Soweto smiles

24/08/13

Today was my favourite day in Jo'burg. Any one person could repeat this day and leave with a sense of understanding and appreciation for South Africa and it's people.

We visited the Soweto Township, one of South Africa's largest. The further you drive into Soweto, the more poverty you see. The entire area is lined with decent, suburban houses. As you progress, they become typical box-shaped council houses. Even deeper into Soweto, you reach the tin shacks.

On arrival we were met by a young and very enthusiastic man. He was extremely proud to have grown up in Soweto. As soon as we crossed the bridge that led to the township, children from all directions wanted a hug. They held our hands as we walked through rows and rows of tin shacks lined with buckets and bottles and rolls of bard wire. One gentleman was kind enough to show us into his home. It was roughly six foot square and made of tin sheets. Both him, his wife and six children slept here at night. Besides common belief, this tiny little home was IMMACULATE. It was cleaner than my own home both here and in the UK. Awards and trophies lined the wall on a little shelf. I feel so privileged to have seen his home.

Two of our volunteers got a little upset when a woman approached them and begged for a loaf of bread. Besides that, the people of Soweto seem very happy and full of life. They appreciate everything they have and work through life with a smile on their face. I am so glad to have visited and hope I can return one day.

Back on the bus and sad to leave, we headed to one of Soweto's MANY churches. It was so beautiful! The photographs don't do it justice, but here you go.

We then visited a little market filled with beautiful hand-crafted African goods. I bought this head band for roughly £3. I got a discount for becoming a "citizen" of South Africa.

Headband! and iona...who I miss so much! She is in Underburg