Week 3: The History of South Africa

It was really surprising to see how much the history of South Africa matches up so well with the history of the United States.  How the natives that lived on the land were forced out of their own territory.  Due to new settlers escaping from religious persecution from their own countries they were traveling from.  While also in search of new land development, resources, and territory.  The Mines and Work Act is similar to the Jim Crow Laws such as the how separation existed between non-white and white people.  Only whites having the privilege of voting, better education and owning land.  What really stuns me is that the United States era of slavery ended more than 140 years ago.  Yet South Africa is just now coming out of apartheid in just 10 years ago.  This speaks a lot on the restructuring of this country.  As American citizens we are continuously working on equal rights for all still to this day.  I can only image the struggle that is continuously going on during this current time which is a present challenge for the citizens who were forced under unjust laws.  One strength I did notice is that South Africa government has agreed to transition from violence to a more peaceful and a new constitution. 

The current event that I strongly connect with is "Women top the agenda at AU summit."  Why would this be of interest to me you ask?  I understand that in different cultures there are different views about certain customs, traditions, norms, and rights.  However I feel that it is the utmost rightful privilege of any girl, or woman to have a choice on if she is ready to become united with an individual for the rest of her life.  I understand that in America divorce is on the top of the list for family disasters, but for most of those individuals.  They still probably had a choice if they wanted to become in a sacred union with one another.  They were not all forced to do something.  

Women should have a voice and they should be heard.  It is only when we are silent and do not speak up is when we can be overlooked and mistreated.  Well I have a voice and I am committed to use it.  There should and will be respect for girls and women.  It is up to us to take a stand on this issue at hand to make change.

Questions:  What is South Africa's place in the fight against Ebola in West Africa?  What steps in being put into place to create equality for all citizens in South Africa?

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