In South Africa, townships are racially segregated residential areas, primarily for non-white populations. Townships were created during the apartheid era (roughly 1948-1994) as part of a system of racial segregation and discrimination to restrict where different racial groups could live. While apartheid laws have been repealed, the legacy of these townships and their socio-economic conditions continue to impact South African society. Many townships face challenges related to poverty, inadequate infrastructure (like sanitation and access to clean water), and limited economic opportunities. Despite the challenges, townships often have a strong sense of community and vibrant cultural life.

South Africa has been addressing the legacy of townships, despite ongoing challenges. South Africa is actively working to transform townships from areas of marginalization to vibrant and integrated communities. The focus is on promoting economic development, improving living conditions, and fostering social inclusion. There is a long way to go but it was exciting to see the progress.

Micato Safaris has a social impact arm called Americashare, and they support a library and community center in Red Hill, a township south of Cape Town. There are 652 households in Red Hill, and unemployment there is 43%. The average wage is $4 per day. Some households are small, maybe 2 people, some can be as high as14. A port-a-potty is their communal toilet. Red Hill has 2,000 school age kids, many do not attend school as the bus ride is too long, the schools too far away.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela

The community center is a part time medical clinic, a library, kindergarten, and tutoring center. They have computer classes and various other educational programs, all in two painted shipping containers. We visited Red Hill and were able to see the very able-bodied volunteers teaching a kindergarten class and young people on computers in the library learning to code. Jan, the retired 2nd grade teacher was in her element. And since we’d been celebrating Mark and Jan’s 33rd wedding anniversary for the entire trip the kids and the center had a special surprise for them (and us).

 

Anniversary? Birthday? Whatever. They were adorable. And they knew there was cake! Another surprise was a dance performance, just for us!

We were able to leave a stone in their garden to commemorate our visit. Micato sends an African child to school for every guest on a safari. A child who would otherwise stay home due to extreme poverty. We were happy to help in our very small way. The hugs from the kids made it all worthwhile.

Deborah

 

Up next – the Legend of Scaredy Squirrel