Thursday, July 31, 2008
Good news on the academic front!
My thesis proposal was approved by the higher degrees committee! Yay!!!
Saturday, July 19, 2008
What would you do with 100 billion dollars?
Posted: 07:08 AM ET
HARARE, Zimbabwe (CNN) — Zimbabwe’s troubled central bank introduced new $100 billion banknotes Saturday in a desperate bid to ease the recurrent cash shortages plaguing the inflation-ravaged economy.
The new bills, officially come into circulation Monday but they on already on the foreign currency dealers market Saturday.
As high as they are, though, the new bills still aren’t enough to buy a loaf of bread. They can only buy four oranges.
Once-prosperous Zimbabwe has seen an unprecedented economic meltdown since its independence from Great Britain in 1980, with the official inflation rate now at 2.2 million percent.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Whirlwind!!! - Kruger, Grahamstown, and headed to Uganda/Rwanda!
After Botswana, we flew from Zambia to Johannesburg, got upgraded to the most ridiculously large hotel room I have ever seen, and drove to Kruger National Park.
We spent two days viewing game in the park, seeing the Big 5 (Lion, leopard, elephant, water buffalo and rhino!!) within 24 hours, and then drove from Kruger to Durban.
From Durban, we drove another day to get to Grahamstown, where we are now!!!
Right now Grahamstown has been transformed by the National Arts Festival - the 2nd largest arts festival in the WORLD! It is incredibly fantastic. Last night I heard one of the best choirs I have ever heard in my entire life - one of my Rotary scholar friends, Sam, is part of it (see her blog from the links on the side of my page)!! Links coming ----
Today I am running around like a chicken with my head cut off trying to get ready for tomorrow, when we leave for Port Elizabeth.
From PE, I say goodbye to my parents :( and head to UGANDA and RWANDA with Rosa!!!!!
I may or may not be able to post for the next couple of weeks as I travel over there, but know that lots and lots of updates and pictures are coming!
Lots of love!!!
We spent two days viewing game in the park, seeing the Big 5 (Lion, leopard, elephant, water buffalo and rhino!!) within 24 hours, and then drove from Kruger to Durban.
From Durban, we drove another day to get to Grahamstown, where we are now!!!
Right now Grahamstown has been transformed by the National Arts Festival - the 2nd largest arts festival in the WORLD! It is incredibly fantastic. Last night I heard one of the best choirs I have ever heard in my entire life - one of my Rotary scholar friends, Sam, is part of it (see her blog from the links on the side of my page)!! Links coming ----
Today I am running around like a chicken with my head cut off trying to get ready for tomorrow, when we leave for Port Elizabeth.
From PE, I say goodbye to my parents :( and head to UGANDA and RWANDA with Rosa!!!!!
I may or may not be able to post for the next couple of weeks as I travel over there, but know that lots and lots of updates and pictures are coming!
Lots of love!!!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Botswana - Chobe National Park
Today I entered my 21st country!!! My parents and I crossed the border of Botswana to go to Chobe National Park. We had a lovely morning boating on the Chobe river - saw dozens of hippo, crocodiles, elephants, hundreds of birds, giraffe, impala, kudu, mongoose, etc. etc. In the afternoon we took a game drive.
The border crossing was fascinating - my mom counted over 70 trucks waiting to cross from Zambia to Botswana. At this crossing, you have to cross a river to go from one country to the other, but they have not yet built a bridge. Instead, they have one ferry which runs back and forth across the river, meaning that only one truck can cross at a time. Apparently trucks have to wait 3 or 4 days or even a week before they can get their supplies across the border. Also, just as the ferry pulls away, as many people as possible jump on to it, with their luggage and supplies on their backs and heads, in order to cross into the other country. It was fascinating to watch.
We, on the other hand, had a private motor boat from the tour company take us from one side to the other - no lines, no jumping. It is such a conflicting feeling to see one reality taking place right in front of our eyes while at the same time living an entirely different one.
The biggest stress to me all day was the fact that my passport only has two pages left in it, which I am reserving for my Uganda/Rwanda travels, and every place we went today was STAMP HAPPY -- every time we got to a border post I started sweating and pointing furiously at little places where I wanted them to stamp. I fortunately made it through with my two pages in tact, but I have stamps covering literally every other inch of my passport.
Tomorrow we are headed back to South Africa!
The border crossing was fascinating - my mom counted over 70 trucks waiting to cross from Zambia to Botswana. At this crossing, you have to cross a river to go from one country to the other, but they have not yet built a bridge. Instead, they have one ferry which runs back and forth across the river, meaning that only one truck can cross at a time. Apparently trucks have to wait 3 or 4 days or even a week before they can get their supplies across the border. Also, just as the ferry pulls away, as many people as possible jump on to it, with their luggage and supplies on their backs and heads, in order to cross into the other country. It was fascinating to watch.
We, on the other hand, had a private motor boat from the tour company take us from one side to the other - no lines, no jumping. It is such a conflicting feeling to see one reality taking place right in front of our eyes while at the same time living an entirely different one.
The biggest stress to me all day was the fact that my passport only has two pages left in it, which I am reserving for my Uganda/Rwanda travels, and every place we went today was STAMP HAPPY -- every time we got to a border post I started sweating and pointing furiously at little places where I wanted them to stamp. I fortunately made it through with my two pages in tact, but I have stamps covering literally every other inch of my passport.
Tomorrow we are headed back to South Africa!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Zimbabwe
My parents and I 'snuck' across the border to Zimbabwe today, along with dozens of people crossing to try to get food. (and by snuck, I mean we walked across a bridge)..
My heart is still aching from what we saw - dozens of trucks of food backed up on the Zambia side trying to get into Zim... People packing food in suitcases in Zambia to take back to their families in Zimbabwe... dozens and dozens of people camped out at the border post with all of their luggage, trying to get across. We talked to a few people about how they were feeling about what is going on, they just said that it was bad.
I was so glad that my parents were up for the 'adventure' of seeing what it was like on the other side. I think all of us were profoundly effected by it. There was such a strikingly different feel from the Zambia to the Zimbabwe side - such a strikingly different feel to the people. People on the Zim side had a look of desperation to them that squeezed my heart.
The run-off elections were supposed to take place this Friday, but Mugabe announced that he would wage war if the opposition won, so the opposition leader pulled out of the race saying that he could not ask people to go out and vote knowing that they would face extreme violence. That means - --- I don't know what that means. It means that the elections won't happen as planned. It is not good.. at all.
This crisis has been on my heart heavily anyway the last months, but after seeing a glimpse of the situation first hand, it is all consuming to me. Please pray for the situation, if you are a pray-er.
Love to you.
My heart is still aching from what we saw - dozens of trucks of food backed up on the Zambia side trying to get into Zim... People packing food in suitcases in Zambia to take back to their families in Zimbabwe... dozens and dozens of people camped out at the border post with all of their luggage, trying to get across. We talked to a few people about how they were feeling about what is going on, they just said that it was bad.
I was so glad that my parents were up for the 'adventure' of seeing what it was like on the other side. I think all of us were profoundly effected by it. There was such a strikingly different feel from the Zambia to the Zimbabwe side - such a strikingly different feel to the people. People on the Zim side had a look of desperation to them that squeezed my heart.
The run-off elections were supposed to take place this Friday, but Mugabe announced that he would wage war if the opposition won, so the opposition leader pulled out of the race saying that he could not ask people to go out and vote knowing that they would face extreme violence. That means - --- I don't know what that means. It means that the elections won't happen as planned. It is not good.. at all.
This crisis has been on my heart heavily anyway the last months, but after seeing a glimpse of the situation first hand, it is all consuming to me. Please pray for the situation, if you are a pray-er.
Love to you.
Victoria Falls
Is possibly one of the most majestic natural wonders I will ever see.
Definitely cried (with my mom).
Pictures are coming as soon as possible.
Definitely cried (with my mom).
Pictures are coming as soon as possible.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Livingstone, Zambia
Hello from Zambia!
This is just a quick note---
I spent a lovely couple of days with Victor in Cape Town, meeting his friends, spending some time with Jeannie, going to the best farmer's market ever...
And then on Saturday, my parents arrived!!!!
We had a spectacular and chaotic 36 hours in Cape Town, where we managed to cram in a tour of Robben Island, a trip to the Cape of Good Hope, an adventurous outing to see penguins (it is mating season... watch out), and several lovely meals with good friends, (even running into one of my friends from Rhodes and her parents!!)
This morning, we woke up at an ungodly hour, and took off for Zambia. We arrived this afternoon and I am already in love with this country. I love the smell, the red dirt, the amazing smiles from the people here --- more details later, but the second we landed I my heart just swelled.
Tomorrow we are going to see Victoria Falls, and the next day we are headed to Botswana.
And we are traveling CLASSSSSY--- I don't even know what to do with myself. I didn't even know this nice of places existed on this continent. We have certainly upgraded from the way I normally travel. :) Tonight we are staying at possibly the nicest resort I have ever seen. I have also seen more Americans here than I have the entire rest of my 6 months in Africa combined.
It is so incredible to see my parents and be able to share this adventure with them.
They are so much fun to travel with.
More soon, this adventure is just beginning...
much love
PS - We miss you Brian, hardly an hour goes by without one of us saying that we wish you were here. you would love it. love you.
This is just a quick note---
I spent a lovely couple of days with Victor in Cape Town, meeting his friends, spending some time with Jeannie, going to the best farmer's market ever...
And then on Saturday, my parents arrived!!!!
We had a spectacular and chaotic 36 hours in Cape Town, where we managed to cram in a tour of Robben Island, a trip to the Cape of Good Hope, an adventurous outing to see penguins (it is mating season... watch out), and several lovely meals with good friends, (even running into one of my friends from Rhodes and her parents!!)
This morning, we woke up at an ungodly hour, and took off for Zambia. We arrived this afternoon and I am already in love with this country. I love the smell, the red dirt, the amazing smiles from the people here --- more details later, but the second we landed I my heart just swelled.
Tomorrow we are going to see Victoria Falls, and the next day we are headed to Botswana.
And we are traveling CLASSSSSY--- I don't even know what to do with myself. I didn't even know this nice of places existed on this continent. We have certainly upgraded from the way I normally travel. :) Tonight we are staying at possibly the nicest resort I have ever seen. I have also seen more Americans here than I have the entire rest of my 6 months in Africa combined.
It is so incredible to see my parents and be able to share this adventure with them.
They are so much fun to travel with.
More soon, this adventure is just beginning...
much love
PS - We miss you Brian, hardly an hour goes by without one of us saying that we wish you were here. you would love it. love you.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Made it to Cape Town!
Ok, so to follow up on the last post.
I did receive a text message that told me that the bus was going to be 2 hours late.... and then two hours later, I received another one that said it was further delayed. Before I received the second text, I decided to go and find the bus stop. Now, when I say go and find the bus stop, it is not exactly like it is elusive.... There are only about 3 streets anyway in Grahamstown, and I've been to the stop many times. BUT, if you have ever had experience with my directional skills, you will know that just because I have been to a place dozens of times does NOT mean that I have any idea how to get there. At all. So I left early, just in case. And sure enough, after walking slightly off campus, the old familiar feeling set in, just as it was starting to rain. I was lost. After 3 minutes of slight panic (thinking, this is exactly what I am NOT supposed to be doing, I am going to die, I am lost in Africa, my mom is going to be so sad... etc.) - I realized that I was actually only about half a block from the stop. And by half a block, I mean that I was standing almost directly across the street from it. So I strutted on over like I knew what I was doing, walking into Kentucky Fried Chicken (yes, they have KFC in Africa), bought myself some dinner, and waited for the bus.
KFC, however, did not represent well. They closed 10 minutes before nine (their closing time said 9:30). And that was when I received the second text that the bus was 'further delayed.' So I walked outside, and along with dozens of women with babies strapped to their back, waited in the rain. And waited, and waited. Then, after standing outside for nearly 3 hours, the bus finally showed, and the mommas and the babies and I all boarded.
And 14 hours after that........ I am in Cape Town!!!! I had forgotten how much I LOVE this city. My whole heart filled up when we got our first glimpse of the city-scape over the top of the mountain.
Victor (yay!!!) picked me up from the station and I am currently in his office, finishing my paper...
Life is good, only 2 days until my parents are here!!
Love you all.
I did receive a text message that told me that the bus was going to be 2 hours late.... and then two hours later, I received another one that said it was further delayed. Before I received the second text, I decided to go and find the bus stop. Now, when I say go and find the bus stop, it is not exactly like it is elusive.... There are only about 3 streets anyway in Grahamstown, and I've been to the stop many times. BUT, if you have ever had experience with my directional skills, you will know that just because I have been to a place dozens of times does NOT mean that I have any idea how to get there. At all. So I left early, just in case. And sure enough, after walking slightly off campus, the old familiar feeling set in, just as it was starting to rain. I was lost. After 3 minutes of slight panic (thinking, this is exactly what I am NOT supposed to be doing, I am going to die, I am lost in Africa, my mom is going to be so sad... etc.) - I realized that I was actually only about half a block from the stop. And by half a block, I mean that I was standing almost directly across the street from it. So I strutted on over like I knew what I was doing, walking into Kentucky Fried Chicken (yes, they have KFC in Africa), bought myself some dinner, and waited for the bus.
KFC, however, did not represent well. They closed 10 minutes before nine (their closing time said 9:30). And that was when I received the second text that the bus was 'further delayed.' So I walked outside, and along with dozens of women with babies strapped to their back, waited in the rain. And waited, and waited. Then, after standing outside for nearly 3 hours, the bus finally showed, and the mommas and the babies and I all boarded.
And 14 hours after that........ I am in Cape Town!!!! I had forgotten how much I LOVE this city. My whole heart filled up when we got our first glimpse of the city-scape over the top of the mountain.
Victor (yay!!!) picked me up from the station and I am currently in his office, finishing my paper...
Life is good, only 2 days until my parents are here!!
Love you all.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Slight Delay
I find it humorous/helpful/surprisingly organized that a few moments ago I received a text message notifying me that my bus would be two hours late.
Cool stuff. Not so much that the bus is delayed (that's not so cool), but that they let me know, and by text message none the less! This country never ceases to amaze me. Anyone who tells you that they have South Africa all figured out... is lying. Or they are much, much smarter than me.
Cool stuff. Not so much that the bus is delayed (that's not so cool), but that they let me know, and by text message none the less! This country never ceases to amaze me. Anyone who tells you that they have South Africa all figured out... is lying. Or they are much, much smarter than me.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
The next great adventure... will begin as soon as I finish this ridiculous paper.
I am writing furiously for the next 12 or so hours, and then tonight at 7pm, I am boarding a bus for Cape Town. My schedule for the next 6 weeks looks something like this:
July 19-21: I get to see my fiance! I am spending a quick (but much needed/anticipated) couple of days in Cape Town with Victor.
June 21: My parents arrive in Cape Town!!
June 23-24: Victoria Falls, Zambia
June 25: Chobe National Park, Botswana
June 26-29: Kruger National Park, South Africa and road trip down the Wild Coast
June 30-July 2: National Arts Festival in Grahamstown, South Africa
July 3-July 16: Backpacking in Uganda and Rwanda with Rosa
July 16-August 4th: Pears, Rach and Kate are in South Africa!!! Road tripping through the country, with a few 'school' breaks.... I have a seminar at which I am presenting on the 26th.
I am so incredibly excited to get the adventure of the next 6 weeks started!!! I am so blessed to have these travel opportunities ahead, and the chance to spend some quality time with my parents, Victor and Kate/Pears/Rachael!
Life. is. good.
My paper on the other hand.... needs some help. :)
July 19-21: I get to see my fiance! I am spending a quick (but much needed/anticipated) couple of days in Cape Town with Victor.
June 21: My parents arrive in Cape Town!!
June 23-24: Victoria Falls, Zambia
June 25: Chobe National Park, Botswana
June 26-29: Kruger National Park, South Africa and road trip down the Wild Coast
June 30-July 2: National Arts Festival in Grahamstown, South Africa
July 3-July 16: Backpacking in Uganda and Rwanda with Rosa
July 16-August 4th: Pears, Rach and Kate are in South Africa!!! Road tripping through the country, with a few 'school' breaks.... I have a seminar at which I am presenting on the 26th.
I am so incredibly excited to get the adventure of the next 6 weeks started!!! I am so blessed to have these travel opportunities ahead, and the chance to spend some quality time with my parents, Victor and Kate/Pears/Rachael!
Life. is. good.
My paper on the other hand.... needs some help. :)
Monday, June 16, 2008
Youth Day - in memory of the Soweto Uprising
Today, South Africa commemorates the Soweto uprising of June 16th, 1976. On that day, thousands of school children rallied in Soweto (a township outside of Johannesburg), in protest of the apartheid government's imposition of Afrikaans as the language of instruction in their schools. The protest was intended to be peaceful, and was supported by the teachers in Soweto. However, police had barricaded the road upon which the students were marching. The crowd by this point had gathered to somewhere between 3 and 10 thousand students. A shot was fired, and chaos broke out. Police open fired into the crowd, killing scores of children. It is estimated between 200 and 600 people died, with thousands injured.Many state the Soweto uprising as the 'beginning of the end' of apartheid. The event attracted international attention, with the photograph above of Hector Pieterson's dead body becoming the icon of the tragedy.
Today the country remembers those who were killed, but also those who stood up in the face of violence and joined together against injustice. I am reminded today of the power that we all have to effect change.
If you are interested, Cry Freedom and A Dry White Season are both fantastic movies that depict the riots.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!
Happy Father's Day to my amazing Dad!!! I got to talk to my dad a few hours ago, and am SO EXCITED that I will get to celebrate a belated Father's Day with him next weekend! That's right, the padres are coming to Africa in just a few days!Dad, I can't wait to see you this coming weekend!!! Happy happy 25th father's day! (Just think, you have been a father for a quarter of a century, thanks so me.) I love you so much. Thank you for your continued love and support, I am truly blessed to be your daughter.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Quiet on the exam front
I am in the black hole of exams. It is these moments that makes me miss being the teacher on the other side of the exam ----- though I certainly do not envy my professors who have to grade the enormous amount of writing I am putting out these days.
I am going to list things because it makes me feel better.
1. International Theory Exam - DONE!
2. Philosophy of Reconciliation 8000 word paper - In Progress
3. Post-Colonial Identities and Genocide Exam - Saturday
4. Cold War 8000 word Paper on Cuba's intervention in Angola - Haven't really started
5. Thesis Proposal Submission - Needs some help
6. Rotary Report - Almost Done
I am leaving for Cape Town next Wednesday - less than a week. I need 6 miracles to happen between now and then!
I am going to list things because it makes me feel better.
1. International Theory Exam - DONE!
2. Philosophy of Reconciliation 8000 word paper - In Progress
3. Post-Colonial Identities and Genocide Exam - Saturday
4. Cold War 8000 word Paper on Cuba's intervention in Angola - Haven't really started
5. Thesis Proposal Submission - Needs some help
6. Rotary Report - Almost Done
I am leaving for Cape Town next Wednesday - less than a week. I need 6 miracles to happen between now and then!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
South Africa's Croissant Crisis
In our cafeteria, we have an announcement board. The last couple of weeks, there have been notes of solidarity and mourning for the victims of the riots and whatnot happening in Joburg and Cape Town.
YESTERDAY, however, the board had a new message that said something to the following:
"The kitchen staff needs to profusely apologize for the lack of croissants at breakfast this morning. Please know that they were ordered with plenty of time to spare, but did not arrive this morning as scheduled. This has been due to a nation-wide shortage of croissants. We will do everything we can to make up for this unfortunate event. This morning you may have two yoghurts instead of one. Sincerely, the kitchen staff"
And THIS my friends, is what makes South Africa so fascinating. In the same seriousness that we deal with violent riots, we deal with a national shortage of croissants. YES, we have dire poverty, YES we are in the midst of a global food crisis, YES we are dealing with violence in our major cities. But today.... today we will worry about croissants.
If you would like to send croissants to South Africa to help out with the national crisis, please email me. ;)
YESTERDAY, however, the board had a new message that said something to the following:
"The kitchen staff needs to profusely apologize for the lack of croissants at breakfast this morning. Please know that they were ordered with plenty of time to spare, but did not arrive this morning as scheduled. This has been due to a nation-wide shortage of croissants. We will do everything we can to make up for this unfortunate event. This morning you may have two yoghurts instead of one. Sincerely, the kitchen staff"
And THIS my friends, is what makes South Africa so fascinating. In the same seriousness that we deal with violent riots, we deal with a national shortage of croissants. YES, we have dire poverty, YES we are in the midst of a global food crisis, YES we are dealing with violence in our major cities. But today.... today we will worry about croissants.
If you would like to send croissants to South Africa to help out with the national crisis, please email me. ;)
Obama, South African style
People here LOOOOOOOVE Barack Obama. Love him. So today the country is celebrating the announcement that Obama has secured enough delegates to be the democratic nominee. 
My roommate Estelle (please note that she is South African, not American) celebrating Obama's nomination bid.
My roommate Estelle (please note that she is South African, not American) celebrating Obama's nomination bid.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
news update, maybe..
The news last night said that the South African army has the violence situation in South Africa under control.
It was also announced yesterday that SADC would be sending in a large number of representatives to monitor the June Zimbabwean elections more closely.
Both of these are incredibly good news if they pan out.
It was also announced yesterday that SADC would be sending in a large number of representatives to monitor the June Zimbabwean elections more closely.
Both of these are incredibly good news if they pan out.
gardening with mr. modolo
This morning, Alica and I accompanied one of our friends (Jeremy) to Elthembini Service Center, a senior citizen center in one of the Grahamstown townships. We spent a lovely morning and afternoon gardening with Mr. Modolo, cooking with Connie, picking out beads for one of the ladies to make AIDS pins, and just hanging out with the seniors. The first picture is Mr. Modolo, showing off his moves. The second is Mr. Modolo again, watering the dirt we had just weeded. The third is Connie and me - she wanted the picture to show how much she was enjoying the food she had just cooked, and the fourth is several of the seniors who wanted their picture taken outside by the garden.
My favorite part of the afternoon was weeding and chatting with Alicia, while Mr. Modolo serenaded us with the same song over and over, occasionally stopping to compliment himself on the quality of his singing - usually something to the effect of "No one can sing like Mr. Modolo, he has a song of his own." I agree :)
Eben's birthday Braai
Eben's 25th birthday was on May 20th, so this weekend he had a South African style 'braai' (similar to a barbeque) to celebrate. He grilled (braaied) a bunch of meat, Alicia and Rosa baked a cake, and we all just hung out, ate, and chatted. All of which we are exceptionally good at. Following are a bunch of pictures from the evening.
Here is a picture of my roommates (from left to right): Rhoda (Cape Town), me, Khosie (Mtata), Estelle (Pretoria), Cilnette (Johannesburg).
Happy Birthday EBEN!!!!!!!!!!
amazing music
Sunday, May 25, 2008
AIDs Candlelight Memorial Service
A few days ago I attended an AIDs Candlelight Memorial Service. It was a service that was meant both to honor those who have died in the past year from AIDs and to raise awareness.
It was incredibly touching, in many ways - first of all, they read off all of the names of the people who have died in Grahamstown from AIDs in the last year- and the number was utterly staggering. Name after name was read off - it truly put into perspective the enormity of this problem - not just in general, but right here in our own community.Second of all, it was inspiring to see the numbers of people out there - people dressed in red, people in HIV positive t-shirts (like the one I am wearing in the picture)... in short, people committed to putting an end to this disease. We held a moment of silence, but the women broke it after a minute or so and broke into song, which carried on for several minutes. The man sitting next to me said that the songs they were singing were the same songs they sang when they rallied against apartheid - songs of freedom, but this time, it is directed at AIDs.
meanwhile, in zimbabwe..
As attacks on Zimbabweans in South Africa have escalated in the past weeks, news about what has been going on within Zimbabwe's borders has been mixed.
I should start out by saying that I am certainly no authority on this, so I am just going to share what I have heard people say.
First of all, Morgan Tsvangirai, the opposition leader running against Mugabe, has been in South Africa for the last six weeks. During this time, there have been several reported death threats and against him, as well as threats that he will be charged with treason upon his return to Zimbabwe, which supposedly prolonged his stay in the South Africa . While he was here we saw him on the news often, especially when the attacks started happening against Zimbabweans around Johannesburg. On the news, I saw him give a speech to Zimbabwean immigrantss who had fled their homes because of the violence, and his message was to go home to Zimbabwe - that together, they would build the nation again.
However, he returned to Zim this weekend. Here is an article about the current events going on there: http://www.mg.co.za/articlePage.aspx?articleid=340082&area=/breaking_news/breaking_news__africa/.
After a LOOONG delay in the releasing of any results about the Zim election that happened at the begnning of this year, it was finally announced that neither Mugabe or Twvangirai had won a clear majority of votes (though most people here doubt the truth of that and think Twvangirai actually did receive a majority), so there will have to be a run-off election. Supposedly this will take place in July. Most people I have talked to about this think that Mugabe will 'win' this run-off election. There have been wide reports of voter intimidation/violence which is suspected to influence the results of the election, as well as suspected corruption with the counting of the ballots. For the record, African Union election observers deemed the initial election as fair.
Meanwhile, South Africa's response has been very mixed. President Mbeki, who is now more or less a 'lame duck' because Jacob Zuma has been elected the president of the ruling party (the ANC), has been widely criticized within South Africa for his lack of a response to the Zimbabwean situation, and for his denial that there is a crisis going on there. (Zimbabwe has something like a 600 thousand percent inflation rate. To put that in perspective, Iraq, which has the next highest inflation rate in the world, is at 60 percent.)
Meanwhile, Jacob Zuma, who (unless if something drastic happens) will be the next president of South Africa, has been speaking out about the Zimbabwean situation internationally. Some of my South African friends think he is doing this as a strategic political move. He is currently under investigation for corruption charges, and if he is convicted, could lose his place as president of the ANC. Some of my friends think that he is trying to appeal to the international community over the Zimbabwean situation so that he can garner international support for his ascent to the presidency. I don't know how accurate those perceptions are.
Needless to say, most people's perceptions here about what is going on in Zimbabwe are very grim and cynical.
HOWEVER, I, who inherited my mother's eternally optimistic genes, still have hope for Zimbabwe. My hope is that the voters will speak out, despite intimidation and whatnot. My hope is that more intense election monitoring will be allowed in for this next go-around of voting. Several of my Zimbabwean friends who are studying here have shared these hopes with me. It is amazing in the first place that such an opposition was allowed to form against Mugabe in the first place, and perhaps that signals that changes are in store. Mugabe is, after all, 84 years old.
I should start out by saying that I am certainly no authority on this, so I am just going to share what I have heard people say.
First of all, Morgan Tsvangirai, the opposition leader running against Mugabe, has been in South Africa for the last six weeks. During this time, there have been several reported death threats and against him, as well as threats that he will be charged with treason upon his return to Zimbabwe, which supposedly prolonged his stay in the South Africa . While he was here we saw him on the news often, especially when the attacks started happening against Zimbabweans around Johannesburg. On the news, I saw him give a speech to Zimbabwean immigrantss who had fled their homes because of the violence, and his message was to go home to Zimbabwe - that together, they would build the nation again.
However, he returned to Zim this weekend. Here is an article about the current events going on there: http://www.mg.co.za/articlePage.aspx?articleid=340082&area=/breaking_news/breaking_news__africa/.
After a LOOONG delay in the releasing of any results about the Zim election that happened at the begnning of this year, it was finally announced that neither Mugabe or Twvangirai had won a clear majority of votes (though most people here doubt the truth of that and think Twvangirai actually did receive a majority), so there will have to be a run-off election. Supposedly this will take place in July. Most people I have talked to about this think that Mugabe will 'win' this run-off election. There have been wide reports of voter intimidation/violence which is suspected to influence the results of the election, as well as suspected corruption with the counting of the ballots. For the record, African Union election observers deemed the initial election as fair.
Meanwhile, South Africa's response has been very mixed. President Mbeki, who is now more or less a 'lame duck' because Jacob Zuma has been elected the president of the ruling party (the ANC), has been widely criticized within South Africa for his lack of a response to the Zimbabwean situation, and for his denial that there is a crisis going on there. (Zimbabwe has something like a 600 thousand percent inflation rate. To put that in perspective, Iraq, which has the next highest inflation rate in the world, is at 60 percent.)
Meanwhile, Jacob Zuma, who (unless if something drastic happens) will be the next president of South Africa, has been speaking out about the Zimbabwean situation internationally. Some of my South African friends think he is doing this as a strategic political move. He is currently under investigation for corruption charges, and if he is convicted, could lose his place as president of the ANC. Some of my friends think that he is trying to appeal to the international community over the Zimbabwean situation so that he can garner international support for his ascent to the presidency. I don't know how accurate those perceptions are.
Needless to say, most people's perceptions here about what is going on in Zimbabwe are very grim and cynical.
HOWEVER, I, who inherited my mother's eternally optimistic genes, still have hope for Zimbabwe. My hope is that the voters will speak out, despite intimidation and whatnot. My hope is that more intense election monitoring will be allowed in for this next go-around of voting. Several of my Zimbabwean friends who are studying here have shared these hopes with me. It is amazing in the first place that such an opposition was allowed to form against Mugabe in the first place, and perhaps that signals that changes are in store. Mugabe is, after all, 84 years old.
not good news from cape town...
My heart sank two days ago when I got a call from Victor telling me that the xenophobic attacks had spread to Cape Town. From as far as I'm aware, it is mainly playing itself out with the burning of Somali and ZImbawean businesses in and around the townships. Thousands of people are being evacuated from the areas.
Vic has been working with his church to find accommodation for those being evacuated from their homes. I'm ridiculously proud of him for rolling up his sleeves and doing what needs to be done.
read more about it here.
Vic has been working with his church to find accommodation for those being evacuated from their homes. I'm ridiculously proud of him for rolling up his sleeves and doing what needs to be done.
read more about it here.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
quick update on the xenophobic attacks
Hi everyone,
I thought I should send out a quick note in light of the international exposure of the violence in South Africa right now.First of all, I am completely out of harm's way - it has mainly been taking place in the poorest townships around Johannesburg, which is very far away from me. It is comparable to saying that I am in Burley, Idaho and riots are happening in Los Angeles.
That said, it is a scary situation for the country. Not because I feel that any harm is going to happen to me or anyone I know, but because it represents the anger and frustration that is brewing in South Africa. As I have mentioned before, the economic and social inequality here is overwhelming. Unemployment rates are terrible and growing worse. Huge portions of the population do not have proper housing. And the terrible thing is, we are not nearly the worse off. South Africa is considered a safe haven in Africa - it is the place to which immigrants from all over Africa flee. Much like many see America, South Africa is seen as a land of opportunity. For this reason, thousands and thousands of Zimbawean refugees have fled here from the situation brewing in their own nation. Many South Africans fear that the Zimbabweans (and other African immigrants) are taking the jobs that they themselves need so desperately, and that the Zimbaweans are resposible for the staggering crime rate. They worry that their schools are being overloaded with Zimbawean children. It is these fears, compounded by dozens of other issues that I am not informed enough about to talk about, that has led to the violence.
In short, the situation is fragile here. However, the violence is being condemned widely. Protests are being held throughout the nation as people speak out against what is happening. Yesterday it was announced that President Mbeki would be sending the army in to quell the violence, and today the reports of violence were down. This is not dooms day for South Africa. I hear many people saying that we are the next Zimbabwe. I do not believe that is true. If this country is nothing else, it is resilient. When the world predicted mass chaos after the end of apartheid, South Africa held peaceful, free and fair elections that brought Nelson Mandela to the presidency. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission set up to deal with perpetuators of the oppressive regime has been held up all over the world as a model of restorative justice. The country's commitment to human rights has set precident in global human rights networks.
The xenophobic attacks happening in Johannesburg are frightening and frustrating. My heart breaks for those who are losing loved ones, and the thousands who have been forced from their homes. But I will not believe that this represents the future of South Africa. This week we celebrate Africa Day. Please join me either in thoughts or in prayers for the future of this country, the resolution of this violence, the quelling of the anger and hatred that has brought them about, and most importantly, for the conversations surrounding these atrocities to bring out a discourse of ways that the country's situation can be improved - in short, for something positive to result from this.
Here is a link the the Mail and Guardian, one of the South African newspapers that I read daily. It has numerous stories about what is going on and will have updates on the situation: http://www.mg.co.za/
Much love. Thanks so much to those of you who have written notes of concern. Haley
I thought I should send out a quick note in light of the international exposure of the violence in South Africa right now.First of all, I am completely out of harm's way - it has mainly been taking place in the poorest townships around Johannesburg, which is very far away from me. It is comparable to saying that I am in Burley, Idaho and riots are happening in Los Angeles.
That said, it is a scary situation for the country. Not because I feel that any harm is going to happen to me or anyone I know, but because it represents the anger and frustration that is brewing in South Africa. As I have mentioned before, the economic and social inequality here is overwhelming. Unemployment rates are terrible and growing worse. Huge portions of the population do not have proper housing. And the terrible thing is, we are not nearly the worse off. South Africa is considered a safe haven in Africa - it is the place to which immigrants from all over Africa flee. Much like many see America, South Africa is seen as a land of opportunity. For this reason, thousands and thousands of Zimbawean refugees have fled here from the situation brewing in their own nation. Many South Africans fear that the Zimbabweans (and other African immigrants) are taking the jobs that they themselves need so desperately, and that the Zimbaweans are resposible for the staggering crime rate. They worry that their schools are being overloaded with Zimbawean children. It is these fears, compounded by dozens of other issues that I am not informed enough about to talk about, that has led to the violence.
In short, the situation is fragile here. However, the violence is being condemned widely. Protests are being held throughout the nation as people speak out against what is happening. Yesterday it was announced that President Mbeki would be sending the army in to quell the violence, and today the reports of violence were down. This is not dooms day for South Africa. I hear many people saying that we are the next Zimbabwe. I do not believe that is true. If this country is nothing else, it is resilient. When the world predicted mass chaos after the end of apartheid, South Africa held peaceful, free and fair elections that brought Nelson Mandela to the presidency. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission set up to deal with perpetuators of the oppressive regime has been held up all over the world as a model of restorative justice. The country's commitment to human rights has set precident in global human rights networks.
The xenophobic attacks happening in Johannesburg are frightening and frustrating. My heart breaks for those who are losing loved ones, and the thousands who have been forced from their homes. But I will not believe that this represents the future of South Africa. This week we celebrate Africa Day. Please join me either in thoughts or in prayers for the future of this country, the resolution of this violence, the quelling of the anger and hatred that has brought them about, and most importantly, for the conversations surrounding these atrocities to bring out a discourse of ways that the country's situation can be improved - in short, for something positive to result from this.
Here is a link the the Mail and Guardian, one of the South African newspapers that I read daily. It has numerous stories about what is going on and will have updates on the situation: http://www.mg.co.za/
Much love. Thanks so much to those of you who have written notes of concern. Haley
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Still fine, still concerned for those in Joburg
Spent all evening last yesterday riled up over what is going on in Johannesburg. You wouldn't know a thing was happening here - other than a side comment or two from people in class, the world continues on as if nothing is happening in our country's largest city. Thousands have fled their homes. Meanwhile in Grahamstown papers continue to be due.
Much love to you all, keep your prayers going.
Read more about it here.
Much love to you all, keep your prayers going.
Read more about it here.
Monday, May 19, 2008
'Anti-foreigner' violence kills 22 in South Africa
That's the headline CNN used to describe what is going on in South Africa, and when I saw it, I knew immediately that I need to state that:
A) I'm fine.
B) There are much bigger fish to fry than whether or not I am fine.
Actually, right now I am very livid and emotional. I just went to a lecture on what I thought was going to be on the social determinents of AIDS... but when the speaker got up, she told us that she could not just talk about AIDS without talking about the context about what is going on in South Africa right now, and went on to explain exactly what has been happening over the last week around Johannesburg. Essentially, gangs of men have been forming mobs which have been attacking immigrant camps around Johannesburg, setting fire to shacks, gang raping women, killing men - up to 50 people have been killed so far, thousands and thousands have fled their homes looking for safety. The justification for the attacks: the immigrants (most of whom are Zimbabwean refugees escaping the violence in Zimbabwe) are the leading cause of crime in our communities, their children are slowing down our schools, etc. Concerns that are scarily similar to concerns about immigrants all over the world. Read more about it here.
And all of this in post-apartheid South Africa, a land purportedly committed to the equal rights of ALL people within its land. All of this in a place that could not have overcome apartheid if its refugees had not been taken in by neighboring countries and allowed to organize a struggle that eventually covercame an oppressive regime.
Even some of my dear roommates have told me that the attacks are in a way justified because of what the Zimbabweans have done to their country.
This logic is frightening, and perhaps hits close to home.
I am mourning today for those who are living in fear tonight - fear that their children may not be safe, fear that they may not have a place to live tomorrow - in Myanmar, in China, and in Johannesburg.
A) I'm fine.
B) There are much bigger fish to fry than whether or not I am fine.
Actually, right now I am very livid and emotional. I just went to a lecture on what I thought was going to be on the social determinents of AIDS... but when the speaker got up, she told us that she could not just talk about AIDS without talking about the context about what is going on in South Africa right now, and went on to explain exactly what has been happening over the last week around Johannesburg. Essentially, gangs of men have been forming mobs which have been attacking immigrant camps around Johannesburg, setting fire to shacks, gang raping women, killing men - up to 50 people have been killed so far, thousands and thousands have fled their homes looking for safety. The justification for the attacks: the immigrants (most of whom are Zimbabwean refugees escaping the violence in Zimbabwe) are the leading cause of crime in our communities, their children are slowing down our schools, etc. Concerns that are scarily similar to concerns about immigrants all over the world. Read more about it here.
And all of this in post-apartheid South Africa, a land purportedly committed to the equal rights of ALL people within its land. All of this in a place that could not have overcome apartheid if its refugees had not been taken in by neighboring countries and allowed to organize a struggle that eventually covercame an oppressive regime.
Even some of my dear roommates have told me that the attacks are in a way justified because of what the Zimbabweans have done to their country.
This logic is frightening, and perhaps hits close to home.
I am mourning today for those who are living in fear tonight - fear that their children may not be safe, fear that they may not have a place to live tomorrow - in Myanmar, in China, and in Johannesburg.
Woooo Hooooo!!!!!!!!!
After 'only' 4 and a half months, I OFFICIALLY, COMPLETELY have internet at home! I am currently writing this from my room and am SO thankful that I don't have to make the trek to the computer labs to email my paper this morning. Yaaaaaaaaaay!!!!
Monday, May 12, 2008
The Biology of HIV
When I came to Rhodes, I joined SHARC, the student version of the South African Treatment Action Campain, which is committed to stopping the spread of AIDS and to upholding human rights. I elected to become a peer-educator, and to become certified on how to give informational talks to peers about HIV/AIDs, and safe sex. Tonight, as part of my peer-ed training, I am going to take a class on the biology of HIV. It is a fascinating virus - it is terrifying how 'smart' it is.
A couple of weeks ago, I took a course on how ARV treatments work, and it blew me away. I had no idea that some ARVs have much the same side effects as chemotherapy - (hair loss, loss of libido, etc. etc.) or that one of the possible side effects is lactic acidosis, which can be fatal if you do not stop treatments immediately. Learning about the side effects has helped me understand partially why President Mbeki and others have questioned the effectiveness and toxicity of ARVs. Though I still don't understand/agree, I am getting a better feel for their positions, or realizing they are not completely irrational. I am excited to learn about the virus tonight.
failure to launch
The journalism department at Rhodes (which includes three of my house mates), in conjunction with Grocott's, a local newspaper, has decided to start a whole series of newspaper clubs in several township schools around Grahamstown. The goal is to enhance literacy and writing skills, as well as empower the kids and foster creativity. One of the start-up teams asked for my help to work with the students and lead focus groups. Today was supposed to be the first day, and I was SO excited. So... at two we headed over to one of the schools, with a trunk full of 100 peanutbutter and jam sandwiches, as well as high hopes and expectations... just to find out all of the kids had just been sent home so that the teachers could have a meeting. What a bummer. They failed to let the team know that today was going to be a short day (or, more likely, it wasn't decided until recently that it would be a short day.) So, no workshop today. :(
But - one very positive thing came out of it - since the sandwiches needed to be eaten, we decided to take them over to a local boy's shelter, Eluxuloweni (which means place of peace in Xhosa). The director's face lit up when we told him we had 100 sandwiches to give him.
But - one very positive thing came out of it - since the sandwiches needed to be eaten, we decided to take them over to a local boy's shelter, Eluxuloweni (which means place of peace in Xhosa). The director's face lit up when we told him we had 100 sandwiches to give him.
Church hopping in the City of Saints
Grahamstown is known as the "City of Scholars and Saints" for the enormously high number of churches and schools for such a small city. One of the first weeks I was here, Geoff Antrobus, our Rotary 'Dad' as I like to call him, took us on a school tour of Grahamstown. We started out at the
private boarding schools, which are some of the best in the country and are on par with the best schools in the world, and are complete with massive lawns, amazing architecture (resembling the architecture at any private university in the United States) and so on. We then worked our way 'down' - going to the lesser funded schools, the upper end public schools, and then to the schools in the township, complete with barbed wire fencing, broken windows, and classrooms with upwards of 60 kids. The contrast is PHENOMENAL, and I, of course, went home and promptly started crying. It was so overwhelming to see that striking of an inequality in such a tangible way all at once.
The churches are no different. I have heard that in the United States, 10am on Sunday morning is the most segregated hour in America. It is much the same here. While I have been here, I have tried to visit as many of the churches as I can to truly get a feel for the way that people are living and worshipping. I've been to all sorts - cathedrals, small little churches with only a small praise band, and so on. But yesterday was very special, because I was invited by a friend to visit a church in the township. We showed up at 9am (we were told it started at 9), and other than a 12 year old boy playing an electric piano, were the only ones there. Pretty soon, a couple of other people walked in, promptly picked up microphones that were all hooked up to one amplifier, and started singing at the top of their lungs. I was in shock that 3 people could first of all be that loud, and second of all, make it sound like an entire choir was signing. It was UNBELIEVABLY beautiful. I, again, immediately started crying, and they sung and sung and sung, clapped and danced. Over the next 2 hours, people started showing up and joining in the singing and praising, and after about 3 hours (yes three hours), the whole place was packed. My favorite was when about 2 hours in, a lady and her daughter came RUNNING to the front with bags spilling over with green and white plastic flowers, red organza and white table clothes, and proceeded to decorate the front of the room. We danced and danced, and the people in the front kept the music going throughout the sermons (yes, there were multiple sermons). By 12:30, we started to realize that it was JUST getting really going (they were moving into the second offering), and decided that we had to leave or we would miss lunch at our dorms, so we snuck out the back. It was such a wonderful experience and I am so glad that I went.The picture is of the children singing to the women in the congregation in honor of Mother's Day.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!
This is a picture of the most amazing mother in the world. I couldn't have done anything that I've done without her incredible love and support. Every day of my life she told me that I could do anything that I wanted to do, and instilled in me the belief that anything is possible if I was willing to work for it. She has been the epitome of unconditional love despite the fact that I have put her through far more than her fair share of 'adventures' as a mom. This lady is crazy brave as well, she travelled with me to India and is coming this summer with my dad to South Africa, she straps herself into boats and floats down the Grand Canyon, and scares away bears and snakes with her bear bells on hikes through the wilderness. While I was growing up, she never missed a performance (no matter how small a part I had), game (no matter how bad I played), match, speech, etc. and on top of that was THE best fan/coach/fundraiser around. By the end of watching approximately 1000 basketball games through my and Brian's careers, she can now tell you the rules of the game as well as any referee. :)Now that she's technically an empty nester, she has only picked up more involvement in the community and is now in the process of designing a new library for our hometown, as well as being the president of her PEO club and an ever active member of the Lions club, all while working full time.
I'm not giving even partial justice to the things that she does, but even more important is who is she is. She is a rock in our family. I have heard again and again from extended family on both sides, as well as from her friends - she is a source of strength and energy, and when you are loved by her, you have a champion on your side. I am lucky to have half of her genes.
Mom, you are truly an inspiration and I hope that I am able to give even a fraction of the love you have shown me to the people in my life. Happy Mother's Day!!!!!
Couldn't be more proud..
The past couple of weeks I've been getting news from several of my Ghana Team (the group of students from YES who went with Victor and I to Ghana last summer to work with the Peace Corps) about the colleges they will be attending.I don't have a picture of all of them here, but I HAVE to share the amazing news!!!
- Keara (pictures far left) will be attending Harvard University!
- Erika (second from left) will be attending Texas State San Marcos!
- Mirna (center) will be an all-star junior in high school next year!
- Nicole (second from right) will going to Syracuse University!
- Leah (far right) will be going to Davidson College in North Carolina!
- Danielle (not pictured) will be going to Santa Clara University in California!
- JR (not pictured) will be going to Reed College in Portland!
- Alex (not pictured) will be another all-star junior in high school!
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