Homecoming...
I spent two and a half years living and working as a volunteer in Mafikeng in the North-West Province. During this time South Africa officially entered my heart and became a second home!
Why? Well, when I first left my family and friends in Texas after completing my degree, I wanted to visit South Africa. All I was certain of was that I had committed myself to volunteer with a non profit organisation whose work focused on HIV and AIDS, but that was about as far as it went.
My first impressions on arrival were very different from what I expected. Indeed there were not lions or giraffes parading the streets, nor was I inundated with a fear of violence and crime, but I was warmly welcomed and sheltered by people of all races and backgrounds. The diversity and complexity of this nation was overwhelming in the beginning, but soon became the magnetic force drawing me deeper into the communities and issues surrounding me. Consistently fascinated with the interactions and constant changes affecting the people of this nation as a whole, I slowly began to be drawn into what it means to be a part of the ‘new’ South Africa.
Why would a young “white” American woman want to make South Africa her new home? This is the question I am constantly asked - here and back home.
The answer is simple: to be in South Africa now is to be a part of something.
What is that “something”, my friends and family, and even strangers often ask me. I can’t be sure. I can’t verbalise it and I certainly can’t predict it. But I can feel sure that this nation is moving and attempting to change for the benefit of all her people and my presence alone allows me to be a part of that something.
In a world where complacency is the norm and comfort is key; South Africa offers a refreshing experience and perspective. This is a place where I, just like every other citizen and visitor, can make a choice to have a positive impact and contribute to the future of this something. It’s a powerful concept and reaches deep into my soul.
In my limited experience, this extraordinary South African story is spreading beyond these borders and these pages. As I traverse the markets of corporate social investment and community development I am amazed at the amount of “good” being done, and importantly, being recognised. I believe that South Africa is home to some of the most innovative and successful global development projects. Your growing cadre of social entrepreneurs constantly explore new boundaries and solutions to meet societal needs, the energy is overwhelming.
There are a host of excellent examples in South Africa of individuals and communities working together to creatively and successfully equip communities with the necessary skills and resources to meet their needs sustainably.
PlayPumps International is one such project. The PlayPump system is a water pump in the shape of a merry-go-round – it provides easy access to clean drinking water and is powered by children at play. Installed near schools all over South Africa and in other African countries as well, the PlayPump brings joy to children and access to clean drinking water for entire communities at the same time.
The Men on the Side of the Road project is another. Men on the Side of the Road was founded by a visionary South African citizen, Charles Maisel, determined to make a difference. The project trains and supplies thousands of unemployed people, who in the past were literally waiting on the side of the road for work, with skills and employment opportunities. It is this sort of entrepreneurial spirit with a social conscience that South Africa is fast learning to encourage and nourish.
And government and corporate organisations are not sitting back either. A simple browse of Trialogue’s CSI Handbook will illustrate the growing strategic operations of large companies to give back to their own clientele and surrounding environments. (Trialogue publishes a comprehensive exhibition of corporate social investment projects and evaluates and rates these projects and organisations providing guidance for the future of community development activities.)
All of these initiatives intrigue me personally, because I am interested in the field, but should make all South Africans proud and positive about the possibility of change.
Though it goes without saying, there is still plenty of work to be done. While there are a variety of projects and resources in South Africa there is also no shortage of need and this makes it imperative that these programmes succeed, remain relevant and be sustainable. Each and every South African has the ability to be a part of the success and change being created. It is only a matter of choice. I feel privileged to have this opportunity and experience, and I don’t mean this in a patronising way, I truly feel “at home” here.
My “homecoming”, as I return from a visit to the States for an indefinite stay in South Africa, has been a warm and welcome one and I look forward to continuing to be a part of the “new” South Africa. I personally hope to continue to work in the field of community development making a conscious effort to recognise the possibilities and opportunities to make a difference.
I am passionate about the immediate and long term future of this nation.
I know that the collective outcome of the many individuals quietly making a difference will have a powerful and positive influence on the course of this unique and special country.
I feel privileged to have the opportunity to be part of your future!
By Courtney Tolles
