Barriers.

Barriers.

   On Monday, May 29th, the coach departed for Alexandra, a township located in  the Gauteng province of South Africa. Upon arrival to this township, I felt similar to how I did entering all the other townships. However, as we moved from the outskirts into the densely populated space I became aware that  Alexandra was different than other spaces we explored. Walking through Alexandra, we were greeted and welcomed by various community members, whether it was informally or formally, everyone offered us a warm welcome. As our guide Harry said, people in Alexandra may not be wealthy in possessions, but they are wealthy in their minds which ringed true as we explored this space and met the families, children, employees, and  neighbors of this space who radiated positivity throughout this township. 

   This space was extremely community oriented. We met a man who trained to be a body builder and opened up a gym in Alexandra. Anyone was welcome to use this gym - kids, elders, and everyone in between. In walking, we passed other businesses too. Whether it was a hair salon or small bakery, everyone’s door was open allowing for interactions between anyone passing by. These small interactions, just a hello or welcome gave me a feeling of community and that they were okay with sharing their space to us to learn. 

   Our next stop was Sandton, an area which contains the most wealth in all of South Africa. Although it was just down the street from Alexandra, this space was vastly different, and showed how poverty and wealth live side-by-side. On our way to Nelson Mandela square we passed several private schools and large residences. When we got to the square, we were surrounded by high-end retail, expensive restaurants, and different people - not nearly as warm, friendly, and welcoming. 

   Our final stop was Melrose Arch, which proved to be very different than both  Alexandra and Sandton. Melrose Arch is a private gated community not far from either of the previous stops, but such a different space composed of different people. Driving into Melrose Arch through a gate felt very unwelcoming. A wall surrounded this mini - city from the rest of Johannesburg, creating a physical barrier between spaces and I think a figurative barrier in ideology and ways of life. This small privatized space was built up with hotels, apartments, global businesses as well as advanced technology like giant television screens in the middle of the square and charging stations for electric cars. 

   While at Melrose Arch, we stepped into a hotel called “African Pride,” which made me question the spaces that one may call “home.” and how much this concept can vary. The hotel manager explained how they utilize the five  senses to create the notion that someone is “at home” every time they step into the hotel, if they do so periodically. I think home can be a feeling, but there is more to home than scents and food proved by our visit to Alexandra. 

   Today’s visit to Melrose Arch left me wondering how much do residents of Sandton and Melrose Arch know about their neighbors who live just down the street? Why are people creating barriers instead of breaking them? 

Kylie Schreck