It is 2010, the world sits watching as the World Cup takes place for the first time on the continent of Africa and with that in South Africa. But as we experience one of the greatest moments in history, we must also be reminded of the past.
South Africa, much like the United States was ridden with segregationist and colonial policies known as "apartheid." Apartheid lasted well into the early 90's with ending with the release of one of the most prolific and notable leaders the world over, Nelson Mandela after being held for 27 years in prison. Not to mention was he released but then had served as the first freely elected African President of the country.
The times of apartheid were violent and brutal. Africans throughout the continent were fighting for their voice in a post-colonial environment. It caused a lot of damage to the people and to the heart of the continent as well.
South Africa was no different than the rest of the continent. Like the children of Birmingham, Alabama did in the 1960s so did the children of a province called Soweto in 1976. They (the children) protested the apartheid and the effect it had on their education system. Similar to the students who protested Vietnam at Kent State in Ohio, the police in Soweto answered these children's protests with guns- killing 23 students and sparking civil unrest.
I was supposed to travel to South Africa for the World Cup. But I really wanted to immerse myself in the history, as much as I wanted to catch a game or two. Soweto is one of the places, that when I am able to go to South Africa, I plan on seeing.
Know the history:
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