March 2nd _ “Final Blog”

"Tsamina mina zangalewa

Anawa aa

This time for Africa"

- Shakira "Waka Waka"

It is exactly 6 months today since I left Canada for South Africa. I did not know the country in its entirety, the organization I would be working for or where I was going to live.

I had an idea though, of these things, among other questions.

Coming to Africa was a thought I could not ignore any longer. I wanted to take a leap out of my comfort zone and be challenged by a new environment while being exposed to a higher learning.

It is with great pleasure that I can say such goals have been achieved.

The beginning is always difficult. At first I was depressed and missing home constantly. To receive an email from someone overseas became my lifeline. It was so bad that I hugged the maple syrup bottle because it had a Canadian flag on it.

Hey, I can laugh about these things now.

Another challenge was personal safety. I was not used to coming home from work and having to stay in my flat because it is unsafe to walk outside when the sun is down. Living in an enclosed surrounding with not knowing anyone drove me insane. The bars on the windows and the gates surrounding the houses give the image of South Africans locking themselves up. I do not blame them. Stories of robbery are more common than stories of childbirth. I wish a day could come where South Africa can be free of this fear.

Visiting the rural communities is an absolute education. To see how these individuals live showed me the special origins of history where basic needs as food and water are held responsible by the efforts of the collective.

HIV/Aids is a curable disease. Treatment is only as powerful as receiving personal support. When you give someone support you empower them. This hope, this manifested feeling is the strongest tool to battling a disease set to take your life. Education on this matter is critical. South Africa is dying.

This country is very unique. The social dynamics was a new experience for me. Apartheid left many of these groups bitter of one another. The friends I made are different members of the “rainbow nation”. Being with each group I felt the mistrust of each other and it disturbed me greatly. For example, there is the unofficial “white club”, “coloured club”, “Indian club” and “black club”. Only with time such matters will be non-existent.

On the other hand when I speak about diversity, South Africa is one of the best examples. A child, no matter the ethnic group, grows up learning a minimum of three languages ie. English, Afrikaans and one of the African languages. The beauty of this country surrounds the entire nation. I have taken at least 300 pictures of the mountains and the skyline alone.

These insights are just a mere preamble into my 6 months. I am by no means an expert on South Africa or the continent in general.

Today I leave for Canada and return with personal growth and a wealth of experience. The friends that I have made here leave a permanent place in my heart. To be reunited with Keenan after 11 years is a magnificent blessing. It is difficult to say goodbye to my neighbours, Lynn, Clemens and Kate. But I take Clemens advice, "Baba, we'll make a plan".

I look forward to returning again.

Thank you for reading my blogs and following my crazy adventures of South Africa. I thoroughly enjoyed making posts. It was your interest, which drove my curiosities to take risks. For me, I always thought whatever situation I got into, it would at least make for a good blog :)

And thank you to Niagara College and CIDA for this once in a lifetime opportunity. The memories will stay with me forever.

Lastly, a friend sent me a quote to ponder:

“A route of many roads may lead us to a place we can plant our roots”.

My response is that, I have a garden, and the seeds I plant are received from the roads that I take.

“and I-- 
I took the one less traveled by, 
And that has made all the difference” (Robert Frost).

Warm regards,

Jason Merai

Feb 22nd _ “Last week”

Don’t let the title of this blog fool you. There is exactly one week left in my internship and my time in South Africa. People here and abroad have asked me: “are you happy to go home?”

Yea. Sure!

I never stop missing people. With that understanding, leaving South Africa will not be easy. I have made a lot of friends here, especially the way my relationships have developed since the New Year. However, it is with great satisfaction that I can say, I have many homes in another country.

Last week, Jos and the Niagara Team arrived in preparation for the conference in Qunu. It felt as if it was yesterday when Jos parted us (back in September). I remember saying goodbye to him at the Bed and Breakfast and heading back to my room and asking, “so what do I do now?” Well, it was great to see Jos again and finally meet Kyla, Michael and Fode!

A side story for you: I was in Pretoria this past week staying at a friends (Priyesh) place while we were taking part of a course in Johannesburg. Priyesh lives in a neighbourhood called Laudium. Under apartheid, this area was reserved strictly for Indians. Walking through the town I could not help but feel like I was in another country. The shops and restaurants were either Hindu or Muslim. There was a Temple and a Mosque at every corner. Sitting at the table, I heard the beautiful Aazaan (call to prayer). I had never experienced this before. Walking into a shop to buy airtime for my cell phone, I had a discussion with the owner who had spent six years in Toronto. It was at this time his little daughter, probably 9 or 10 years old, came and showed me her homework book. In it she circled Canada and said “Canada will win the Cricket World Cup, not South Africa”. I gave her a high five.

South Africa, a country which can amaze you at every turn.

Cinsta:

"Wanna race Lise?"

"Mama G"

"Priyesh – Tumi Meri Mandil"

“One last time Kev”

Feb 13th _ “So long Mthatha”

On Saturday I hopped on the Greyhound and headed up to visit Mthatha for one last time. With only a couple of weeks remaining, I would not be able to schedule another visit.

It was tough to leave. Most of my internship was spent in Mthatha working for the Centre for Rural Development. Under the guidance of Clemens, I was able to go visit community members in the rural areas and receive an education textbooks will never be able to match. I was able to see the homes in which these folks have built and lived in for generations. I was able to witness the passion of individuals coming together to create a business so that they may become productive, earn an income and help their community.

However, working at the Centre was at times very challenging. The Director wanted to be involved in the basic day-to-day operations and as a result, everything moved at a slower pace. Also, I had the feeling of wanting to do so much more but feeling restricted by the structure of the environment. Whenever these moments presented itself to me, I would walk outside and stare at the beautiful site of Africa. Because we were located on top of a hill, I could look out and see the wide landscape, the rural homes and the mountainous background. It was magical to see the sun set.

Professor Bello and his family are such lovely and amazing people. When I first met him at Clemens’ house for dinner back in September, he was wearing a traditional Nigerian outfit. I told him I wanted to purchase one from him. In return, Prof Bello and his wife, Mama Bello, gave me one as a gift and even tailored the outfit. Mama Bello is one of the best cooks. I will miss her homemade samosa’s and Nigerian tea. I look forward to the day I can meet all of them again.

And then there is Kate and Clemens. They became my family in Africa. I grew so much with them these past five months. I was in their wedding and basically lived at their home. They were always there for me. Clemens, my mentor, who I have learnt so much from. And Kate, my “Mama Africa” who worried every time I left Mthatha. May it be playing monopoly, watching “24” or just sharing ridiculous jokes – my time in Africa would not have been the same without these two.

Oh! Can’t forget Clemens’ old 1980s Mercedes-Benz. That car shut down on us so many times. My favourite memory would be the time I had to steer the car while Clemens dragged it with a rental car. We had to maneuver turns, avoid potholes and drive up and down the hills of Mthatha. Ahh, good times.

Mthatha…Haibo!

"Qunu meeting"

"Qunu Cooperatives"

"CRD Security Team"

"The Mamas who keep CRD shiny"

"Xolani & Andisa"

"Cinga & Shirley"

"Sibo!"

"The Bello's"

"Kate & Clemens"

"Sunset at my favourite spot"

Feb 7th _ “3 weeks left”

Right now I am at Johannesburg airport waiting for my flight back to East London. Standing at the sight where international guests arrive, I started to reflect on my first arrival back in September. I remember entering the doors dragging two large suitcases with feelings of nervousness, excitement, confusion. I had no idea what would happen in this journey.

Now looking at myself, I stand posing with my South African style cap. The bags I carry have been tagged through nine different languages - English, French, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Swati, Afrikaans, Dutch, Chichewa, German.

The orange t-shirt I am sporting has been my “go to” shirt for the nights out at clubs and discos in Cape Town, East London, Mthatha, Sandton, Blantyre, Zomba.

My dress shoes lol. These “kicks” have carried me through weddings, house parties, train rides, documentaries, offices, Churches, airports, the rural areas, townships. There is not enough polish in the world to make these shoes black again!

My eyes. They have seen mountains towering over clouds, rivers and ponds in the middle of vast landscapes; wild animals close enough for one to snap a picture or to run away as fast as you can. They have seen the sky turn blue-grey-purple within an hours time. They have seen stars so clear that you can hold a stencil up to the sky and trace it. They have also seen sorrow beyond words, poverty unimaginable and such deep pain. But they have seen experiences of profound hope.

My heart has been blessed by the wonderful people I have met through invitations to communities, homes, dinner tables, cricket matches, cultures, celebrations. It has been enlightened by the young and enriched by the old. It has remained solid by my family and friends emails, postcards and personal messages.

These past five months the soul has grown, stronger.

…and I am just getting started.

Fri Jan 28th _ “The Cape Town Adventure”

Before leaving Canada I was told I must visit Cape Town before coming back. Sarah and Lise had already visited twice and were urging me to go. An opportunity arose last week Wednesday when a friend of Clemens and Kate, “Uncle Brian”, was driving up. With my bags packed, we left Mthatha for a two-day journey to Cape Town. After 9 hours of driving we stopped in Mussel Bay. The receptionist took a liking to us and hence, we were able to get a discounted price of a hotel room overlooking the Indian Ocean. Early the next morning we headed out for a 4-hour drive to Cape Town.

We entered the city driving off a mountain on looking scores of structures outlining the coastline. The clouds above us looked as if they were resting their head on the mountains.

When we got to the central business area, Uncle Brian and I parted ways. I thanked him for the enjoyable journey. He was spending his holidays with his wife, kids and in-laws on the other end of Cape Town. On my own I started searching for a cheap place to stay. After 3-4 places, I finally found a clean backpackers place on Long street. The plan was to stay there until Saturday morning, because Keenan (childhood friend) was coming to Cape Town.

After not having much sleep, I decided to have an early night. However, when I hit the bed I kept feeling as if something was biting me. I got up, turned on the lights, removed the sheets and found that the whole bed was infested with bugs. With no manager in sight, I was on a search for accommodation at 11pm. Roaming the streets at night is not a good option in any part of South Africa (earlier in the evening I had been chased by someone trying to take my food). Facing this dilemma I resorted to spending the night in a hotel across the street. Unfortunately, the cost for one night cut my budget by 2/3.

I got up early the next morning because I had a ticket to Robben Island, the historical site of political prisoners who fought against Apartheid (and the place which held Nelson Mandela for 19 years). I got to see the Quarry in which the inmates were forced to chop rocks from dusk to dawn. I stood in the cell the length of three steps. The tour inside the prison was led by a former political prisoner who shared stories on how the colour of your skin determined the amount of food you would receive. He also spoke about prisoners receiving letters with only the introduction and salutation shown, because the message would be blocked out. When I asked him how he remained positive during his time, he told me of the special bond among the prisoners. Each found strength in one another.

After leaving the Island, I resorted to finding accommodation. Feeling frustrated and a lack of budget, I decided to leave Cape Town. It was then that I received a phone call from Derrick, who I had met during the Cooperative conference back in September. The day before, I had called him to set up a time to catch up over coffee. After explaining my situation, he told me to come immediately to his home. Now here was the challenge: Derrick lives in a township.

Seeing no other solution, I hopped on a 45-minute train ride to meet Derrick at the station. While on the train, I tried to remain cool and not out of place. The biggest worries was that in my bag contained my laptop, passport and what remaining funds I had. After offering silent prayers throughout the ride, I arrived safe and secure. Derrick and his wife Nora, have the biggest heart. They were already hosting another family and really had no place to put me. My night in the township is to add as another “African experience”. I can admit, I felt nervous, because foreigners are not most welcomed in these environments.

The next morning Keenan arrived with his mother and sister, of whom I reunited with after 11 years. I parted Derrick and Nora, along with their 8-month baby, expressing deep gratitude for helping me out. Riding in the car with Keenan, I explained to him what had happened and told him I would have to leave Cape Town because I couldn’t afford to stay longer. Keenan and his mom were staying at his sister’s flat and there was simply no room to place me. The plan then was to head to his sister’s flat and try to find cheap accommodation. When we got there, Keenan’s mom told the landlord my situation. He then offered me a room to stay as long as I wished, for free.

With this stress out of the way, I got to enjoy Cape Town. I went up to Table Mountain, overlooking the city at sunset. I went out with Keenan and his family, and caught up with stories long forgotten. Lastly, I visited beaches, which leave you regretting every moment you walk away.

I’ve always been one for adventure. This story tops the charts.

Jan 14th _ “Aibo, Shame”

Another one bites the dust.

Wednesday night my wallet was stolen. Since I was going to meet my landlord I went to withdraw money to pay my rent for this month and next for Mthatha. After withdrawing, Clemens and I headed into the grocery store down the street. Seeing how bulky the wallet was, we thought it might be better to leave it in the glove compartment instead of attracting attention.

After 5 minutes of shopping we came back to discover the car had been broken into and the wallet gone, along with my visa, bank card and drivers licence.

Normally I don’t carry the wallet around (for obvious reasons). One lapse in precaution made me another victim of South African crime.

Swapping mugging stories with my South African counterparts, I can consider myself very lucky that I left it inside and not walked with it.

After closer examination, we discovered an attempt was made to steal Clemens’ car as something was lodged in the ignition.

But nonetheless, I’m good.

Still, it’s a tough one to swallow.

Jan 11th _ "Compliments!"

Hello again everyone! It's been a while since my last post. Let me start by offering a South African greeting, "Compliments! Compliments!" or in other words, "Happy New Year!".

The Christmas Holidays were most memorable. My folks were visiting family in France and I was fortunate to show up and surprise them! Experiencing another new country and being with my family again provided a renewed spirit for 2011.

Before this trip, I was playing Santa Clause for Without Walls children's Christmas party. As a gift to the NGO, the Aviation Centre in East London flew Santa Clause and his Elf (played by Lynn's son-in-law) in a helicopter to Millner Estate where we were received by a cheering community. Each child's gift was provided specifically according to their wish list. For each gift handed out, I received a tight hug and a captivating smile. For majority of these children, it will be the only gift they will get. Lynn and the Without Walls team provided a special Christmas miracle for this community and I was very honoured to be a part of it.

Work has kick started with Clemens and I conducting market research in Mthatha with local Bed and Breakfasts (motels). Based on research, we hope to connect the cooperatives whose business is soap making with these BnBs.

Checking the calendar, one can see my time in Africa is starting to wind down. With less than eight weeks left, there is much more I have to see and do.

While I have your attention, I just wanted to thank those who sent me a message for the holidays. It was most appreciated!

"Twas the night before Christmas" (Elves at work)

"Santa's Sleigh"