Enkosi means thank you

by Myra Rednoss (Germany)

I didn't expect to find South Africa

Enkosi means Thank you Living in a developed country we sometimes develop the perception that it is our responsibility to help other countries that lack the resources to develop their full potential. We want them to have the same chances and are striving to create equality while sometimes overlooking potential in the process. An academic background in human rights teaches you that they are a social construct developed over time by society as a fundamental tool holding us together, but also setting us apart, as opinions vary depending on the perspective. But even the truest believer in human rights has to experience that practise and theory do not always go hand in hand. My academic perspective was challenged by a couple of South African Sex Workers who changed my mindset for good and thereby changed my life, simply by becoming my friends. Sometimes life can be that simple: finding common points and developing friendships. Being a European I was never exposed to the racial tensions that are still existing in South Africa and it came to me as a shock, on how my character and personality was defined, simply for being white. Not knowing what to expect, I traveled to Cape Town to research the right to health of children of Sex Workers in South Africa for my thesis. I was looking for Input and what I received was nothing I could have expected. On my first day at the office in the NGO I was working in, I was perceived as another white European that wants to help poor South Africans and it was evident that I was not trusted. For me on the other hand, the loud office mentality also came as a shock after spending the last years locked up in a library. I was an outsider at first, but that was ok because it made it easy for me to observe and get to know everyone. Very fast I became deeply impressed by the dedication felt for the cause. Those women went through hell; they literally were bruised and scared, but stronger than anyone I have ever met before. Life continued to throw — and still does — one obstacle at them after another, but they just stand up and look for solutions. They channeled their pain in building up a foundation for the future well-being of the community. The aim is to succeed in the cause more than succeeding in your individual happiness. Is that not the way life should be? Living in times where the difference between rich and poor is increasing and everyone is worried about the future wouldn’t it be a solution to help each other out and also accepting help when offered? We are chasing a career with the constant fear that others might be better, because that automatically would result in failure. No matter how rich we are, no matter how successful — we will always compare and thus will continue being miserable because others seem to be better off. But is that what we should strive for? The women I have met have taught me compassion and that I have the right to share my feelings and worries, because in the end you can break down everybody’s problems to the same simple aspects of being a human being. It is evident that there is not enough exchange between groups all over the world, ranging from race, gender, religion and political views and there is much misperception on all sides. Instead of focusing on our differences why don’t we look at things that we have in common? Empowering others — I learned, is the key. South Africa has faced stigmatisation and artificial division for years and it is evident that the stigma remained but how can it ever stop if no-one dears to challenge their mindsets? In my head I thought that people would have the urge to talk about apartheid till someone thought I would enjoy talking about the second world war, being of German nationality. Point taken. Travelling to different countries, making local connections will challenge your mind and thanks to the friends I made I discovered a whole new world: a world full of life, ideas and creativity.