Highbrow Magazine - South Africa https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/south-africa en Why ‘My Octopus Teacher’ Is the Best Film of 2020 https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/10896-why-my-octopus-teacher-best-film <div class="field field-name-field-cat field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/film-tv" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Film &amp; TV</a></div></div></div><span class="submitted-by">Submitted by tara on Thu, 10/01/2020 - 08:46</span><div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/1octopusfilm.jpg?itok=CHStY7il"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/1octopusfilm.jpg?itok=CHStY7il" width="480" height="270" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p> </p> <p>A new Netflix documentary called <em>My Octopus Teacher</em> brought to mind a fragment of a quote I had long forgotten: “Turn it and turn it — it contains everything.” But I couldn’t remember the source of the quote. Was it from some obscure literary criticism I read years ago? Did it refer to Ulysses? Was it something Harold Bloom wrote about Moby Dick?</p> <p> </p> <p>As I watched this new documentary, running through the full scope of human emotions during its brisk 85-minute running time, that phrase was recalled from some dim hallway of my memory because it illustrated exactly what the documentary captures. <em>My Octopus Teacher</em> might be the best movie released during a historically disastrous year for film. It reminded me that the theatrical experience I’ve been locked out of for the majority of 2020 isn’t necessarily required in order to have a transcendent confrontation with an incredible story.</p> <p> </p> <p>Indeed, <em>My Octopus Teacher</em> contains the entirety of human experience — the beauty and terror of life — and it conveys the narrative through a lens of crystalline simplicity. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen anything quite like it.</p> <p> </p> <p>The story is so straightforward, and yet the complexities multiply. The documentary details a relationship so unexpected and curious and unfathomable. It sounds ridiculous, but this masterpiece shows how one man (Craig Foster) manages to establish a genuine friendship — a kind of love affair, really — with an octopus in the waters of a kelp forest at the tip of Southern Africa.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/2octopusfilm.jpg" style="height:281px; width:500px" /></p> <p> </p> <p>At first, Foster is just as astonished as the viewer. After all, he didn’t venture into the water seeking a new friend. Who would? But Foster, a filmmaker by profession, was in the middle of a crisis and he was vaguely looking for something he couldn’t define; he was adrift and lost, and that prolonged dark night of the soul led him into the ice cold ocean, a place which had always given him comfort.</p> <p> </p> <p>At a certain point, Foster comes across an octopus behaving in a strangely un-octopus way. The moment nags at him; he has to know more. As his journey becomes more astonishing and profound, he learns that he, like the viewer, had no idea about the unimaginable intelligence and, well, sheer humanity that an octopus can exhibit.</p> <p> </p> <p>What follows is a story stranger than fiction and wilder than reality. Most impressively, it unfolds in front of the camera. Moments of unforeseen magic appear onscreen; snapshots of life that would have gone undocumented otherwise. It’s a true feat of filmmaking that this movie exists. Prepare yourself for a distilled portrait of the cycle of life — by turns brutal, brilliant, bold, breathtaking.</p> <p> </p> <p>I finally tracked down the source of the quote I slightly misremembered. It’s from Cynthia Ozick’s superb analysis of the Book of Job. She writes: “The lavishness, the extravagance, the infinitude! An infinitude of power; an infinitude of joy; an infinitude of love…God’s ode to Creation could not be richer. Turn it and turn it — God’s ode: everything is in it.”</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/3octopusfilm.jpg" style="height:450px; width:600px" /></p> <p> </p> <p>There’s nothing religious about <em>My Octopus Teacher</em>, nor is there anything inherently religious in Ozick’s essay. And yet, this dissection of God’s speech to Job strikes at the heart of the documentary, which is itself an ode to the heartbreaking unbelievability of nature, the splendor and genius that can be found in the darkest, unseen crevices of the world. And Foster emerges as a kind of Job — initially lost but, in the end, renewed – self-rediscovered after an existential battle wages within his soul and psyche.</p> <p> </p> <p>In this version of the Job story, God’s voice doesn’t appear from the whirlwind. Instead, from the craggy, kelp-covered depths, an octopus reveals itself to have a God-like intelligence and a humanity one would imagine unthinkable. <em>My Octopus Teacher</em> blissfully blasts away at any common preconceived notions you might have about human-animal relationships. It’s a remarkable film.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Author Bio:</strong></p> <p><strong><em>Christopher Karr is a contributing writer at</em> Highbrow Magazine.</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>For Highbrow Magazine</strong></p> <p> </p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/my-octopus-teacher" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">My Octopus Teacher</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/craig-foster" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Craig Foster</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/netflix" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Netflix</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/documentaries" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">documentaries</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/octopus" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">octopus</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/filmmakers" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">filmmakers</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/oceanography" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">oceanography</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/south-africa" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">South Africa</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Christopher Karr</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pop field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Popular:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">not popular</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-bot field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Bottom Slider:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Out Slider</div></div></div> Thu, 01 Oct 2020 12:46:22 +0000 tara 9873 at https://www.highbrowmagazine.com https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/10896-why-my-octopus-teacher-best-film#comments Safari Reveries https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/9932-safari-reveries <div class="field field-name-field-cat field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/travel" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Travel</a></div></div></div><span class="submitted-by">Submitted by tara on Mon, 04/15/2019 - 07:02</span><div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/1safari.jpg?itok=DsgROmm6"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/1safari.jpg?itok=DsgROmm6" width="480" height="359" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p> </p> <p>My husband and I are driving in the licorice-black depths of night, blurry-eyed and freezing cold in the heart of Kruger National Park. Promises of wildlife cavorting about lures us on, as I wrap the blanket closer around me, half wishing I were back in bed. Slowly, the African sky turns bruise-purple, then magenta pink. Scraggly trees create silhouettes against the sunrise, and suddenly the show begins. I no longer wish to be sleeping.</p> <p> </p> <p>First we spot elephants—a whole herd of them, even babies—lumbering across the road and into the bush. I become snap-happy, disbelieving our good luck. And it’s like that throughout the day, as our guide takes us down one lone, dusty road after another in search of the next animal wonder—giraffes, hippos, rhinos, zebras, and scores and scores of impalas.</p> <p> </p> <p>Though the greatest moment is watching a standoff between two adolescent lions stalking a hyena duo, as they circle our jeep, oblivious to us. Finally, the lions figure they don’t have a chance this time and they stagger off, the hyenas’ heads lifted over the tall golden grasses as they watch the lions retreat, poised should they change their minds.</p> <p> </p> <p>Our guide, who grew up nearby, is a font of knowledge, and he shares tales of the wildlands. The impalas are nicknamed “McDonald’s of the bush,” for their “fast food” role for carnivores; you can identify them by the black “m” on their rear parts. The most dangerous beast is the Cape buffalo, with a wiliness to ambush anyone on its tail. A wildebeest can run after only a few minutes of being born. It’s a whole new world, one in which I’m the intruder, the lucky guest.</p> <p> </p> <p>Since the experience in the Kruger bush, I’ve been on several safaris, including a couple at Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia. And no matter how many times an elephant blocks our route with her mass, taking her time to munch a tree branch; no matter how many times I watch a hippo eyeing me warily from the green waters; no matter how many times I think I spot a lion prowling through the tall grasses … I am wowed, downright floored, my heart skipping a beat, at the beauty and majesty of these close encounters of animals going about their daily lives, allowing me to forget the hustle-bustle of urbanity and be thrown into the depths of the universe.</p> <p> </p> <p>As Karen Blixen, author of <em>Out of Africa,</em> once wrote<em>: “There is something about safari life that makes you forget all your sorrows and feel as if you had drunk half a bottle of champagne — bubbling over with heartfelt gratitude for being alive.” </em>No wonder I always yearn for more.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Author Bio:</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong><em>Barbara Noe Kennedy worked as an editor at the National Geographic Book Division for more than 20 years. She has written four books, and her writings have also been published in </em></strong><strong>National Geographic, The Daily Telegraph<em>, and the </em>Los Angeles Times<em>, among other publications. She is a contributing writer at </em>Highbrow Magazine. <em>Her husband, David Kennedy, also contributed photographs to this photo essay.</em></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>For Highbrow Magazine</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><em><strong>--All photos by Barbara Noe Kennedy and David Kennedy--</strong></em></p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/2safari.jpg" style="height:469px; width:625px" /></p> <p>Hippos, believe it or not, have killed more humans in Africa than any other animal. As lazy as they look, they can be aggressive and unpredictable. They can run up to 20 miles an hour—not for very long, but long enough to outrun humans. They can crush you to death with their 8000-pound girth, or use their enormous mouths (up to four feet long) filled with large, sharp canines.</p> <p> </p> <p><br /> <img alt="" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/4safari.jpg" style="height:469px; width:625px" /></p> <p>By David Kennedy</p> <p>The big animals steal the show on safari, but don’t forget the smaller ones as well—many of which can be just as fascinating. This is a lilac breasted roller, famed for its pastel plumage.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/5safari.jpg" style="height:468px; width:625px" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Elephants are known to have deep family bonds. In fact, the entire herd—typically a group of females and their offspring—raise the calves together. The males usually leave the herd at age 12 to 15, living solo or with other bachelors.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/6safari.jpg" style="height:466px; width:625px" /></p> <p> </p> <p>The giraffes, with their long necks, seem to glide through the forest. Surprisingly, they only have seven vertebrae in their necks—the same as humans.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/8safari.jpg" style="height:420px; width:625px" /></p> <p> </p> <p>The sun breaks over the plains of Kruger National Park.</p> <p> </p> <p><br /> <img alt="" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/9safari.jpg" style="height:469px; width:625px" /></p> <p> </p> <p>By David Kennedy</p> <p>A vervet monkey takes a rare break from its active social life. They live in groups called troops of 40 to 80 individuals and are known for being extremely playful.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/11safari.jpg" style="height:469px; width:625px" /></p> <p> </p> <p>This is one of the lions skulking away from the hyenas.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/14safari.jpg" style="height:469px; width:625px" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Zebras are black with white stripes (not the other way around, as commonly believed), and the stripe pattern is unique on every single zebra.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>For Highbrow Magazine</strong></p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/safari-0" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">on safari</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/african-safari" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">african safari</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/kreuger-national-park" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">kreuger national park</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/south-africa" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">South Africa</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/zambia" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">zambia</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/wild-animals" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">wild animals</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Barbara Noe Kennedy</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pop field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Popular:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">not popular</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-photographer field-type-text field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Photographer:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Barbara Noe Kennedy; David Kennedy</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-bot field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Bottom Slider:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Out Slider</div></div></div> Mon, 15 Apr 2019 11:02:32 +0000 tara 8671 at https://www.highbrowmagazine.com https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/9932-safari-reveries#comments South African Culture and History Come Alive in Durban https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/8890-south-african-culture-and-history-come-alive-durban <div class="field field-name-field-cat field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/travel" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Travel</a></div></div></div><span class="submitted-by">Submitted by tara on Mon, 02/19/2018 - 13:20</span><div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/1safari_depositphotos.jpg?itok=nmHIvm0X"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/1safari_depositphotos.jpg?itok=nmHIvm0X" width="480" height="385" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p> </p> <p>Think of South Africa, and images of majestic savanna landscapes and roaming wildlife come to mind. A South African safari is an unforgettable experience, but no visit to the country is truly complete without a cultural immersion. Luckily, the vibrant city of Durban combines the best of both worlds in the most stunning of settings. Located along the Indian Ocean coast just an hour from Johannesburg by air, Durban offers an eclectic array of activities where you can explore the city’s important role in world history, the rich heritage of its Zulu people, and innumerable natural wonders – from the beach to the bush.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Experience authentic Zulu culture in the Valley of 1,000 Hills</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>Named for its dramatic surrounding landscape, the Valley of 1,000 Hills has been home to the Zulu people, South Africa’s largest ethnic group, for centuries.</p> <p> </p> <p>Visitors can take an organized tour deep into tribal lands to experience Zulu culture with its exuberant ceremonies, traditional music, and dancing. You'll learn about Zulu beliefs and healing practices, break bread with local families, and learn the hidden meanings behind their colorful beadwork. Those seeking a truly transformative experience can arrange one-on-one sessions with the village healer or spend the night with a Zulu family in their home. The natural scenery in the Valley of 1,000 Hills will take your breath away, and the welcoming nature of the Zulu people will stay in your heart forever.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Walk in the footsteps of Gandhi and Mandela</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>Not everyone is aware that Mahatma Ghandi’s life work was inspired by his experiences in Durban. In 1893, he arrived as a young lawyer, and the discrimination he witnessed personally and against his fellow Indians drove him to start his worldwide movement of passive resistance as he fought for the legal and civil rights of the Indian population. At the Phoenix Settlement, you will see Gandhi’s house and the printing press he used to publish his newspaper, <em>The Indian Opinion</em>. Many of the more than 1 million Indians living in the city make the pilgrimage to this important historical site alongside visitors from around the world.</p> <p> </p> <p>Five years after his death, the great Nelson Mandela remains South Africa’s most revered public figure. 2018 marks a year-long celebration of his life and what would have been his 100th birthday on July 18. Honor his work when you're in Durban by visiting the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, located at the exact spot where he began his “Long Walk to Freedom” after being arrested for anti-Apartheid activism in 1952. The focal point of the site is a striking monument, and an educational exhibition walks you through Mandela’s life and role in establishing a democratic South Africa.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Hit the beach at Umhlanga Rocks</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>To play amongst the ocean-loving locals, head to Umhlanga Rocks, Durban’s laidback beach village. Located on a picturesque stretch of the Indian Ocean, Umhlanga Rocks beckons visitors with a scenic promenade that passes by local landmarks including Umhlanga Lighthouse and Whale Bone Pier. A walkable downtown area makes dining and nightlife easily accessible from the area’s many upscale boutique hotels and guesthouses, and opportunities to get on the water abound – from surfing to deep sea fishing, scuba diving, whale watching, and kiteboarding.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Discover an underwater wonderland at Aliwal Shoal</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>Those intrigued by the underwater world can get their adrenaline pumping on Aliwal Shoal. Consistently rated one of the top warm water diving and snorkeling sites in the world, Aliwal Shoal is also the spot to get up close and personal with blacktip reef sharks. Those brave enough can swim or dive alongside these mysterious creatures in the open ocean, but viewing from inside a cage is always an option.</p> <p> </p> <p><img src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/1tribe_depositphotos.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Witness stunning wildlife on a Big Five safari</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>Back on land, the South African bush is less than four hours away by car. A number of private game reserves offer high-end safari lodge accommodations, minimal crowds, and optimal chances for getting the perfect photos of the "Big Five" - elephants, rhinos, water buffalo, lions and leopards. In iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, hippos, crocodiles, pelicans, and flamingos roam Lake St. Lucia, while elephants, giraffes, and leopards inhabit the adjacent grasslands.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Visit <a href="http://www.durbanexperience.co.za">www.durbanexperience.co.za</a> to start planning your journey.</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Brandpoint</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><em><strong>Photo credits: <a href="https://depositphotos.com/stock-photography.html">Depositphotos.com</a></strong></em></p> <p> </p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/durban" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">durban</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/south-africa" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">South Africa</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/zulu" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">zulu</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/safari" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">safari</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/nelson-mandela" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Nelson Mandela</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/visiting-south-africa" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">visiting south africa</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Brandpoint</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pop field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Popular:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">not popular</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-bot field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Bottom Slider:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Out Slider</div></div></div> Mon, 19 Feb 2018 18:20:23 +0000 tara 7937 at https://www.highbrowmagazine.com https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/8890-south-african-culture-and-history-come-alive-durban#comments How South Africa Is Still Emerging From the Dark Shadow of Apartheid https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/4906-how-south-africa-still-emerging-dark-shadow-apartheid <div class="field field-name-field-cat field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/travel" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Travel</a></div></div></div><span class="submitted-by">Submitted by tara on Mon, 03/23/2015 - 11:30</span><div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/1southafrica.jpg?itok=3FOIUuLh"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/1southafrica.jpg?itok=3FOIUuLh" width="480" height="274" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p> </p> <p>On a recent trip to South Africa, I arrived in Johannesburg bleary-eyed from nearly 24 hours of traveling that culminated in an overnight flight from London, but also excited to discover a new part of the world.  It was my first time visiting the country, a place that had found itself in the spotlight many times in recent decades, for both good and bad reasons—most recently for the World Cup soccer tournament that had taken place there, where the prevalence of the vuvuzela, a plastic horn with a discernable and arguably unpleasant sound, overshadowed the event itself, especially for those watching on television.  Having been one of those viewers, I became fascinated with South Africa, so much so that I decided to plan a trip there, forgoing the traditional tropical vacation for an opportunity to experience the people and culture of the country firsthand.  Armed with the knowledge that a journey like this may have been inadvisable or even impossible 10 years earlier, especially for someone traveling alone, I arrived at my hotel and attempted to check in to my room.</p> <p> </p> <p>As it was only 11 o’clock, the front desk clerk informed me that my room was not yet ready.  Expecting that this would be the case, I asked the clerk if he might recommend a place nearby for lunch, since I had had nothing to eat but airplane food in the last day.  It was the clerk’s response to this inquiry that would set the tone for my entire two-week stay in South Africa.  The clerk said, rather matter-of-factly, that he would not recommend exploring the area on foot, as it was not safe and could make me vulnerable to a mugging or worse.  I was in disbelief.  Looking out the windows of the third-floor hotel lobby, I could see nothing but what seemed like a normal day in a big city—the sun was shining and the sidewalks were teeming with pedestrians.  No one was being attacked that I could see, and coming from New York City, it was not as though I was unfamiliar with the potential for crime in an urban setting.  Add in the fact that I had pre-paid for four nights in this hotel and was not keen on losing the money I had spent to relocate to a part of the city that may be considered safer, I found I had to make an important decision right off the bat, one that would determine how I approached every situation I encountered during the time I was in South Africa.  Perhaps it was partly my naïveté, partly my sense of adventure—or a combination of both—but I chose there and then not to heed the clerk’s warning.  I left my valuables in my luggage behind the front desk, and ventured out into the chilly but sunny morning.</p> <p> </p> <p>This story may cause one to wonder—what exactly has changed in South Africa in recent decades?  Almost no one would dispute the fact that the abolishment of Apartheid was a positive thing, but since that momentous occasion in 1994, how has life improved for the residents of such a racially divided country?  As previously stated, South Africa has found itself in the international spotlight many times in recent years, but for every good news story there is also a story that paints the current situation in the country in a negative light.   Even the trial of Oscar Pistorius, covered so thoroughly by the international media, has a racial undertone when viewed within the context that it took place.  Comparing these events to the recent string of racially charged incidents that have taken place in the United States, is it fair to say that to a certain extent, despite the differences in the historical events of both countries, the racial tensions that exist in both are really not that different.</p> <p> </p> <p>It does not take long for an outsider visiting South Africa for the first time to observe the racial divide that still exists.  Many of the types of places created by the segregation of Apartheid—such as the townships consisting of makeshift residences constructed with corrugated tin—still exist, some only a short distance from the major urban centers of big cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town.  A trip to one of the upscale malls that are appearing all over the country is unlikely to paint an accurate picture of diversity for travelers, while the tin townships themselves—aside from Soweto township in Johannesburg, which is known for the anti-Apartheid demonstrations that took place there, making it somewhat of a tourist destination—are more likely to be driven past, visible from the country’s highways, than ventured into by outsiders.  Other areas within cities—areas such as the Hillbrow section of Johannesburg, notable mostly for its high crime rates and considered by some residents to be practically lawless—are saddled with a recommendation from travel guidebooks that visitors avoid them entirely.</p> <p> </p> <p>After my initial encounter with the clerk, I was determined to understand why he would make such a statement, and beyond that, prove that he was just being overly cautious.  I had grown accustomed to standing out, having traveled all over the world to many places where I am obviously a foreigner, so that was not an issue for me.  But as I left the hotel I was admittedly on high alert.  I was staying in the area of Johannesburg known as the CBD, or Central Business District, which I would come to learn, is overrun with people during the day before converting to a ghost town at night after the day’s business has concluded.</p> <p> </p> <p><br /> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/2southafrica.jpg" style="height:469px; width:625px" /></p> <p> </p> <p> I passed a Mugg &amp; Bean, South Africa’s slightly higher-end equivalent of Starbucks, complete with waiter service and hot food options, until I came across a grocery store and later, a small shopping complex crowded with workers on their lunch break.  I had the opportunity to do some shopping after grabbing my much sought-after meal, wondering the whole time when I would begin to witness the lawlessness that the clerk had described.</p> <p> </p> <p>In search of some clarity, I decided to visit the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg.  I knew that this mentality of fear must have a context, so I thought if I could learn some of the history of South Africa—particularly its political history—I might understand why the clerk gave me such advice.  The entrance to the museum is separated into two doors; one is prominently labeled that it is for whites only, while the other entrance is for everyone else.  While visitors are not meant to have to adhere to these entrances, it serves as a perfect illustration of the institutional segregation that used to exist in South Africa. </p> <p> </p> <p>The museum is filled with photographs and videos that capture moments of struggle and violence as the citizens fought for equality.  There is also a section of the museum dedicated entirely to Nelson Mandela, including a replica of the cell that served as his home for the majority of his imprisonment.  In the hours that I spent exploring the museum and learning about some of the darkness that makes up South Africa’s history, the clerk’s warning started to make sense—the people that witnessed Apartheid firsthand still carry the scars.</p> <p> </p> <p>Returning to the Oscar Pistorius trial, it is important to note the context of the events of the night the incident occurred, as it serves as a useful illustration of the tensions that still exist in South Africa.  On Valentine’s Day of 2013, Pistorius fatally shot his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp through the closed door of the bathroom of the home they shared together, fearing she might be an intruder.  Whatever culpability Pistorius might have in this event, one fact that was underreported by the news media was that the Olympian—a member of the wealthy white upper-class of South Africa—lived in a heavily guarded and fortified community, designed to protect citizens from what they perceive to be the unsavory elements that exist on the other side of the walls. </p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/3mandela%20%28wiki%29.jpg" style="height:489px; width:626px" /></p> <p> </p> <p>These exclusive communities can be found all over South Africa, further perpetuating the racial divide created by decades of unequal treatment and segregation, despite efforts in recent years to move away from the policies of Apartheid.  Whether or not Oscar Pistorius was telling the truth is not meant to be decided here; rather, this is only meant to be used as an example that fear stemming from pre-conceived notions of race is still rampant in South Africa, something the international media failed to accurately report to those around the world without an understanding of the current state of things in that country.</p> <p> </p> <p>While visiting Cape Town, I had the opportunity to tour Robben Island, the location of the real prison cell Nelson Mandela had been held in.  While the entire experience was compelling and somewhat surreal, one of the most interesting aspects of the tour was that the guides are actual former prisoners of Robben Island.  They volunteer their time as a way to accurately convey the horrors of that period of South Africa’s history to outsiders who may only know what they have read in books or seen on television, distanced from the reality of the situation.  They also do it, however, as a way to make peace with the past, and to show that both forgiveness and progress are possible—by returning to the place where they experienced such horror, it serves as a symbol of hope that South Africa can move away from its past towards a future that includes freedom and equality for all its citizens.</p> <p> </p> <p>Shortly after I returned from that life-changing first visit to South Africa—where nothing bad happened, despite the dire warnings of the hotel clerk and many others—the United States became embroiled in the controversy surrounding the shooting death of Michael Brown by a police officer in Ferguson, Missouri.  Not long after that, Eric Garner suffered a fatal heart attack while in the process of being subdued for arrest by police in Staten Island, New York.  Both Brown and Garner were black, forcing the country to consider the possibility that true racial equality is still a long way off. </p> <p> </p> <p>Now having a broader, more global context for the issue of race relations, I realized that this is not just a problem in South Africa between blacks and whites, but a problem throughout the world for all races, religions, sexes, and virtually all other types of categorizations.  Inequality exists everywhere, and almost everyone can be discriminated against for one reason or another by a member of a different group.  Progress is slow, but achievable.  Perhaps it is time for countries to learn from each other—to use the successes and failures of a country like South Africa to see what is possible, and make tomorrow a little better than today for those that have endured so much suffering because of their differences.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Author Bio:</strong><br />  </p> <p><strong><em>Michael Verdirame is a contributing writer </em>at Highbrow Magazine.</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><em><strong>Photo credits:<a href="https://www.pxfuel.com/en/desktop-wallpaper-dirif"> </a><a href="https://www.pxfuel.com/en/desktop-wallpaper-dirif">Pxfue</a>l (Creative Commons); World Economic Forum (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Frederik_de_Klerk_with_Nelson_Mandela_-_World_Economic_Forum_Annual_Meeting_Davos_1992.jpg">Wikipedia</a>, Creative Commons).</strong></em></p> <p> </p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/south-africa" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">South Africa</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/apartheid" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Apartheid</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/soweta" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">soweta</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/mandela-0" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">mandela</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/discrimination" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">discrimination</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/oscar-pristouris" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">oscar pristouris</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/cape-town" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Cape Town</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/johannesburg" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">johannesburg</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/racism" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">racism</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Michael Verdirame</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pop field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Popular:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">not popular</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-bot field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Bottom Slider:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Out Slider</div></div></div> Mon, 23 Mar 2015 15:30:15 +0000 tara 5842 at https://www.highbrowmagazine.com https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/4906-how-south-africa-still-emerging-dark-shadow-apartheid#comments Modern African Poetry Finds Its Voice Online https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/4663-modern-african-poetry-finds-its-voice-online <div class="field field-name-field-cat field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/books-fiction" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Books &amp; Fiction</a></div></div></div><span class="submitted-by">Submitted by tara on Mon, 02/23/2015 - 11:18</span><div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/mediumbooks_1.jpg?itok=qI1ksgI1"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/mediumbooks_1.jpg?itok=qI1ksgI1" width="480" height="268" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p> </p> <p><strong>From ISP News and republished by our content partner New America Media:</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>From the pages of private notebooks to the dog-eared copies of rare published editions, the works of modern African poets are emerging with great fanfare thanks to a dedicated handful of writers and teachers building a network of libraries and websites on the Internet.</p> <p> </p> <p>The South African Badilisha Poetry X-change is one such group which recently posted its archive of poems and writings on a “mobile-first” site. It’s considered the largest online archive of African poetry, accessible via mobile phone, in the world.</p> <p> </p> <p>“We have a rich oral tradition and it’s important that we document what is happening in history poetry-wise,” said Linda Leoma, Badilisha’s project manager. “Africa has a history of a lack of documentation and we really didn’t want this to happen to our poets.”</p> <p> </p> <p>Based in Cape Town, South Africa, Badilisha aims to reach the seven out of 10 mobile users in sub-Saharan Africa who use their phones to browse the web. Mobile broadband connections in Africa, now numbering 96 million are set to rise to 950 million by the end of 2019″, noted a study by the analyst firm Ovum.</p> <p> </p> <p>To date, almost 400 African poets from 31 countries in Africa and across the diaspora have been posted in 14 different languages. Users can navigate the site by searching theme, poet, country, language, emotion or by their “Top 10″ list, a popular feature curated by a guest poet each month.</p> <p> </p> <p>Users can actually hear the poet’s voice recite their work,” said Leoma. Some 3,000 visitors log into the site each month.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/dawes.jpg" style="height:409px; width:625px" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Among the “Top Ten” writers recently picked by Badilisha is Kwame Dawes, a Ghanaian-born Jamaican poet and the award-winning author of 16 books of poetry.</p> <p> </p> <p>Last year, Dawes launched the African Poetry Book Fund with a collective of like-minded writers. This year he helped choose Mahtem Shiferraw as the 2015 winner of the Sillerman Book Prize for African Poets. The Ethiopian-American poet will receive a $1000 cash prize and publication next spring of her manuscript “Fuchsia.”</p> <p> </p> <p>“Every year, we wonder where the new and dynamic voices will emerge from to grab our attention, and this year has been no different,” said Dawes in an interview. Shiferraw’s verse explores with sophistication the complexities of exile and return, of memory and hope through sharply-honed images, and through a vulnerability that is haunting and disarming.”</p> <p> </p> <p>The book fund has also helped launch poetry libraries in the Gambia, Kenya, Botswana and Uganda. ”So far a lot of places have been asking to be part of it. The response has been fantastic,” he said.</p> <p> </p> <p>“People who say the physical book is dead have not been to other parts of the world. Many of these places, because of colonialism and exploitation, have not yet even had the chance to engage in print culture.” He currently teaches in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.</p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">africa</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/african-poetry" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">african poetry</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/african-literature" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">african literature</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/african-poets" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">african poets</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/african-writers" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">african writers</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/south-africa" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">South Africa</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Lisa Vives</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pop field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Popular:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">not popular</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-photographer field-type-text field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Photographer:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Google Images; Wikipedia Commons</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-bot field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Bottom Slider:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Out Slider</div></div></div> Mon, 23 Feb 2015 16:18:27 +0000 tara 5752 at https://www.highbrowmagazine.com https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/4663-modern-african-poetry-finds-its-voice-online#comments From Prisoner to President: Remembering the Late Nelson Mandela https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/3916-prisoner-president-remembering-late-nelson-mandela <div class="field field-name-field-cat field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/news-features" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">News &amp; Features</a></div></div></div><span class="submitted-by">Submitted by tara on Fri, 04/18/2014 - 10:16</span><div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/3mandela%20%28wiki%29.jpg?itok=jtv8cSv1"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/3mandela%20%28wiki%29.jpg?itok=jtv8cSv1" width="480" height="375" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p> </p> <p><strong>Editor’s Note:</strong> <em>May 2014 will mark the 20<sup>th</sup> anniversary of Nelson Mandela winning the presidential election in South Africa. </em></p> <p> </p> <p>Nelson Mandela — this name stands for a luminous figure that, like Mahatma Gandhi or Martin Luther King, gave back dignity to an oppressed majority. Their freedom, the freedom of all South Africans, is forever associated with that name. For his dream of a democratic South Africa free of racial segregation Mandela paid a high price. But even 27 years of imprisonment didn’t stop him from becoming the central figure in the fight against apartheid and a moral compass for his fellow South Africans and the rest of the world.</p> <p> </p> <p>February 11<sup>th</sup> 1990, the day a new era began for South Africa, was a hot and humid Sunday and all of Cape Town was on its feet. Thousands of people rushed to the vintner village Paarl near Cape Town, where Mandela spent the last months of his detention in the warder’s house of the local prison. The narrow street leading to the prison was surrounded by barbwire and thousands of spectators. Frederik de Klerk, South Africa’s last white head of state, was originally planning on secretly flying Mandela to Johannesburg to release him into freedom there. But Mandela insisted on Cape Town — his legally imposed home for the past 27 years.</p> <p> </p> <p>Finally, around 4 in the afternoon, with one hand holding his wife’s and the other raised to a fist, Nelson Mandela stepped through the open gate of the Victor Verster Prison, and into a new world. Suddenly the situation almost escalated then and there: While journalists rushed forward at the freedom fighter’s sight, the police reached for their weapons. But then something extraordinary happened as Cheryl Carolus, eyewitness and leading member of the United Democratic Front (UDF) — one of the most important anti-apartheid organizations during that time — recalls: "Suddenly, we all took each other’s hands – the police, the comrades, the prison guards. And we cried while Mandela was walking towards us. It was an unbelievable moment.”</p> <p> </p> <p>Mandela was then driven to the town hall of Cape Town, where nearly 100,000 people gathered in the morning hours to witness Mandela’s first public address to the nation. “Friends, comrades, and fellow South Africans, I greet you all in the name of peace, democracy, and freedom for all. I stand here before you not as a prophet, but as a humble servant of you, the people” were his first words to the world. His appearance was dignified and without any indication of resentment.</p> <p> </p> <p>Born on July 18<sup>th</sup> 1918, Rohihlahla Mandela, who received his Christian name, Nelson, in school, was raised to be a leader. His great-grandfather was king of the Xhosa’s Thembu dynasty, his father local chief and councilor to the monarch. It was during his childhood, when Mandela’s virtues began to form.</p> <p> </p> <p>He left his rural home to study law in Fort Hare, back then the only university for blacks. In 1952 he and Oliver Tambo — later the president of the African National Congress (ANC), the black liberation movement — opened South Africa’s first black law firm in Johannesburg. There he met Walter Sisulu, his political mentor, as well as Winnie Mandela, the country’s first black social worker, for whom he divorced his wife Evelyn. In 1961, within the context America’s liberation fighters like Martin Luther King, the young Mandela co-founded <em>Umkhonto we Sizwe </em>(“Spear of the Nation): ANC’s radical faction that promoted violence, after peaceful protests against apartheid remained unfruitful.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/2mandela%20%28Wiki%29_1.jpg" style="height:511px; width:600px" /></p> <p> </p> <p>When charged with four counts of sabotage and conspiracy to violently overthrow the Apartheid regime, and sentenced to life imprisonment in 1964, Mandela was relieved. He had been preparing himself for the death penalty. On the eve of his conviction he told the judge that the end of the racist regime in South Africa was an ideal that he was willing to die for.</p> <p> </p> <p>In his autobiography <em>Long Way to Freedom, </em>Mandela described the inhumane conditions on Robben Island, which turned the angry revolutionary into a wise statesman who realized that an armed resistance wouldn’t kill apartheid, but strengthen it. The damp concrete cell that he would remain in for 18 years was so small that his head and feet nearly touched the opposite walls, when the almost 6’ foot 4” man stretched out on his straw mat. The meals consisted of two dishes: corn mash or boiled corncob. The long and hard days of labor in a lime quarry burdened his lungs and eyes and Mandela would suffer from the effects of forced labor for the rest of his life. For 21 years of his 27-year-long imprisonment, Mandela was neither allowed to touch his wife Winnie nor his children. When his mother and his oldest son died he was not allowed to pay his last respects to them, which he was never able to come to terms with. His 50<sup>th</sup> birthday passed, followed by his 60<sup>th</sup>, and there were still no signs that the National Party would abandon their hard stance.</p> <p> </p> <p>But detainee number 46664 would not surrender nor show any weakness. He read and wrote a lot, mastered self-control, discipline, patience, and the fine art of tactfully dealing with opponents by bringing out the good in them — an important leadership quality that would come in handy when the secret negotiations with the apartheid regime began in the 1980s.  It was this messianic skill that led to his release from prison and ultimately to the “Wonder of Cape Town,” which earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. </p> <p> </p> <p>During the next three years after his release from prison, which was ordered by De Klerk, who would later become his vice president, Mandela invested all of his charisma into ending the power of the white minority without escalation. These years were marked by a series of negotiations between the governing National Party (the originator of Apartheid), the ANC, and a wide variety of other political organizations, which resulted in a paramount event: South Africa’s first multi-racial election. The black people who, until then, weren’t allowed to work or live where they wanted to, who weren’t tolerated in white restaurants, who were removed from society and sent to prison without trial, were now allowed to vote for the first time. Though Mandela was able to prevent a civil war, thousands of South Africans died through violent conflicts between his release from prison and the first equal elections.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/1mandelastruggle%20%28Colorlines%29.jpg" style="height:427px; width:650px" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Arguably, never before in history has such a total social upheaval without a preceding civil war occurred; never before did a presiding class hand over their rein of power, without being forced to by revolution. And most certainly has a leader of a liberation movement who, like Mandela, spent 27 years under lock and key, ever before returned into his country’s politics without any resentment, hate, or desire for retaliation. It wasn’t vengeance that made him reach his goal, but his foresight and vision, his cleverly guided dialogue, and sharp diplomacy.</p> <p> </p> <p>In April 1994 the erstwhile world’s most prominent prisoner led the ANC to victory during South Africa’s first free elections and became the first black president of the former racial state. His entire presidency was placed entirely in the service of conciliation. He drank tea with his former prison guards and won over the hearts of many white South Africans during the 1995 Rugby World Cup. Mandela utilized this formerly all-white sport, which was rejected by the black population because of its association with apartheid, as a vehicle for conciliation. The moment he ran onto the field of the Ellis Park stadium dressed in the Springboks’ green jersey to present the team’s captain, Francois Pienaar, with the winner’s cup, remains unforgettable. With this grand gesture Mandela expressed that whites too, were part of the new South Africa.</p> <p> </p> <p>The accusation of being too lenient followed him throughout his life, though most likely South Africa would not have remained stable had he defied white interests too much. South Africa’s constitution, which ranks as the most progressive in the world, serves as proof of this.</p> <p> </p> <p>South Africa’s trauma, but also its potential, are symbolized by Mandela’s life and his suffering. Thanks to a fortunate historical coincidence, he and De Klerk were the only two who were able to break through the Cape’s political deadlock. While South Africa to this day remains affected by the consequences of racial segregation, a high crime rate, and resounding gap between rich and poor, as well as rampant corruption throughout all levels of government, South Africa’s people live in a free country today.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Author Bio:</strong><br /> <em>Karolina Swasey is a contributing writer of</em> Highbrow Magazine.</p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/nelson-mandela" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Nelson Mandela</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/robbins-island" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">robbins island</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/south-africa" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">South Africa</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/f-w-de-klerk" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">f w de klerk</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/apartheid" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Apartheid</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/south-african-government" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">south african government</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/racism" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">racism</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/winnie-mandela" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">winnie mandela</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Karolina R. Swasey </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pop field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Popular:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">not popular</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-photographer field-type-text field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Photographer:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Wikipedia Commons</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-bot field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Bottom Slider:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Out Slider</div></div></div> Fri, 18 Apr 2014 14:16:37 +0000 tara 4606 at https://www.highbrowmagazine.com https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/3916-prisoner-president-remembering-late-nelson-mandela#comments Farewell Nelson Mandela https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/3237-farewell-nelson-mandela <div class="field field-name-field-cat field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/news-features" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">News &amp; Features</a></div></div></div><span class="submitted-by">Submitted by tara on Mon, 12/09/2013 - 11:39</span><div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/2mandela%20%28Wiki%29.jpg?itok=h3fS6HoG"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/2mandela%20%28Wiki%29.jpg?itok=h3fS6HoG" width="480" height="409" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p> </p> <p> From <a href="http://www.theroot.com/articles/culture/2013/12/nelson_mandela_1932_2013_south_africa_prepares_its_goodbye.html">the Root</a> and our content partner, <a href="http://newamericamedia.org/2013/12/nelson-mandela-1932-2013-south-africa-prepares-its-goodbye.php">New America Media</a>:</p> <p> </p> <p>How do you bury a man whose life has had a profound impact on just about every world leader, sports hero, politician, college student, professor and Hollywood star? How do you capture the impact that life has had in a ceremony? How do you memorialize a man who spent almost a third of his life locked away when his only crime was asking that his people be free and even on his release held no hate for his captors? And more importantly, where does the body go?</p> <p> </p> <p>On Thursday Nelson Mandela at approximately 8:50 p.m. left this world in much better shape than he found it.</p> <p> </p> <p>Even the sky is in mourning in Johannesburg as CNN reports, gray rain clouds covering and the area this morning. Children used rocks to spell out "We love you Mandela" in front of his home. Some left stuffed animals, others lit candles and wept. In Soweto township residents gathered around the house where Mandela lived before he was arrested in 1962 and sang freedom songs. Across the nation from D.C. to Los Angeles, flowers and candles were left in front of murals bearing his likeness, CNN reports.</p> <p> </p> <p>During his 27-year stay for protesting against unjust laws, Mandela contracted tuberculosis while working in a prison lime quarry. Years of hard labor in prison couldn't break Mandela. A racist government couldn't break Mandela. Tuberculosis stifling his breathing couldn't break Mandela, who from his deathbed, with tubes running through his mouth into his lungs, continued to fight for a better life.</p> <p> </p> <p>"On his 'deathbed' he is teaching us lessons; lessons in patience, in love, lessons of tolerance," his daughter, Makaziwe Mandela, told SABC television news earlier this year. "Every moment I get with him, I'm amazed. There are times where I have to pinch myself that I come from this man who is a fighter even though you can see he is struggling, but fighting spirit is still there with him."</p> <p> </p> <p>In the end his lungs would betray him as infections became the enemy and eventually, like most things too good for this world, he passed.</p> <p> </p> <p>While his lungs may have been weak, his heart was not affected since he held no hate there.</p> <p> </p> <p>"As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn't leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I'd still be in prison," Mandela said after he was freed in in 1990.</p> <p> </p> <p>Surrounded by his family in his Houghton, Johannesburg home Mandela drew his last breath and what's left for the rest of the world is a seismic void of humanism that will be impossible to fill. What's left for South Africa is the logistical nightmare of trying to bury a man whose spirit, legacy, impact and cultural significance far out last his physical being.</p> <p> </p> <p>Amid unremarkable grief, South Africa will have to right itself, get dressed up nice and presentable to publicly mourn one of the greatest humanitarians this world has ever known.</p> <p> </p> <p>According to the <em>Guardian</em>, the funeral will rival that of Pope John Paul II in 2005, which drew five kings, six queens and 70 presidents and prime ministers as well as 2 million faithful.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/3mandela.jpg" style="height:366px; width:650px" /></p> <p> </p> <p><em>The Guardian</em>, which has seen an internal South African document in preparation for this day, sets out a 12-day schedule from the moment of Mandela's death. Although the Guardian reports that the document was drawn up a year ago and is subject to revisions, it has Mandela's body being moved to the morgue under heavy guard.</p> <p> </p> <p>There will be condolence books at, "all foreign missions, Nelson Mandela Foundation, Union Buildings, and possibly Soweto Mandela Museum" during the first few days, the <em>Guardian</em> reports.</p> <p> </p> <p>On the sixth day, there will be a memorial in which, South African president Jacob Zuma will speak. On day eight, Mandela's body will be encased in a glass coffin and placed in the Pretoria city hall for three days.</p> <p> </p> <p>There will be a rehearsal for the official state funeral on day nine. Day 10 is more prep including mass street closings also the body will be taken for its final dressing. Day 11 is a procession from the mortuary to the Union Buildings and state funeral. Day 12 is the morning procession through the streets then to the family home for burial, the <em>Guardian </em>reports.</p> <p> </p> <p>Every living president who can attend will.</p> <p> </p> <p>Oprah Winfrey is expected to attend.</p> <p> </p> <p>Prince William and Kate, who were, according to the BBC, at the UK and European premiere of <em>Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom</em> when the news broke, will attend.</p> <p> </p> <p>Not to mention the millions of others whose lives he touched.</p> <p> </p> <p>This funeral, this massive event of collective remembrance and worldwide grieving will make the World Cup crowd look small.</p> <p> </p> <p>South Africa must ready itself for the global attention and outpouring of love that will be shown in these next two weeks. Mandela isn’t done teaching. Even in his death the lesson is being given to South Africa and therefore to us all. That sometimes the odds are against you and sometimes it all feels overwhelming but trust in the compassion you feel and the logistics will work themselves out.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.theroot.com/articles/culture/2013/12/nelson_mandela_1932_2013_south_africa_prepares_its_goodbye.html">The Root</a></p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/nelson-mandela" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Nelson Mandela</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/mandela-0" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">mandela</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/mandelas-death" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">mandela&#039;s death</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/south-africa" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">South Africa</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/apartheid" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Apartheid</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/civil-rights" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">civil rights</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/remembering-mandela" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">remembering mandela</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Stephen A. Crockett Jr</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pop field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Popular:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">not popular</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-photographer field-type-text field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Photographer:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Wikipedia Commons</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-bot field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Bottom Slider:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Out Slider</div></div></div> Mon, 09 Dec 2013 16:39:28 +0000 tara 3923 at https://www.highbrowmagazine.com https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/3237-farewell-nelson-mandela#comments Nelson Mandela’s Long Goodbye https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/2564-nelson-mandela-s-long-goodbye <div class="field field-name-field-cat field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/news-features" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">News &amp; Features</a></div></div></div><span class="submitted-by">Submitted by tara on Mon, 07/01/2013 - 10:35</span><div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/2mandela%20%28Wikipedia%20Commons%29.jpg?itok=Z1cvpmlb"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/2mandela%20%28Wikipedia%20Commons%29.jpg?itok=Z1cvpmlb" width="367" height="480" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p> From <a href="http://newamericamedia.org/2013/06/nelson-mandelas-long-goodbye-has-lessons-for-all-of-us.php">New America</a> and <a href="http://www.firstpost.com/world/nelson-mandelas-long-goodbye-has-lessons-for-all-of-us-907581.html">FirstPost</a>:</p> <p>  </p> <p> Nelson Mandela is dying. Hard as it is to accept the fact, the world has to come to terms with it.</p> <p>  </p> <p> It's not surprising that South Africans are praying for his recovery. But perhaps a final gesture of gratitude to the man who is indisputably the Father of the Nation is to pray for his peaceful death. Or passing. Or transition. If those euphemisms offer some solace and sound less final than death.</p> <p>  </p> <p> Nelson Mandela is almost 95. He has been in and out of hospitals three times this year. Newsrooms around the world have probably gotten his obituary ready more than once. His health has gone up and down, each “recovery” a little slower than the previous one. The man's body is tired. Reports say he has not opened his eyes in days and is largely unresponsive.</p> <p>  </p> <p> But as a society, we now have the medical capability to prolong life to a degree our grandparents could never imagine. Every day in hospitals all over, elderly patients, entirely nonfunctional, unable to register anything, are hooked up to ventilators offering some semblance of life and hope to the family around them. And it's a lucrative source of revenue for hospitals, which always seem very eager to strap on the ventilator and charge a hefty fee. A doctor friend once told me that the ventilator was meant as a temporary breathing assistance for a young person who might have had some traumatic injury or illness but who hopefully would fully bounce back to life afterwards. It was never meant to be a semi-permanent breathing solution for a person already dying.</p> <p>  </p> <p> I am not implying at all the hospital in Pretoria has ulterior motives in prolonging Mandela's life. It's just that determining what is the natural end of a life has become increasingly more complicated and fraught for all of us.</p> <p>  </p> <p> The advancement of medical technology has meant a longer life, as well as the hope of recovery from illnesses that felled our grandparents. But it has also meant we can cling on to life with greater tenaciousness and artificiality. Visiting a great-aunt at a hospital not so long ago, I tried to reconcile the jolly beaming woman I knew with the shapeless lump under a hospital sheet, tethered to tubes and a ventilator, reduced to a line on a monitor, silent except for the shuddering intake of breath. Once she looked at me, and her eyes were so full of pain and questions, I had to drop my gaze.</p> <p>  </p> <p> It is hard to let loved ones go. Sometimes it's because the children scattered around the world need to come. But mostly it's because we keep hoping for miracles, that she will get better. At 95 Nelson Mandela, even if he comes out of hospital one more time, is not likely to get better. But we still hope. "Nelson Mandela, for me, is like my father," Alex Siake, a South African, said in Pretoria. "Every day, I just pray that he can recover quickly and be among us again."</p> <p> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/2mandela%20%28Wiki%29.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 511px;" /></p> <p> However even as we cling to life, no one wants to cling to suffering. The other day I remember worrying about how upset my mother would be about the death of a close friend. But to my surprise, she was almost envious that her friend had died after a stroke in the bathroom without any apparent suffering. The vision of an old age with a broken hip, spiraling diabetes, or a new cancerous tumour, stuck full of needles in an ICU is an ever present terrifying nightmare as we grow older.</p> <p>  </p> <p> But for those around the patient, it's hard to let go because it feels wrong to pull the plug on a loved one. We are not used to, or comfortable, playing God in that fashion. We are plagued by hope against hope. Often the people closest to the dying, the ones likely to be most affected, are the ones who come to terms with letting go. It's the son who lives abroad, rushing in at the last moment, who desperately wants to prolong life by throwing every medical advancement at a tired and battered weary body.</p> <p>  </p> <p> Mandela's daughter Makiziwe is quoted as saying she is praying his "transition is smooth". But Daliwe Bida, a resident of Mandela's native village told the media, "We are praying nonstop because we don't know what can happen if he leaves us." One can understand the stakes are that much higher when it's a person of the stature of Nelson Mandela. The pressure to keep the man alive almost reaches the point of wanting to keep him immortal.</p> <p>  </p> <p> South Africans have been asked to pray for his recovery as if praying for his death would appear ungrateful. As long as he is physically alive he gives a certain reassurance to his nation, and even to the world. Unlike many other statesmen, his stature has not faded around the world even though he has long left office because his stature was never really tied to his office. It preceded him becoming the President of South Africa and lived on after he relinquished that post. In fact, it grew even more powerful that the man who could easily have been South Africa's president for life, in a continent where many freedom-fighting founding fathers chose to do just that, decided to retire.</p> <p>  </p> <p> Yet in his long goodbye, Nelson Mandela is also teaching us something. That no matter how much we want to hold on to something or someone, sometimes we have to let them go. Nelson Mandela has given a lot the world. To let go of Nelson Mandela is perhaps the greatest gift of gratitude the world can offer him at this point.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <a href="http://www.firstpost.com/world/nelson-mandelas-long-goodbye-has-lessons-for-all-of-us-907581.html">FirstPost</a></p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/nelson-mandela" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Nelson Mandela</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/south-africa" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">South Africa</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/obama" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Obama</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/nelson-mandela-dying" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">nelson mandela dying</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Sandip Roy</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pop field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Popular:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">not popular</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-photographer field-type-text field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Photographer:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Wikipedia Commons</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-bot field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Bottom Slider:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Out Slider</div></div></div> Mon, 01 Jul 2013 14:35:28 +0000 tara 3099 at https://www.highbrowmagazine.com https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/2564-nelson-mandela-s-long-goodbye#comments Cape Town: South Africa's Answer to the Mediterranean https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/1482-cape-town-south-africas-answer-mediterranean <div class="field field-name-field-cat field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/travel" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Travel</a></div></div></div><span class="submitted-by">Submitted by tara on Tue, 08/21/2012 - 10:37</span><div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/2mediumcapetown%20%28Xevi%20V%29.jpg?itok=aIkUfoQw"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/2mediumcapetown%20%28Xevi%20V%29.jpg?itok=aIkUfoQw" width="480" height="247" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>  </p> <p style=""> Cape Town, South Africa, now a premier travel destination, with a Mediterranean climate and beautiful landscape has been a magnet, drawing people from all around the world, to fall in love with its many charms. </p> <p style="">  </p> <p style=""> The city is nestled between Table Mountain and Table Bay. From big game safaris, shark diving, world-class surfing, high-end food and shopping, to elegant wine country, Cape Town offers visitors  the opportunity to engage in numerous activities.  You’ll find plenty of historic attractions and a rich history to delve into.</p> <p style="">  </p> <p style=""> Cape Town is in essence a “tale of two cities”:  the affluent and touristic areas --  prime real estate where a parking spot can go for a few hundred thousand dollars, million-dollar homes along the cape, and a booming tourism industry that demands the best.  Then there are the poor shantytowns and memories of apartheid.  Poverty is still rampant here.   The wounds of apartheid have healed, but the scars can still be found.   </p> <p style="">  </p> <p style="">  Cape Town has continued to improve its quality of living and safety, yet it isn’t a city  where you can put on your backpack explore.  A few blocks the wrong way could put you in dangerous territory.  Most tourists are advised to spend the few extra dollars for a better hotel in a tourist or business area like the V&amp;A Waterfront.  These areas are regularly patrolled and mostly safe from violent crime. </p> <p style="">  </p> <p style="">  </p> <p style="">  You can find plenty of tour companies along the waterfront.  Private tours can be booked from your hotel. But the best and least expensive way to see the city is the Hop On Hop Off bus, red-and-blue double-decker buses, which  can be found in cities all over the world, and here in Cape Town the routes are excellent.</p> <p style="">  </p> <p style=""> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/3mediumcapetown%20%28eguidetravel%29.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 543px; " /></p> <p style="">  </p> <p style=""> The buses take you to all the main tourist attractions, as well as a few lesser-known ones. You stay as long as you like and just catch the next passing bus, which comes every 20-30 minutes.  You can purchase one- or two-day tickets.  The red line takes you to all the city attractions, including the V&amp;A Waterfront and Table Mountain.  The blue line drives around the outskirts and part of the Cape Peninsula; stops include a wine tasting at a vineyard and the famous Kirstenbosch Gardens.  Other benefits to seeing the city this way is on a nice day you can sit outside on the upper deck and use the headphones they supply to listen to commentary in 16 languages of all the sites, as well as some key points along the drive. </p> <p style="">  </p> <p style=""> The heart of the city is the V&amp;A Waterfront. Here, you’ll find a lively working harbor that is lined with bars, restaurants, and shops.  It’s a great way to ease into Cape Town, get a feel for the city and its people, you can walk the piers, ride the giant Ferris wheel, and see the Coca-Cola man, a giant red Lego-type statue made from Coke crates.</p> <p style="">  </p> <p style=""> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/2StephenCapetownphoto.JPG" style="width: 600px; height: 450px; " /></p> <p style="">  </p> <p style=""> Here, you can purchase tickets to Robben Island, where the world-famous political figure Nelson Mandela was held prisoner during apartheid.  One of Cape Town’s most popular attractions tickets can sell out for many days in advance. Prepare for a half-day tour (some guides will say three hours). Enjoy a 45-minute ferry ride where you’ll tour the island on a bus before visiting the prison.  This is a must-see destination, essential to understanding the history of Cape Town and South Africa. </p> <p style="">  </p> <p style=""> Apartheid is not just solely South African history, but world history -- a fight for humanity.  One of the highlights of this tour is that most of the prison tour guides were actually in the prison themselves with Nelson Mandela.</p> <p style="">  </p> <p style=""> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/1mediumcapetown%20%28DerekKeats%29.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 400px; " /></p> <p style="">  </p> <p style=""> On the ferry ride back, you’ll see the iconic Table Mountain in the backdrop of the city.  This is a natural wonder of the world, and the most popular attraction here.  Clouds often roll in over the mountain covering the top and are referred to by locals as the table cloth.  The best time to visit is when the skies are clear.  A cable car will take you to the top where breathtaking views of the cape and the city bowl await. </p> <p style="">  </p> <p style=""> No trip to Cape Town is complete without exploring the Cape Peninsula itself, where you can visit a penguin colony, the Cape of Good Hope, which is the southwestern most part of the world, Cape Point light house, and the legendary wine country.  </p> <p style="">  </p> <p style=""> Cape Town has gained worldwide recognition for its wine industry.  The Mediterranean climate is perfect for developing top-notch wines and vineyards, like Stellenbosch, which offers tours year round.  It’s worth spending some time  at the vineyards enjoying the countryside, and tasting wine.  Some of the wineries offer gourmet dinners, a great way to end an afternoon. </p> <p style="">  </p> <p style=""> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/3stephencapetownphoto.JPG" style="width: 600px; height: 450px; " /></p> <p style="">  </p> <p style=""> Food is a part of the soul of this city and Cape Town has become a culinary melting pot, drawing influence from many ethnicities. Some of the freshest seafood can be found here. The fish and chips rival those on the British Isles are some of the best in the world, done with different fish other than the typical cod, try hake or snoek.  In the V&amp;A Waterfront, Quay Four offers  excellent seafood, a great view,  and is reasonably priced compared to the other trendy restaurants on the waterfront. </p> <p style="">  </p> <p style=""> In the downtown area,  Mama Africa, a joint serving local fare, like ostrich, kudu and crocodile, along with live music is a popular destination.</p> <p style="">  </p> <p style=""> Staying closer to Cape Town, a drive along Chapman’s Drive is in demand, a breathtaking road that winds along the coast; the Hop On Hop Off buses travel this road as well,  and offer wonderful photo opportunities like the famous Lions Head Mountain.  Here you’ll find some of the most expensive real estate in the world.</p> <p style="">  </p> <p style=""> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/4stephencapetownphoto.JPG" style="width: 600px; height: 450px; " /></p> <p style="">  </p> <p style=""> Another popular stop is Mariners Wharf at Hout’s Bay.  A quaint, sleepy harbor, there are a few antique and pearl shops, a street market, and a beach, but the real jewel is  its lunch spot, the Mariner’s Wharf restaurant, serving some of the best fish, prawn and crawfish and chips.</p> <p style="">  </p> <p style=""> Other popular destinations  include the  other side of Cape Town life, the Imizamo Yethu Township, a poverty township and symbol of the apartheid movement.  Here you can see how many South African families live, and learn how this township is pushing away from poverty and into prosperity</p> <p style="">  </p> <p style="">  Walking around Cape Town you’ll notice the decorative ostrich eggs, carved, painted, and made into lights for sale in the shops; there are even stores completely dedicated to selling them.  Cape Town has many ostrich farms outside the city, you can visit these on your own, but visits are often included in most of the Cape Peninsula tours. </p> <p style="">  </p> <p style=""> Perhaps nothing defines Africa better than a safari.  South Africa is home to many famous wildlife parks.  But, Cape Town also offers extreme adventure too, like a military combat helicopter ride and cage diving with great white sharks.  Only a few places in the world allow this extreme activity.</p> <p style="">  </p> <p style=""> Cape Town, majestic and mystical, a city rich in culture, has stepped up onto the the world stage, evolving and developing itself as the premier African city. </p> <p style="">  </p> <p style=""> <strong>Author Bio:</strong></p> <p style=""> <em>Stephen Delissio is a contributing writer at</em> Highbrow Magazine.</p> <p style="">  </p> <p style=""> <em><strong>Photos: Stephen Delissio; Xevi V, Derek Keats (Flickr, Creative Commons); eGuideTravel.</strong></em></p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/cape-town" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Cape Town</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/south-africa" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">South Africa</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/mediterranean" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">the Mediterranean</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/nelson-mandela" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Nelson Mandela</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/apartheid" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Apartheid</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/safari" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">safari</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/table-mountain" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Table Mountain</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/robben-island" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Robben Island</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/visiting-cape-town" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">visiting Cape Town</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Stephen Delissio</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pop field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Popular:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">not popular</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-photographer field-type-text field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Photographer:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">xevi v, Flickr (Creative Commons)</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-bot field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Bottom Slider:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Out Slider</div></div></div> Tue, 21 Aug 2012 14:37:38 +0000 tara 1428 at https://www.highbrowmagazine.com https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/1482-cape-town-south-africas-answer-mediterranean#comments