one of the activities that we participated in was story-sharing. We each spoke about an aspect of our unique ‘South African’ story that shaped who we are. Hearing each other’s story helped us to get to know and to understand each other a little better. It was also a powerful reminder and example of the truth that our humanity is shared and that everyone has a story. I told the story of my brother, Andrew.

Many people would guess that I am the eldest child in my family. This is probably because the eldest child is usually characterised by specific traits, such as a greater sense of responsibility, maturity, and seriousness. These are traits which I admittedly possess. The reason why I possess these ‘eldest child characteristics’, even though I am the middle child, is because of the way I grew up. You see, my older brother Andrew is mentally disabled. This meant that from an early age I assumed the role of the eldest child. Andrew was born with Sotos Syndrome – also known as ‘cerebral gigantism’ due to the distinct head shape and size of persons with the disorder. Sotos Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that causes increased physical growth during the first few years of life which is often accompanied by delayed motor, cognitive, and social development.

At the time Andrew was diagnosed (a few years after his birth) very little was known about the disorder and the doctors said that he would never be able to walk or talk. Like most Sotos Syndrome children, it just took Andrew a few extra years to learn basic motor skills. Eventually, Andrew also learnt about social cues and interactions. This was clear from his teasing of my male friends who, according to him, were all boyfriends! Andrew also developed his own very unique sense of humour – one that occasionally results in family ‘laugh until you cry’ moments.

But, growing up with Andrew was not always ‘peaches and cream’. On the contrary, some of the not-so-nice traits that I possessed were revealed in certain instances. But I learnt from these not-so-nice instances and have, in my mind, become a better person for it. As a result of my older brother, the experiences that I had growing up are incredibly unique. Having Andrew in my life has taught me irreplaceable life lessons. And it must be said that my experience growing up with a sibling who has a disability is one that I would never ever change (not in a million years). I appreciate him more than I know he realizes.

When taking part in community engagement projects, it is very easy to forget the purpose of community interaction as a whole – reciprocal benefit. Furthermore, it is easy to forget that a volunteer’s attitude could have a detrimental impact on the success of a particular community engagement project, as well as the way in which future community engagements will be viewed by the particular community involved. A volunteer’s attitude can affect the achievement of the purpose of community engagement.

From the very humble perspective of someone who has planned and participated in a community engagement project, it is essential that the planning of a community engagement project and the training of volunteers involved in a community engagement project is done properly and thoroughly. It seems to me that volunteers often do not even realise how important their attitudes toward community engagement is.

Community interaction (as I originally knew it to be) was regarded (or maybe it was just what I initially and very naïvely thought) as an activity that people could take part in in order to help out a ‘poor, little community’. The attitude that community engagement takes place when a ‘poor, little community’ benefits from some sort of ‘service’ is archaic, and, more importantly, it is an attitude that will never realise the true purpose of community engagement, namely, for different communities to engage with and help each other.

The ‘poor, little community’ attitude towards community engagement is one that, I feel, makes communities reluctant to engage. It is an attitude that must change, and thankfully, slowly but surely is changing. Community engagement is one of those rare, beautiful things we, as human beings, can do with and for each other, emphasis on each other. Community engagement is all about reciprocity. You give and you get. Is there anything better?

One of the many advices that the SAWIP Team Managers and SAWIP Alumni continuously offered at the SAWIP 2014 Orientation Camp is that each person is a part of the team for a reason. This was something that I really had to think about and come to terms with, because I doubted my ability and questioned whether I was deserving of such a prestigious opportunity in the company of such a strong calibre of young student visionaries.

Luckily, I decided to listen to another piece of advice that the SAWIP Team Managers gave: to continuously reflect on our experiences throughout the programme. So, I diligently decided to find a small notebook that would become my so-called journal for the next few months. Knowing that I keep a supply of random but occasionally useful items hidden around my room, I decided it was the first place to look. After exploring a few drawers, I managed to find what I was looking for.

I was surprised when I opened the notebook and, on the front page, read a very truthful quote that I had, clearly a while back, placed in the notebook. The quote, by Daisaku Ikeda (the founder and current president of Sōka Gakkai International (SGI) – a Nichiren Buddhist lay association), says:

“People who are rooted in the here and now, who are not defeated by their limitations, who don’t compare themselves to others, who confidently advance along their chosen path – such people are happy, such people are truly great.”

After reading the quote, I was able to settle my nerves and to stop doubting. Yes, the process of applying for SAWIP was gruelling. Yes, being accepted into the team was daunting. But now I fully believe that I am a part of the SAWIP 2014 Team for a reason. So, from now on there will be no more doubting or comparing; just enjoying the journey and putting my best into everything that comes my way.