Footprints of Apartheid
Informal Settlement – Cape Town, South Africa
Today was a long day, but very eye opening. The day started out with a visit to the largest township in Cape Town, Khayelitsha. This is an informal settlement, with over one million people who do not have running water or sewage utilities. Our first stop was to Philani Nutrition and Self Help Center. Since one in ten children are underweight in this township, Philani works with local community members to combat this issue. Next, we were welcomed at Soshumelela Creche, where a group of pre-primary students sang to us. Later in the day, we took the ferry to Robben Island and had a personal tour by former political prisoners. We were able to see Nelson Mandela’s cell (#7) where he was incarcerated for eighteen years. The day ended with a fabulous crimson sunset over the Cape! T. Bradley
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This sounds like a day no one who was there will ever forget. Of course, from what I am reading, sounds like every day you are experiencing there is also one you will never forget!
This day has been the most touching day of this trip. These townships were so eye-opening. These people are leaving are in absolute poverty, but these children that we met were so full of joy. It really makes you think about all that we have in America and appreciate how extremely blessed we are. It is something that I will never forget.
Erin Chambers
Tennessee Tech University
This day alone made our presence in South Africa worthwhile. Our visit to the township of Khayelitsha was enjoyable and inspirational.
The children at Philani and Soshumelela Creche were beautiful and full of life. However, to be knowledgeable of the conditions in which they live is heartbreaking. Whether or not they know the severity of their circumstances, the children were full of joy and happiness. For this reason alone, I gained so much more out of this visit than anything that I have experienced in South Africa.
We were able to impact the lives of these children for an afternoon; however, I hope that we as students will take what we’ve learned and make it a lifestyle to empower others in similar situations.
Robert Vanzant – Tennessee State University