When we last left off, my next step was making our way to South Africa. After arriving at Gatwick with as little time as possible to spare, we endured a solid 6 hour flight into Dubai International Airport. During this time, Coach* had left us with 5 questions to think about, which we were to answer during our reflection sessions. For me, it was insightful to have to stop and think about what really inspires me, who I see as leaders and what leadership itself is. On top of this, we will be discussing our personal stories - what has shaped us and the key points in our lives. This is something I've never taken a step back and thought about. I tend to stroll through life, not really thinking too much about the past - not through any kind of fear - just as something that is done. I truly look forward to not only hearing what the rest of the team has to say, and engaging in their stories, but also to reflecting on my own story, and getting the team's reaction to such.
During the 10 hour layover in Dubai is where the story behind this post really takes form. Whilst informally discussing exactly what the South Africa Challenge meant to us and what we were hoping to gain, we discussed the possibility of staying overnight in one of Durban's townships. During the day, we would be taking part in a VukAfrica of the township, and would be staying with a generous family overnight.
The experience was extremely impactful. In the morning, we were told about the traditions of the many Zulu tribes - from how sacrifice was prominent, to how a fence was instrumental in protecting the small dwellings from the crime born of necessity to fuel addiction. Following on from this, we went to visit a group of Zulus who were kind enough to show us their ways - the ceremonial matrimonial dress - and show us some Zulu dancing.
Up next on our agenda was a visit to Steaphan MacDonald - a South African entrepreneur who lived up inside the grounds of a Games Reserve. There are no two ways about it - his house was phenomenal. The intricate design, the locally sourced stone and straw, the hand carved single piece wooden stools - everything. The sheer contrast between the small, fit-for-purpose houses in the township were a stark contrast to this house. Steaphan’s story was, nonetheless, a pretty amazing one. He had worked up from almost nothing to having multiple successful businesses, and changing an entire industries' mind-set in the process. It was inspirational just to hear him talk about it, and we were all extremely grateful for the experience.
Our day finished back in the township. We stayed with a more than hospitable family in their lovely home. That's another thing about South Africa - everyone is amazingly friendly and hospitable. It was interesting to learn that an open door invites you inside, and when you're inside - it is rude not to sit down and make yourself comfortable. Here, we ate our fifth and final meal of the day - our first being the breakfast at the World Changer's Academy where we will be staying; our second also at WCA, before we left for our third on the VukAfrica tour, and were given our fourth at Steaphan's house.
Something the mother of the household said will stick with me for a long time. She told us not to feel at home, but to be at home. That's incredibly powerful, especially in the circumstances. As we ate, we engaged in enthralling conversation with the family about the local situation - most notably the crime. We were interested to learn how she knew people directly affected by the crime, that there are hours where you can expect to be mugged, and that a fence not only deters and prevents theirs to some extent; but most importantly defines the boundaries of your house, which gives you legality to shoot intruders.
The house was not what I expected in the slightest. Upon entering, we were greeted with a television, and other modern technology - by no means the latest and greatest, but surprising when compared to my unfounded assumptions. I was incredibly humbled to see that, in order to accommodate the four of us that stayed overnight, the family had moved out of their bedrooms and offered up the use of their own beds.
What I have taken from this experience, above all, is just a huge change in perspective. Those in the townships by no means fall into our definition of 'rich', yet they are much richer than most people I have met. So rich in life, values, and family. These are people who not only eat every meal at the table as a family, engaging in conversation, but prepare and cook the food together. Some of the houses I have seen are perspective-changing, too. What does one actually need from a house? A bed and a kitchen? A place to eat? For me, I now see clearly, just how important it is to have a home - not just a house.
*I should explain. For our journey, we have t-shirts and hoodies printed with our names on the back. Most of us were distinctly unimaginative and have simply our names. Other, more adventurous, members of the team are graced with such gems as "Coach" and "Ice Man".
"Never look down on anybody, unless you are helping them up"
-Ben
The past few weeks have certainly been busy - where do I even start?!
Aaaannnnndddd we're back!
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As I sit on the cold, hard floor of King Shaka Internation Airport, Durban; I begin to reflect on the past couple of weeks..JPG)
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