Dec 18th _ “11 years later”

First day in Grade 7 I sat at a table with some friends who I met the previous year. Class was soon to begin when a kid walked into the room. Not knowing anyone, he sat at our table. Clutching his lunch kit closely and not moving an inch, I challenged the kid:

“Yo. What’s your name?”

“Keenan”, he replied.

“Your new eh. Where you’re from?”

“I just moved here… from South Africa”.

As the year would play out, Keenan and I became very good friends. Our families got to meet one another. He told me things were much different in South Africa. I told him I had only known of Africa and had no clue what a “South Africa” was. We looked out for each other, especially when it came to dealing with the rough environment of Camilla Public School. At the end of grade 7, Keenan had to move. I tried finding him via email, but couldn’t locate him. However, we did find each other on Facebook years ago, but we never spoke once.

Before leaving for South Africa, I announced on Facebook of the upcoming adventure. Keenan aptly responded sending his contact information. After getting settled, I phoned him up. At the time, he was on the road and said he would get back to me. Two months had gone by but still no word from Keenan. Finding it strange, I didn’t bother giving him a shout.

One night out at a club with some friends, I saw this guy who looked like Keenan walk by. I gave him a nudge and Keenan recognized me immediately. He said his phone broke and he was trying desperately to find me, but I had closed my Facebook account.

Since then, my weeks of December have been catching up with Keenan, sharing stores of playing hockey, fights we got into and of course, middle school crushes. Plus playing the game, “whatever happened to…”. He tells me how funny it is that in the whole of South Africa, I was placed in a small suburb where he lives.

Living in a place so far away from home, it’s nice to have a piece of your past in the present.

Dec 16th _ “Ballerz of the world UNITE”

Since University, I have always tried to organize a basketball game among friends. This tradition continued with UNICEF, Humber College and now, South Africa. With a colleague from Ikhwezi HIV/Aids Centre and Zimbabwean students, 3 on 3 basketball was run at a nearby court. For the occasion, Sarah and Lise created a trophy deemed, “Lord Stanley’s Bottle of Triumph”.

The more we played, the more spectators watching, joined in. One of the participants pulled up his car next to the court to blast sweet reggae tunes. It was good times running “pick and rolls” and “dropping dimes” to the sound of “Mr. Boombastic!”.

At the end of it all, a resolution was made: Basketball every Sunday in the New Year.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

On another note, Sarah and Lise have left today for a road trip to Lesotho and Capetown. Last night we had a Christmas/Send off dinner. With the help of the ladies, I prepared what was close to Chicken Biriyani. Although the resemblance was off, the taste was much more closer.

(pictures to be posted soon. I am having trouble uploading at the moment).

Dec 10th _ “So this is Christmas”

Checking the date I was surprised to see we were 10 days into December. Without the “luxury” of snow, Mariah Carey’s overplayed “All I want for Christmas” and Rudolph the Reindeer’s special on tv, it is hard to realize we are in the “Christmas season”.

Only a few stores have decorations. The houses around me are without - probably at the fear the ornaments will be stolen.

Yet given the influence of Christianity in this province you can bet almost every family will be attending a Nativity play. Most have already begun their vacations as things ultimately slow down in December.

Reflecting on the season, Christmas has always been a special one. As a young child I was excited to see what Santa Clause brought me. Every year I would write him a letter and leave out the cookies and milk. As I grew a little older I started to compare his written letter, with the handwriting of my mother. Suffice to say I was heartbroken when I discovered “Ma could write as good as Santa”.

But Christmas Day is always the ultimate. For a long time, it was just my sister, my mom and the troublemaker. I would make sure to wake up before anyone. We had three couches in our living room of which I dedicated each persons setting for placing the gifts. When my Stepdad joined the family, he squatted on my mother’s dedicated couch. For me, I always enjoyed finding the gift unique to the receiver and feeling their reaction as they opened it on Christmas Day.

Two of my favourite memories, is the Christmas my family from the States came. It had also been just a few years since my cousins from Guyana moved to Canada. After going to midnight mass, all the cousins returned to our apartment to tell ghost stories in the living room. Afterwards, although personal, we shared stories of who got into trouble at school and the consequences – note the narrator always claimed to never be the victim! That night we set a new tradition. Whoever fell asleep first was subjected to getting toothpaste smeared all over their face with the guys getting their nails painted. And last year, Ige and his family joined us for a wonderful Christmas Day. Together, we “ate Christmas” and watched my Uncle’s wedding in Guyana, which took place well over two decades ago.

Although I am away from home, I am very fortunate to experience a new kind of Christmas. This year I get to play Santa Clause for Without Walls children’s Christmas party. To be a part of this and see the joy on a child’s face, will make even my Christmas, extra special.

Nov 23rd _ “Townships”

Under Apartheid rule any non-white persons were forced to live in settlements located outside towns or cities. Deemed “Townships” these areas became a place to essentially dump Blacks and Coloureds (those of mixed ancestry). Services provided were nothing more than a shack to sleep, a little running water and a place to cook. Whites abused this large amount of labour by paying the workers next to nothing.

Living in a township is a very difficult life. Most inhabitants are into drug trafficking, which is then followed by consuming. In such a poor community, human life becomes quite cheap. People are killed over having a few dollars (Rand) in their pocket. It can be expected children will not finish school based on the reason that their parents cannot afford it or the children do not have the motivation or support to continue. Although people are now free to move around, many remain in the townships simply because they cannot afford otherwise.

Big King of Ikhwezi Wellness Centre for HIV/Aids organized a trip to Duncan Village and Mdantsane (the second largest Township in South Africa). Under the auspices of community outreach workers of the Haven Wellness Centre, I was able to visit clients who are suffering from HIV/Aids. While walking through the community in Duncan Village, I noticed a sign, which read: “Trespassers will be shot after hours”.

Leaving the township you cannot help but feel that its inhabitants are the forgotten people of South Africa. But hope comes in the image of the Wellness Centres. Their workers march into these sites each day with the purpose of helping those living in destitution.

“Amalinda”

Like a child without patience

I rushed in looking for acceptance

One of a kind my eyes too blind

To see the difference of you and you

Two worlds one space

Different minds of the Eastern Cape

I conversate to your click

But my words trickle with attempted sync

With a shine so bright

Clouds disappear out of fear

People salute the warmth

Offering praises with seasoned taste

But when sad the audience knows

Heavy tears are relentless

People disperse confused

At a unscripted heart

Fables express the former trust

Broken at the hands of a friend

Betrayed for the advancement of category

Centuries pass without pardon

I understand but you say I can’t

Creative politicking produces similar rants

Put down the book and listen

Pick up a pen and learn:

“My brother’s son is my son,

My sister’s daughter is my daughter

Weddings are a celebration

But funerals have become an indignation

Our children grow without the love of a Bantu

They toi toi when we say they can’t do

Liberators celebrated without water

Boyfriends second after becoming first Fathers

But if I grew up over there

My days would spent in a pool

Swimming with riches

Instead of walking two hours to school

My name would be pronounced with ease

Sleeping with love

Producing children

Not worrying about disease

Our struggle is simple

Determined to be me

A product of hope

The solution to longevity

Gentle child you are grown

With the spirit of knowing

Curiosity will serve justice

When I smile in good faith”.

- Jason Merai

Nov 20th _ “African Indian Odyssey”

These past couple of days I was able to visit my former University Professor, Jon Soske, see a bit of Johannesburg and learn more about the history of South Africa.

Jon, who is currently researching at the University of Witwatersrand, invited me to the launch of his documentary, “The African Indian Odyssey”. Sponsored by Saffron TV, the film reflects on the 150^th anniversary of Indians in South Africa by carefully tracing the transformation of an African Indian identity.

Seeing the film and Jon, are two memories to serve in my South African highlight reel. It is quite a surreal feeling to be seeing someone you knew in another country, here in South Africa. What’s more, who would’ve thought four years ago when I walked into his class that I would meet him in Africa. In fact, it was Jon’s classes, which motivated my curiosity to travel to this continent.

For my stay, Rani (whom was introduced in the Mpumalanga blog) put me in contact with her son and nephew. Although I had never met them before, the Chetty boys hosted my stay in Joberg and took me out to enjoy the city.

Johannesburg is a very wealthy city. It offers a mix of downtown Toronto with a Manhattan icing. The contrast presents the Eastern Cape on a complete opposite spectrum. It can even make one question if you are still in Africa. Then again the surrounding townships presents the checks and balance of this metropolis.

Being in Joberg furthered my understanding of the social engineering in South Africa. I experienced racism for my beard as well as my skin colour, I witnessed the intense social divide while feeling uncomfortable sitting in an Indian restaurant and learned more about Apartheid by discussing with a researcher on the ideological battles of “Charterist” vs. “Africanist”.

I only hope I can keep up with this exponential feeling of growth.

On another note, I received a reminder of home. While checking out a clothing store, Snow’s “Informer” came on. And the name of the store was “Markham” :) .

Nov 10th _“Without Walls”

Today my landlady, Lynn, took me to visit her NGO, Without Walls. It is a Christian organization, which serves the underprivileged living in Millner Estate. The area was made for the returning soldiers from WWII, but now is inhabited by the unemployed and drug lords.

Lynn, a Pastor by profession and a humanitarian by practice, started the organization with her husband six years ago. While setting up the organization, Lynn’s husband past away unexpectedly to cancer. Facing such hardship, Lynn endured and with the help of a few close friends, she was able to establish the organization in this depressed neighbourhood.

Lynn's famous red Conbie

At first, Lynn wasn’t welcomed, as she received numerous death threats and poisoned food. But this didn’t stop her.

Six years today, Without Walls serves as a school in the morning for children ages 3-6, then a soup kitchen at lunch and bible studies in the evening. The building they operate in is over 100 years old.

Lynn’s work has affected people in miraculous ways. Smit, who hands out soup, previously spent his whole life consuming hard drugs. The children who attend the school had no education prior, and thus, could not have been accepted into primary school. Unfortunately, the size of the building only allows for 42 children. Efforts to procure a bigger building, is what Lynn describes as being on her “prayer list”.

But the outreach does not stop there. Lynn dedicates her time to assisting the elderly who have been abandoned by their family. She helps move them from the “size of a toilet” residence to an old age home. The difficult challenge is that their pension only covers the rent to live. In response, Lynn organizes food and drinks for these folks. Moreover, Lynn goes door to door asking each child in the neighbourhood what they would like for Christmas. She then puts her whole efforts in achieving this, as well as providing a Christmas party.

Despite Without Walls hard efforts, Millner Estate remains a ravaged neighbourhood. Children are subjected to abuse and drug lords set the laws of the land.

This child pictured below was found walking alone on the highway. Her mother lives in Millner, but has no interest in raising her. The child, not even two, has grown accustom to finding food at Without Walls. There she goes and then she leaves, to again wander the streets. The neighbourhood brings her back to her mother’s, but soon enough, you will find the child back on the street. Lynn tells me usually this little baby is without clothes.

Donations are not constant but this doesn’t stop Lynn. She goes ahead with her plans and leaves the deliverance to her faith.

Lynn, a testament indeed.

Oct 22nd to Nov 1st – “Malawi/Once in a lifetime”

“The Sun is shining and the weather is sweet,

make you want to move your dancing feet”

- Bob Marley “Sun is Shining”

I had an amazing time in Malawi. My experience provided memories that will last a lifetime.

We first arrived in Malawi tired and restless after a five-hour plane delay. However, this had to be put aside as Kate and Clemens were being received by a “Send off party”. A family friend of the Kathewera’s (Kate’s family) hosted a party in their backyard. The ceremony was accompanied by music, home cooked food, drinks. The engagement served as a traditional manner, for Kate and Clemens received advice on marriage from key members of the family and close friends. Sipping on a glass bottle, (not a can) of coke, I received my own advice on politics from the former Minister of Defence. At the event, I also experienced my first “Peri Cana, Peri Cana”. This is a traditional ritual in Malawi, where money is being thrown at the celebrated individuals while dancing in front of them. It is much more enjoyable and energetic than the regular “envelope in the bag” received at weddings. After the party, we headed back to the Kathewera’s home in Zomba for a much needed rest. I took great pride in climbing under the mosquito netted bed. Along with the net, the cool breeze, the hot weather and the friendliness of the people, Malawi reminded me a lot of Guyana.

"Market Place"

The week before the wedding we spent traveling to Blantyre to follow up with last minute preparations. The Kathewera’s treated me as their own son. Sitting at the dinner table exchanging jokes with Kate’s parents, sisters, aunt, brother-in-law and Clemens, I really started to feel the presence of “home”. It is a feeling far removed since my arrival in the continent.

"Andrew and his son, Chicko"

Some interesting observations made of Malawi, was seeing the large amount of Indian and Pakistani diaspora, along with a huge Muslim population. Another interesting fact was seeing people walking freely in the streets well after dark. In South Africa, most of the streets are desolate after 6pm. Personal safety is not as an immediate issue as it is in South Africa.

The wedding was even more spectacular. The Catholic Church was done up magically with a Black Jesus residing over the altar. The church was filled not only with family and friends, but villagers as well. Following tradition, Clemens and I entered the church dancing to the sounds of the choir. There, Clemens received his wife from her Father and the ceremony ensued.

"The Bridal Party"

"Mr and Mrs. Kapler/Kate during Peri Cana, Peri Cana"

The reception took place at the beachside of Lake Malawi and was led by a poetic Master of Ceremonies. His oral skills would make Shakespeare nothing more than a peasant. Following my role as best man, I was required to give the “toastmaster’s speech”. Although it was 30 degrees Celsius I sipped a last drop of hot tea and delivered the speech. Included was an invitation to Malawi that the country had such a profound effect on me that it only makes sense to marry a Malawian woman. The results was much laughter, applause and the unexpected – invitations to meet daughter’s of the mother’s who attended the wedding. Nevertheless, Lake Malawi was a beautiful site to host the reception. I even stayed up to watch the sunrise.

"Lake Malawi"

The next day we were invited to Kate’s Grandfather’s cottage in Mangochi. He had planned a presentation of traditional dancers to honour the new couple as well as Clemens’s visiting family.

"Traditional Dancer"

On leaving Malawi, we were running late to catch our plane back to South Africa. However, the person in charge of the Malawian Military commission in Johannesburg was on the same plane. He is also a family friend and made the plane wait till our arrival. It’s nice to have connections.

The pictures and the videos provide a mere preamble to the memories of Malawi. We left far too soon. I will always remember my time there, especially the people I met.

These things happen once in a lifetime.

"Peri Cana, Peri Cana"

"Exiting Church"

"Traditional Dance Performance"

Oct 24th - "Mission: Malawi"

Tomorrow morning I leave with Clemens and Kate to Malawi. I am feeling pretty excited!

Back when I used to work with UNICEF Canada, I gave many school assembly presentations on Malawi. My objective then was coordinating the Trick or Treat program to build schools through elementary and middle school fundraising.

After each presentation and watching the mini video we provided the school children, I always wondered if I would ever get the chance to go to "one of the poorest countries in the world".

Now that it is happening, the feeling is surreal.

Oct 19th - “Mpumalanga”

This weekend was the best weekend of my South African tour so far!

I started my adventure by hopping on a greyhound bus to Mthatha. After a four hour trip, I joined Clemens at the Centre for Rural Development. Fastforward to the next day, we left Mthatha at 7am to embark on a 12 hour road trip to White River, Mpumalanga for his former boss and mentor’s 60^th birthday.

On this adventure, we drove through 3 provinces – Eastern Cape, Kwazulu-Natal, and Mpumalanga. The highway took us up and down mountainous regions. To attempt to describe the landscape would be a dishonour to its natural beauty.

Clemens is a funny man. His sarcasm left me in stitches. At one point, he had cut off three slow drivers. I applauded him by saying that his move was “gangster”. To my surprise he took this compliment as an insult. When I described that being called a “gangster” was good, he said, “In South Africa, a gangster is one who robs people and deals drugs. But in Canada, if someone was to go to my mother and say, ‘Your son is a gangster, she will be proud?”

The party represented the rainbow nation of South Africa. It was attended by Xhosa’s, Swazi’s, Zulu’s, Afrikaaners, Indians. Also, I was able to connect with volunteers from Germany and other folks my age who were part of development projects in Mpumalanga as well. Dancing and singing the night away with them was pure fun. The next night, I joined the same crew for a "Cuban themed party on a farm". Translation = Cigars and Salsa music!

But it was Volker’s (birthday boy) wife, Rani’s cooking which was the icing on the cake. She made the best Chicken Biriyani I have ever tasted.

All in all, the trip to Mpumalanga was much too short. I will have to return there sometime. As the South Africans say, “We’ll make a plan”.

Oct 12th – “Move over Monopoly”

On Sunday I went to the beach for the 2nd time in my life (first being in Rome this past August. Shout out to Matteo Mencarelli!).

It was fantastic.

I dropped my bag, threw out my beach towel and ran straight into the water.

(Fyi. I don’t know how to swim)

I jumped under the waves. I jumped over them. It was amazing.

Coming back to the sandy beach, I joined Sarah and Lise for tanning 101. This excursion is what I needed.

While I have lived away from home before, this is the first time that I am on my own. Being in South Africa I realized how social my life was. I was constantly around family and friends - if not in person, at least on the phone.

And having to be home before night falls is a new adjustment. The iron bars (a safety measure in most South African homes), which enclose my door, have left an unwavering image.

On the hindsight, this “alone” time is given me an opportunity to read, focus on the self and improve my cooking. Two days ago I made Chicken Tikka. Found the recipe online and put the pieces together.

This weekend I will join Clemens on a 12 hour road trip to Nelsbridge for his former boss birthday party. The following week I will be giving a study skills workshop to the Walter Sisulu University students. At the end of the week, I rejoin Clemens and Kate for their wedding in Malawi. Clemens has made me his best man.

Exciting things indeed.

October 6th – “Co-operatives of the Eastern Cape”

After two weeks in Mthatha with three different conferences (Student Session, Capacity Building, and Rural Development) we have finally arrived back in East London.

Mthatha was quite busy, but great at the same time. Clemens and his wife Kate adopted me as their own. They refused to let me go back to my “shoebox” after work. Instead I would join them for dinner, followed by a movie or watching Clemens’ favourite show, “Faulty Towers” (any fans out there?).

The conference on Capacity Building is what stood out most for me. Here I received an opportunity to connect with the rural people of the Eastern Cape. In a matter of seven days, these individuals received training on African History, How to become an entrepreneur, Basic Business Skills, Transformative skills, HIV/Aids and Gender - all free of charge. At the end of the day, the rural students are given tests and group assignments, which are then reviewed the following day. During the next 18 months, a number of courses on Business Development will be offered on a bi-weekly basis.

A co-operative is an association of individuals who work together to create a communal business while generating economic and community development. For example, a group of four individuals can come together and sell chickens, instead of each one competing against one another. It allows for income generation for a larger amount of people and job opportunities in the community.

Capacity Building for Co-operatives is a strategy for income development in the rural communities. Walter Sisulu University and the Centre for Rural Development is providing the education these communities need in order run a successful business – and to feed their families.

One lady I spoke with shared with me her desires to raise enough money to build a primary school. In her community, children are without education and have nothing to do. Some of them have been victim to rape. Even those as little as three years old. Moreover, the women travel long distances to get water from the river. But the water is often contaminated. The children drink from this water and get sick. There are no doctors near by.

I am told this is the reality.

Makes you wonder if poverty will ever end. Moreover, why would a country with so much resources allow for this happen?

And I am not just talking about South Africa.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

The Co-operatives of the Eastern Cape and the community facilitators have given me a clan name, Tsawe (Pronounced Chow way). It translates in Xhosa as “Chief”. While I am no Chief, the name has a lot sentiment coming from my new friends. Plus a name like Jason is becoming too boring in this land.

Some more videos!

"History Lesson"

"Capitalism 101"

"Dancehall: Xhosa Edition"