New York University students from the Center for Global Affairs with Khulumani members in Thokoza, East Rand.Khulumani Educational Tour with the New York University students from the Center for Global Affairs took place on 12 June 2014 at Thokoza, Phola Park at Nomarussia’s house.
There were seven students (girls) and one professor. The programme started at 09h00 till 12h30. The purpose of the tour was for the students to learn about what is happening in South Africa after the apartheid government.
Stephanie Fletcher wrote, “The courage and perseverance demonstrated by the members of the Khulumani Support Group has touched and inspired me deeply. Through the power and strength of collective action, together, these survivors face overwhelming hardships with dignity and hope. Seeking justice and reconciliation for their pains, the members of Khulumani are fighting for their human rights and a better quality of life for themselves and their children.”
Sophie, a Chinese student studying at New York University, said “It is one thing to look at the apartheid history and another to listen and understand what have really happened to different individuals during that period, I really appreciate this opportunity to be a listener to all these brave minds and I will never forget these individual feelings and disappointment behind the entire social transformation.”
Hellen Chen, another Chinese student, said, “It is a great honor to be regarded as a trusted listener and be part of their healing process. The moment they start to sing and putting their smile again on their face, I was really inspired by their courage to fight against past and fight for their future. I will take their stories by heart in the rest of my life and make effort to help as much as I can.”
Prof. Barbara Borst said, “Songs filled the room at Noma-Russia Bonase’s home on Thursday morning when several of us from New York University’s Center for Global Affairs visited the Khulumani Support Group at Phola Park in Thokoza. We were overwhelmed by the warmth of the greeting on a chilly morning. One by one, the group members told us of the pain that apartheid had inflicted on them and their families – injuries, deaths, disappearances. They told us that being in the group, and even speaking to visitors like ourselves, were important parts of the healing process. They talked, too, of their insistence that reparations must be made and of their determination to be “directors” of democratic South Africa, prodding government to respond to the needs of the people and striving for justice. We were truly honored to be taken into their trust, although we still need to work on learning the lyrics and the dance steps. Our thanks go out to all the members of Khulumani for an unforgettable visit, including a serenade as a send-off.”
The students were doing research in South Africa on the following issues –
- Gender Based Violence and how to reduce it;
- Inequality and how to reduce it after the post-apartheid regime;
- Victims of Rape and Violence;
- HIV issues;
- Socio-Economic issues such as:
- how to reduce poverty and
- what the government can do by using Micro Finance;
- how to create more jobs and
- how businesses can reduce the gap between the rich and poor people.
