Welcome to the land of Milk & Honey (or Snapple & Syrup)

15 doe-eyed young South Africans descend by plane to Washington D.C on 12^th June 2011. Once the tedious process of screening, passport verification and luggage collection is complete, we stagger towards an ecstatic Kim. Her arms are extended towards us, and we briefly embrace. Sigh! We have arrived.

After an American barbeque at the Cantrel’s, we discussed general admin issues (including traveling in D.C, dress codes and upcoming events). One sleep and we were off to our respective internships. I navigated my way to the bus stop, recalling the directions Maria had given me the previous night.

Out the door- turn right- turn right again- walk straight. Phew!

I took careful note of the street names, the metro bus numbers, the local store and antique shop. I’ve never been one for directions, might I add. I’ve always viewed ‘getting lost’ as an opportunity to explore… needless then to say, I’ve gained the reputation of ‘Great Explorer’.

I am interning at the Corporate Council on Africa; an organization which facilitates trade relations between United States companies looking to broaden their business into the African continent. With nearly 200 American corporations as members; ranging from small enterprises to Fortune 500 conglomerates, this is a reputable institution!

Take it all in- I repeat under my breath, as I’m introduced to the staff and fellow interns. Take it all in.

The nature of work the CCA engages in demands professionalism and personal initiative. As an intern for five weeks, I am determined to make an indelible impression here. It is with this in mind, that I write an article for the June Africa e-Journal; a monthly report which is distributed to CCA member corporations and the general public. A sizeable audience. My article is entitled “B-BBEE Equity Equivalent Programs: Creativity Meets Compliance”. It is featured in the ‘Entrepreneur’s Corner’ of the journal. Follow the link below to view the June 2011 Africa e-Journal.

https://custom.cvent.com/24FC00C8E2B14C51845B363F26CD6006/files/7fca50da5aea4c9aa2eccd63dce6fe89.pd

Hot on the heels of this personal milestone, I attend a forum discussion “African Food Basket: Innovations, Interventions, and Strategic Partnerships,” presented by Malawian President; his Excellency Ngwazi Professor Bingu wa Mutharika. His Excellency described the successes and challenges of the African Food Basket, which transformed Malawi’s food deficit to a food surplus spanning 7 consecutive years. I took great courage from the President’s will and vision of “Africa feeding the world”. The bold vision and subsequent strategy included basic education and training of small-scale farmers and the creation of a ‘Green Belt’. An overview of the “African Food Basket” forum discussion will follow…

As I reflect on the first week in Washington D.C, I am struck by the magnitude and scope of this experience! In the words of Viviek Ramsaroop “This is deep!” I look forward to the coming weeks, as we explore the topics of Servant Leadership, Democracy, Economic Growth & Entrepreneurship, Socio-Economic Human Rights, and Conflict& Reconciliation.