Travelling to Cape Town and Visiting Langa

Programs for this blog post

Leadership & Service Through Mandela's Example

Authored By:

Chelsi Dimm

After three full days touring Johannesburg, including sites like Soweto, the Apartheid Museum, students ventured to Cape Town to settle into their home for the next three weeks. Students began their time by taking an isiXousa language and culture workshop to better understand the culture of the community they will be serving. Students had a fun time practicing the clicks in the pronunciation of words and then used their skills to greet locals. 

Students then participated in a walking tour of the area to continue to orient themselves. This tour encompassed more of Cape Town's history including The arrival of the Dutch East India Company, Desmond Tutu's Cathedral, a brief history of District Six and the forced relocation of people of color to segregated neighborhoods outside of the city center, along with many other sites. 

Then students visited Langa and participated in a walking tour, cooking class and musical experience. Students were happy to learn how to create some local dishes and even cooked a few over the open fire! Students had their faces painted and enjoyed the meal created through their own effort!