67 Minutes for Madiba
July 16, 2010 Leave a comment
I went with my son and some friends to the official FIFA Fan Park in Soweto for the opening ceremony and first game of the World Cup Soccer. Driving there we could not help but notice how lovely Soweto looked. We were very proud and could clearly feel the community spirit that characterised the area. At the fan park, we had a fantastic time! The place was pumping! We all made new friends and spent the day dancing and singing…and watching the occasional bit of soccer!
But the day ended a little sadly. A very nice man approached my son and me and welcomed us to Soweto. He asked me to ‘please bring more of my people to visit’. He then asked me which country we were from. I answered, ‘The country of Bedfordview!’ He laughed and told me that this was my home as well as his. My sadness was around the perception – or probably reality – that the only white people who come to Soweto have to be foreign visitors.
So here is what I think…why not take your family on 18 July and spend 67 minutes visiting the closest township or rural village. There is a lot to see and many interesting people to meet. Let’s show the world that we are one nation who comfortably moves in and out of each and every space. And I guarantee you will have a great time as well!
Lorraine Marneweck
