South Africa And The Fight For Their Communities

South Africans continue to struggle to preserve but also survive within their communities. Townships such as Langa and Khayelitsha have been making strides to develop programs for skill development, school supplies, food supplies and incentive for educational success. One of our tour stops was at Vicky’s Bed & Breakfast, South Africa’s “smallest hotel”, in the largest township in Cape Town called Khayelitsha. Vicky spoke to us about how she has made progress in her community by getting supplies for the local schools as well as donations for food twice a week. Within Khayelitsha and other townships a rather large undertaking has begun in recent years with help from government funding. They have created a project to replace shanties (shacks) with more durable and attractive housing. The main reason is not necessarily for these communities and its encompassing members but more for tourists to experience a more appetizing entry upon arriving in South Africa. However, these new homes also come with bad results because for residents to get into these new houses they must put up money and their old shanties are subsequently demolished.

Another program that has been created recently is Ubuntu Sports Outreach that many of us were able to experience during our volunteer work immersions. The program focuses on building character through youth soccer as early as 7 years old. The program finds talent, drive and above all else commitment within youngsters. Then they are provided with role models to help them through an academic and athletic journey all the way through to hopefully attending university. One of the main lessons these athletes and students are taught is to make decisions that are right. They need to make the right decision to attend practice after school rather than doing something dangerous or useless. They need to make the right decision to go to class, continue their education, eat healthy among many other lessons they are being taught each day. Not only do these kids have a great chance to hone excellent athletic skills but also they learn respect, teamwork, communication and so many other characteristics that will also prepare them for a future outside of soccer. One of the most important aspects though of Ubuntu Sports is to invest in youth that when they have achieved either athletic or academic success they will return to South Africa and their home township and help reshape their own community, and instill the same ideas they were taught in so many others.