Studying Law in South Africa was just to get to where they were. Some of them lost parents due to the violence of apartheid and many of them battled poverty and still found a way to get their education. Many of them hope to be the change that Justice Yacoob spoke of which will create a better Republic of South Africa. I learned a lot from them and appreciate them for opening up to us and sharing their stories with us.
A traditional meal prepared in Langa Township.
What are some of the perceptions that some of the South Africans you met have of Americans and American law students and lawyers? Although apartheid is no more in South Africa, the racism, prejudices, and stereotypes are still prevalent throughout the country. The socioeconomic status based on race is not much different from when the apartheid regime was still in place. Africans or the Blacks are still at the bottom, above them are the “Col-
oreds” which are people of any mixed race, above them are Indians, and above them are the White South Africans. As an African American, most South Africans that are not Black see me as simply “Black.” Among the South Africans, some of them see Americans as being “entitled,” “arrogant” and “privileged”. Once interacting with us, their attitudes toward us changed and they were very welcoming and open with us. However, not all South Africans felt this way. Many of them were happy to have us and willing to share their experiences with us in order for us to get a better idea of their life in South Africa.
The High Court of the Western Cape
Annual 2013 Edition
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A view of Table Mountain from Langa Township. 31