Coming into this trip, I was excited to learn more about the history and business culture of the country. My first impression was one of excitement to be back in South Africa as I have been to the northern part of the country two other times. However, this trip has allowed me to see a different part. The scenery is very different with the proximity to the ocean allowing Cape Town and the surrounding areas to be lush and green. This scenery coupled with the mountains and oceans makes for a spectacular view and location to study abroad, especially when experienced through paragliding off of Signal Hill.
However, besides the scenery, the history of the culture is a fascinating study. We were able to visit the Castle of Good Hope and a slave lodge where we were taught how the colonizers settled and took the land leading to the modern version of Cape Town. In addition, this included learning about apartheid, a practice of segregation that was only recently disbanded. It was not until this trip that I realized how recently these changes were made. This practice is what attributed to much of the disparity and social isolation seen in the nation today. The visit to the township and gangster museum helped to put into perspective the true impact of the apartheid era and the wealth disparity it created.
The business culture and methodology also became of interest to me as we met with and talked with local business leaders. It is similar in some ways to America, yet it differs in many ways also. The entrepreneurs of the nation seek to find freedom and break out of the system of poverty by establishing their own revenue source, much like in America. However, they are much more focused on building and giving back to their communities. They have a very impact-focused mindset. It is this ideal of sticking to their community that is seen throughout all aspects of life. They involve it in business and practices such as the stokvel and involving other community members in raising their children.
