This summer, eight of us have been awarded the opportunity to participate in the DukeEngage Cape Town program. Less than 20 years past the rigid structures of apartheid, South Africa, as a nation, is in a pivotal moment in history. The country is still plagued with immense wealth disparity and concerns regarding governmental leadership, as to be expected of any democracy in its infancy. I feel so fortunate to be here this summer. In my opinion, South Africa is at a crossroad between moving forward and stepping back, and the work we do this summer in our placements can be an important contribution toward moving the nation in the right direction. Most importantly, we hope to grow personally from the invaluable educational opportunities to which we will be exposed.
During our 8 weeks in South Africa, I yearn to better understand South Africa’s past, and how that shapes the present and future. The first week was spent in Johannesburg, visiting numerous museums and monuments, and engaging in discussions with prominent South Africans in order to more fully grasp the events of the apartheid and their lasting impressions. Through various internships, our group seeks to become involved in the Cape Town community and assist in the continuing quest for equality and justice in South Africa.
Will and I are working at Black Sash, a Human Rights NGO founded during the apartheid. Initially, the organization’s intent was to seek the franchise for colored people. Its membership base was primarily composed of white women who protested apartheid by wearing black sashes. Now that the Black Sash’s original goal has been achieved, the organization has shifted focus and currently seeks to ensure that the constitutional rights promised to the poor are more than just words on a page, and are obtained in practice. Black Sash also opened up its membership to all people, regardless of race or gender. Today, it is one of the largest and best-funded NGOs in South Africa. To me, the best part about working at Black Sash is that they cater to the interests and skills of their interns. We are given flexibility in tasks, and thus gain a range of experiences.
Chaele and Samera are working at the Women’s Legal Centre (WLC). The WLC deals with policy and legislation related to women's issues. The issues addressed cover a wide spectrum including violence prevention, land issues, marriage rights, and health policy. One interesting dynamic of the WLC is that the office is intentionally comprised of only women. Just in a few short weeks, Chaele and Samera have observed how familial and jovial the WLC community is. Whether celebrating staff birthdays or blowing vuvuzelas inside the office space, the women at the WLC show a passion not only for the people around them, but for life itself. Right now, their work consists of a fair amount of legal research to assist the lawyers. While conducting the research, Chaele and Samera are building a strong foundation of the cases and issues the WLC are challenging right now. They had the chance to attend a victims empowerment conference recently and both walked away with a richer understanding of the social and legal context facing the nation today. They are both excited to continue their work and embrace the vibrant Cape Town surrounding.
Ibrahim, Ubong, and Dana are working at the District Six Museum, which tells the story of the displaced residents of District Six who were forcibly removed during the apartheid.
Brandon is working with Paul Weinberg, a photographer, and documents life in the townships surrounding Cape Town.
--Sarah
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