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.
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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"