These pictures show how millions of South Africans are housed.
To avoid misunderstandings: it’s NOT the homestead of South Africa’s president Jacob Zuma. This guy has always been very privileged … 😉 …; most probably never stayed in a shack (well I did and it was quite an experience. Everything there except electricity and a toilet …)
These pictures are part of a documentary serie I’m engaged in for the NGO Food4Thought which runs the pre-primary school Funimfundo (= ‘Seeking Knowledge’) in the location (township/informal settlement) Die Kop nearby my village. The school is privately funded (no state involved), exists for 10 yrs and is regarded as one of the best in the Western Cape.
Fascinating photos Herman. How would these people be making a living?
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Mostly it’s either an ‘informal’ small business or work. Most of the people are determined to get a decent income but that’s not easy with a stigma of ‘parias’ by both; society and government. Children are determined to learn if only they get a chance but for proper education the school fees are extremely high. It’s a vicious circle if it comes to the point … Sad, sad, sad…
Herman
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Great pictures. They show the spirit of the people. Remember when the police would come during the day to bull-dose the houses and the people would re-build them overnight, so they would bury their houses whilst they were at work. Thank God those days are gone. Tony
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But, Tony, there is still some tension between the different cultures. Most people living in the ‘privileged’ part of the village have never been IN the location; some of them only picking up or dropping off staff at the entrance road. Etc. etc. One can’t change the world overnight; will take generations before things are a bit normalized … and than; what is ‘normal’?
😉
Herman
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Human nature I’m afraid. You are so right. The saddest thing is when people take on the nature of their oppressors for example many countries in Africa, Israel, Middle East, etc. Sad though that racial discrimination should translate into economic. Tony
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😉
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