South Africa Reflections

So, another post didn't post. I've saved this one, so it will be posted, but out of order. It focuses largely on my canceled tour to Pilanesburg, and how I "punted" for the day. (I decided not to pass on my note to the hotel regarding the cancellation).

Hired a taxi today to go see the Apartheid Museum, and Museum Africa. Should anyone be thinking about coming, start your visit with Museum Africa, as it gives a good overall view of South Africa and it's history. Take in the Apartheid Museum next, as it gives a more focused and forceful look at the events of the 20th century that brought South Africa to where it is today. The museum is a must-see, a bit remiscent of the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. but more hopeful. I would advise seeing the museum prior to visiting Soweto, as the background here is helpful to understanding better the history of Soweto and what its all about.

Imagine native lands where gold is discovered, lots of it, but of a quality that it is expensive to extract. Imagine then laws that provide an inexpensive labor force to mine this gold, via enforced segregation, poverty and poor education. Imagine foreigners flooding the land during the gold rush, and slowly but methodically taking the reigns of power. Imagine 1.5 million people removed from their homes to make way for suburbs for white people. Imagine the courage to stand up, to spend 27 years in prison, to operate a political party in exile, imagine the courage of children and youth to march in the face of bullets and tanks, and yes, death. Then imagine reconciliation, forgiveness, and leadership from a political party once banned, and imagine everyone pretty well getting along. Not perfect, not yet, but this is South Africa.

Gold, platinum and diamonds have underwritten the economy, as has virtual slave labor. Most of Joburg is much more developed than I would have anticipated; infrastructure is here and is pretty good, save for public transit.

When you visit--and you really should--plan a couple of weeks. Take in the museums and Soweto as I suggest. If several of you come together, rent a car to get around, and take advantage of some of the tours. Visit the national parks and stay at lodges to get some quality bush and wildlife time in. Go on down to Cape Town, as well. Be aware of crime, but don't let it stop you from coming--this place is no more dangerous than, say, Washington, D.C.

My shuttle ride in from the airport, booked at the transportation counter was 240 Rand, at about 6.5 Rand per dollar. The hotel quoted a price of R 360 to go back to the airport today--thanks, no. Called a shuttle service, they priced it at R 175. My driver from earlier in the day (Bobby, nee Boris, of Bulgaria and married to a good Russian wife) was down to R 140 by the end of my time with him. I kept my earlier reservation, and had a fine ride with a white gentleman from Zimbabwe. So, if you come, don't be shy about negotiating for services.

South Africa seems to be off the radar for many U.S. citizens considering travel. It should not be.

JP