Saying goodbye is always a sad thing, its never easy and especially when you have made connections that transcend the boundaries of race, distance and age. Being away from South Africa at a time of hope, renewed optimism and profound change allowed me to reflect honestly about my role in this amazing country. I gave [...]
there are no goodbeye’s, just see you later.
August 9th, 2010 by GillionMy Hybrid heritage.
August 9th, 2010 by GillionSouth Africa Washington Internship Programme 5th Congressional Forum- United States House of Representatives.
Gillion Bosman, SAWIP student 2010 (University of Cape Town)
As you have heard tonight South Africa is like a melting pot of cultures. As a young South African I spent my formative years in a world that could only be seen as black and [...]
Twelve Quality Teachers
July 26th, 2010 by UhuruUpon my arrival in Cape Town my friends and family have been asking me about my best experience during my time in Washington. The SAWIP Congressional Forum stands out for me as my best experience. I was deeply moved by the sincere stories of our five speaks; Gillion, Melvyn, Rikus, Masana and Khaya. They [...]
Beautiful Gift.
July 24th, 2010 by SibusisoWashington was an incredible experience. Working at the Corporate Council on Africa gave me an understanding of the potential that Africa has. During my time at CCA, I had the opportunity to meet incredible people from all walks of life. One of the main highlights of my internship was attending a FICCI ( The Federation [...]
And a farewell to all
July 22nd, 2010 by BaneleFive weeks later and I must say I started missing home like never before. Then Friday came along and I realized what a blessing it was to be in that position. Being with all the WIPers and a few of the NSLers I took a moment to acknowledge and appreciate the people I met on [...]
But Let That Peace Begin With Me.
July 18th, 2010 by BryonyScientists are claiming that the recent findings in Africa prove that humanity started in Africa. My ancestors on my father’s side fled France in the 17th century to escape violent religious persecution. They took refuge in various parts of the world, including the Cape. They were uneducated and poor. Our branch of the family for [...]
I am white; and I am AN AFRICAN
July 17th, 2010 by MattheusMy Speech for the Congressional Forum:
Goeienaand Dames en Here.
According to my passport I am Mattheus Hendrikus Wessels, born on November 18th 1987. A white male and a South African citizen. More than 300 years ago Johannes Wessels set sail from the Netherlands to Cape Town, South Africa. He may have been Dutch, but I am [...]
Building a tower
July 16th, 2010 by KhayaBUILDING A TOWER!
In a watershed moment of the American leadership history on November 4, 2008, U.S.President Barack Obama in hias acceptance speech said “I was never the likeliest candidate for the office, we did not start with much money, and our campaign was built by working women and man who dug into little savings they [...]
SAWIP Congressional Forum 2010
July 16th, 2010 by SabeehaI have always been proud to be a South African. The passion I have for my country, my people and this land that is South Africa is unwavering and fierce. To see my fellow young people of South Africa, my fellow SAWIP team members, articulate this passion with such courage, sincerity and uncompromising love for [...]
Ray’s the Steaks: SAWIP trip to Anacostia
July 15th, 2010 by SabeehaThe Washington DC that I have become acquainted with is a picture of a thriving, developed nation. A generally efficient public transport system, clean streets, picturesque buildings- essentially the DC I have gotten to know is only one facet to a diverse city, one that also faces battles with inequality, HIV/ Aids, [...]
Ignorance is no excuse!
July 14th, 2010 by BryonyThese 5 weeks have gone incredibly fast. It’s my last day at work here at Africa Action and it feels like I’m leaving a part of my family behind.
Never did I think that I’d learn so much about Africa here in this office in the middle of Washington DC. I have learnt more about my [...]
Joseph Duffey: “A New Generation - New Opportunities - New Challenges -Does History Matter”
July 14th, 2010 by MattheusOn Tuesday July 13 the World Affairs Council - DC hosted an event where the Hon. Joseph Duffey, Vice-President of the Laureate International Universities Network, talked to 4 groups of interns, from the USA and abroad; The Washington Ireland Program (WIP), South Africa Washington Internship Program (SAWIP), New Story Leadership Program for Palestine and Israel [...]
My Leadership Moment
July 13th, 2010 by BaneleOn June 15th I had the opportunity to have my leadership moment at the South African embassy. This was the speech that opened up our DC experience:
June 16 1976 Soweto Uprising, almost 20 000 students stood up against Bantu Education. With a strong belief in their capabilities and the encouragement around them these students marched [...]
Challenges facing the youth - A talk given at the SAWIP - IDASA round table discussion on 6 July 2010
July 13th, 2010 by NomfundoWhat are some of the major political challenges facing South Africa and its youth today? This question could probably be answered by me giving a long list of some what depressing statistics and launching into a tirade against our government and all of their ‘failures’. But I refuse to do this. I refuse to pass [...]
Camp Intern
July 7th, 2010 by MattheusThe Lonely Planet Guide to DC refers to the city as “Camp Intern” during the months of July and August. Although I never went on Summer Camp, I presume that this is somewhat like that. A terrain filled with youngsters eager to learn. Just like kids they flock to the parks for lunch; with the [...]
The Fundraiser
July 6th, 2010 by BaneleOn Friday we had our fundraiser and one of the SAWIP class members, Tara Dales, was having her leadership moment. She spoke about music’s role in South Africa. In her speech, Tara mentioned how music is a form of communication and I started thinking about how people come together through music and how South African [...]
Sport = Unity?
July 6th, 2010 by BryonySaturday (the 3rd July) we were lucky enough to attend a baseball match.
It was the Nats (Nationals – Washington DC) v the Mets (New York). The stadium was almost packed and the queues were long. Now I consider myself quite a sports fanatic back home, I love rugby (die hard sharks fan), cricket, tennis and [...]
