Blog 3 - Cape Town's Complex History

Last night we were invited to the Cross-Cultural Solutions Centre - an international orgainzation that hosts volunteers from around the world. Luann, the director, gave a presentation on the history of South Africa followed by a wonderful meal of typical South African and Malay dishes (steamed bread, lamb biryani, buchu tea). I will share a few of the highlights of her talk. Luann is a white South African married to a black South African. She has spent some of her life in exile and her story embraces many diverse perspectives. She invited us to find our own stories because it is through stories that we validate ourselves and determine how we will live our lives. She is a former social worker who worked mostly with HIV/AIDs patients and poverty alleviation. Here is what she told us . . .
South Africa has a clouded history that will not disappear quickly. It is the cradle of mankind, where earliest humans originated. Khoi-San were the indigenous hunter-gatheres. After 1500 many different groups migrated here and merged together to escape, flee or seek resources:English, Dutch, Porteguese. 80% of Khoi died of smallpox. Slaves were brought from S.E. Asia to work in the gold and diamond mines bringing the Muslim culture with them. Malay people settled in Bo Kaap area of Cape Town and are still there today with their bright coloured homes and unique spiced cooking. Many people bear the last name January to December because slave ancestors were names for the month that they were brought here. The principal in one of the schools we use is Mr. February.
The Dutch came to stay and settle here on farms (Boers) and the English came to colonize, rule, take resources and return to Britain. As a result these two cultures clashed (Boar War - English won but gave land to Dutch but kept resources). Many Brits became wealthy and killed thousands in their attempt to conquer the entire continent for Britain- such as Cecil Rhodes, a white industrialist (Rhodes Scholar, Rhodesia). As Dutch moved inland, they encountered other native tribes (Cosa and Zulus). Today there are 10 official languages as a result of these people merging.
Segregation emerged slowly - the powerful who had guns attempting to separate themselves from those who resisted their laws. Hierarchies emerged as a result of opportunities or disenfranchisement: Blacks laboured in the mines, Coloured were trades people, and Whites were colonists and privileged. The Aparteid policy came into effect in 1948 out of fear. Thus a deep-seated psychology emerged in which status was based on race. People here may never get over this. It limited access to resources. It humiliated and divided people. Blacks were required to carry passports and were put in prision if they did not comply. Some women resisted in 1960 and were shot. Peaceful resistance failed. In the area we are staying in, Athlone, riots occured and police ambushed young demonstrators shooting from the back of a truck (Trojan Horse Massacre). Black people sought shelter in the house where we are staying. These young kids resisted being forced to learn in the Afrikaans language, resulting in poor grades in school. Hundreds were killed and detained in Soweto. The Groups Areas Act, forced people from their homes and neighbourhoods and they were moved far from the city in the least desirable locations.This history is preserved in the District 6 museum in Cape Town. Blacks were depicted at terrorists - the media carried this message around the world. Blacks living in exile became very strategic. They became well education and prepared to return to their country one day to lead the way to peace. Nelson Mandella was one of them. Many in exile were assassinated or imprisoned for life.In 1993 political prisoners were released and in 1994 all people got the right to vote for the first time. I will end here and continue on my next blog.