Finding Compatriots Along The Way
(Original)

Sheraan Amod
(Age 22, South Africa)
Stellenbosch University, Western Cape

“Your people and my people never work together. Will you ever come back here?”
Those were the words of Thulani, a friend of mine who lives in a poor township located neatly outside of Cape Town. It was our last conversation. I had spent the year teaching him basic computer skills on a weekly basis through a local NGO, and our contracted time together was at an end. I replied as best I could before heading back to the lush enclave of my city and university. Two years on, that poignant memory remains lucid, and the questions invoked within me at that instant continue to burn, becoming increasingly desperate in their need of answers.

South Africa is an interesting country to say the least. From a historical pariah, it has emerged as an international success story, but is still riddled with complex challenges and deep-rooted social problems. The nation boasts a local population group that spans four distinct ethnicities (Black, White, Coloured and Indian), celebrates every major religion, and speaks eleven national languages. The legacy of Apartheid has given us a country that, despite being free and democratic, is still getting to grips with the realities of true racial integration. Our society exists in a constant juxtaposition of wealth and poverty, where stereotypes are strong and fears are high. People of all income groups continue to voluntarily divide themselves along ethnic boundaries, as they often lack the inter-cultural intelligence or willingness to mix. I firmly believe that for my generation of South Africans, bridging this cultural paradox is the imperative calling of our time.

I propose the formation of a new youth organization that will create progress in the social sphere, in addition to various other arenas. It will serve as a vessel to promote inter-cultural action on common issues that affect our entire society. Perhaps it could be called “The South African Alliance”. This thought prompts me to recall a passage from page 35 of my favourite soft cover, “The Tipping Point”, where best-selling author Malcolm Gladwell observed:

“[A] study, done on students at the University of Utah, found that if you ask someone why he is friendly with someone else, he'll say it is because he and his friend share similar attitudes. But if you actually quiz the two of them on their attitudes, you'll find out that what they actually share is similar activities. We're friends with the people we do things with, as much as we are with the people we resemble.”

In my own life, I have experienced the truth that collective action is a more powerful people integrator than dialogue alone. The South African Alliance (or SAA for short) should be started at universities and purposefully spread to areas of differing income groups and ethnicities. Youth membership would be voluntary and free- the only criteria being a shared belief in the principles of peace, group action and cultural acceptance. The emphasis of the organization would be to create action-oriented initiatives for this unlikely party of people, with the focus being on issues that are totally independent of race, colour or creed. Instead of trying to overcome any differences through repetitive discussion, we should get directly involved in physical group activities, and we shall find each other along the way.

There are plenty of issues that affect black, white, rich and poor South Africans equally. Crime and corruption could be ongoing focal points of the organization. I nevertheless feel that focus on specific, urgent issues would be even more effective in reaching positive outcomes. Take the ongoing energy crisis in South Africa, for example, where the national electricity company enforces daily blackouts in various areas. Or the recent xenophobic attacks that have ravaged our immigrant communities, and prompted an unfortunate exodus of foreigners. SAA could engage in activities ranging from public demonstrations to letter writing campaigns to politicians. Any ideas of value that help a common cause would be implemented. The members could tour public and private schools in small groups, explaining common positions on contentious issues while setting a bold example of integration for tomorrow’s generation of leaders. In fact, the youth of SAA would end up setting an example for their parents’ generation as well. We are the key- imagine the new frontiers that we might unlock!

South African society is a unique, culturally interdependent entity that would surely benefit from this type of organization. I sincerely hope that it spreads, gradually including youth from all districts. I cast my mind back to that fateful conversation with Thulani, and find myself envisioning the day where we walk united, in search of common objectives- of our South African dream. In the local language of Zulu, “Thulani” means “silence”, “peace” or “tranquility”.

Be at peace my friend- I have not forgotten you.