Epilogue

In the History of South Africa, (Chapter 8) Leonard Thompson writes:

Between 1989 and 1994, South Africa surprised the world. Although the country was wracked by unprecedented violence and teetered on the brink of civil war, black and white politicians put an end to more than three hundred years of white domination and fashioned a nonracial constitution, which effectively transferred political power from the white minority to the black majority. May 10, 1994, the day the presidency of South Africa passed from an Afrikaner who led the party of white supremacy to the leader of an African nationalist movement, was the culmination of one of the finest achievements of the twentieth century.

In our time in the country we saw many examples of how structural inequities continue, from crowded townships to poorly educated people to high unemployment. We arrived just after a corrupt president was finally removed from office. We saw walls with razor wire or electric fencing everywhere. We were told to be very careful in our movements, especially at night, for fear of crime.

South Africa continues to face many challenges. But we leave the country very optimistic about their future. These people, who have been so resilient and courageous for so many years, have much to teach the world. The people we met in our work and in our travels want to share their culture, the natural beauty that surrounds them, their ideas and energy, and their history. They are actively engaged in redressing historical inequality, with a huge focus on education and training. South Africa is open for business and continues to demonstrate what it means to move from surviving to thriving. They inhabit the 21st century, there is a lot of building and investment happening, although not as much or as fast as they would like. It is very exciting to see this country, which is really the epitome of the democratic experiment, working through their many challenges, most of which they have in common with other countries, particularly the US.

I left South Africa really wanting them to succeed, grateful for the experiences I had there, hopeful for their future and the future of the world. I think any person who can, should visit, should learn from their example, and figure out how to stay engaged once they return home.

My wife joined me at the conclusion of our CSC assignment and we did some touring with GAdventures. The pictures below show the beauty and diversity of Africa.