Sandy Supposes....

A Jaunt In Jozi

Day 23 Johannesburg, South Africa

         Here I am in the largest city in South Africa, Johannesburg, or Jozi as locals refer to it. All that is here resulted from a gold rush in 1886. Opprtunists from everywhere descended upon the City of Gold and led to the designation of South Africa as a rainbow nation.

         South Africa's other claim to fame is its past history of apartheid and this is represented at the Apartheid Museum. To enter, purchasers are randomly given tickets that assign them a designation as White, or Non-White. They are then directed to pass through the 'correct' door, one for Blankes/Whites and the other for Nie Blankes/Non-Whites. This is a reminder of the not so distant past. Other signage is displayed that indicates the segregation practices at rest rooms and public trsnsportation hubs.

         I cannot fathom the issuance of government identification with one's race prominently recorded on it. The width of a nose, the kinks in hair, the size of lips, the skin pigmentation and the language spoken determined racial profiling. As if! The government could also reverse their race decisions. Mind boggling! This was considered important?

          In the museum's courtyard, I could not ignore the stark stone pillars each with a single word that reflects the new South African constitution. Uplifting , powerful words such as respect, responsibility, freedom, democracy and equality. South Africans struggled to overthrow apartheid and they do not hide its former existence. "Humanity was born in Africa. All people, ultimately, are African."

         I've only ever known Canadian privilege. My skin colour , the language I choose to speak, the type of hair on my head, my nose shape, my eye shade, and my heritage have never barred me from entering any establishment, or persuing any career or travel opportunities. I salute and respect those who sought, no demanded change.