Author Archives: playne

On Monday January 9, 2012 the SASA class of 2012 took a unique tour of Robben Island. I have recently learned that the tour our class received was a special experience that no past SASA classes have been privileged to. … Continue reading →

I will start my reflection by using South Africa’s amnesty rendering action of truth telling, which has played a pivotal role in preserving peace post-apartheid. The truth is that I have yet to completely process and work through the meaning … Continue reading →

As the honeymoon period of Nelson Mandela’s presidency fades away, South Africa must face the harsh reality of the country’s current status. With an unemployment rate ranging close to 40% and one of the highest murder and crime rates in … Continue reading →

 Soweto, the South Western Township, is currently the largest township in South Africa.  In addition to the astonishing size of this township, Soweto is also famous for the student uprisings that took place in the South African winter of 1976.  … Continue reading →

Kruger National Park is one of the most renowned protected areas in the world and is a South African national symbol.  It was established under government protection in 1898, but was not open to the public until 1927.  This national … Continue reading →

Today was our first full day in Kruger. Kruger National Park is around 2 million hectares of wildlife. It is the home of a variety of species including 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds, and 147 … Continue reading →

Archbishop Desmond Tutu describes AIDS as the “new apartheid” that is “another relentless oppression denying its victims the basic rights of health and human dignity.” According to the Worth Health Organization, over 40 million people are living with HIV/AIDS worldwide, … Continue reading →

On June 16th, 1976 a thirteen-year old boy was shot on a street corner during what was supposed to be a peaceful student protest.  His death would spark a bloody student uprising throughout the surrounding area and beyond against the … Continue reading →

     It is said that “education is key” however, the saying in conversation never continues to say what doors that key unlocks. For underprivileged South African children, the key of education unlocks doors that lead the way out of their … Continue reading →

Simply walking down the street in Capetown or Johannesburg can tell you much about the polarized demographic in South Africa. Every day we are overwhelmed by the army of homeless that populate the street corners, parks, and doorframes of Capetown … Continue reading →