Before you continue reading my myTake i want you to close your eyes and repeat South Africa , South Africa, South Africa to yourself three times. What imagery did you immediately associate with the country?
Everyone living in clay huts? Only black people living in the country? Lions and other wild animals roaming the streets? Everyone dressed in traditional clothing? Everyone having AIDS?
Well... what if i told you that all of these are misconceptions about South Africa. Despite what you might think or might have been told not a single one of these are true.
All people living in clay huts
South Africa has come a long way in terms of development. Over the last couple of years it has become well sophisticated and technologically advanced. This fast paced development has left the gap between the rich and the poor bigger than ever.
In South Africa the poorest areas consist of makeshift houses which are usually constructed on the outskirts of the Town. The richest areas consist of fancy hotels overlooking the see, penthouses, mansions and basically any type of building typically found in a First World Country.
Only black people living in the country
Did you know that Charlize Theron, Sasha Pieterse and Candice Swanepoel are all South African ?
With 80% of the population in South Africa being black it is not surprising that many foreigners think that there are no other races living in the country. In fact South Africa is called the Rainbow Nation because of its diversity in terms of culture, races and languages. South Africa has 11 official languages.
Lions and other wild animals roaming the streets
This is probably one of the more common misconceptions believed by foreigners. We do not ! i repeat , We do not have wild animal roaming the streets in South Africa. The closest you're going to get to roaming wild animals are at the nature reserve- under controlled conditions.
Everyone dressed in traditional clothing
People are dressed normally in South Africa. I wear Adidas sneakers , H&M shorts, Mr Price branded shirts. The only place where people probably still wear traditional clothing is in small rural villages- but i think even this is becoming a rare sighting. South Africa is becoming increasingly Westernized.
Everyone having AIDS
Not all South Africans have AIDS. However many people have contracted it due to the fact that mine workers are away from their families for months at a time, getting minimum wage. These men sleep around and that is how they contract the virus. They then return back home and pass the virus on to their wives.
If you travel to poorer parts of the country you are more likely to come across people who suffer from AIDS. You are less likely to come across it in wealthier areas. Its all about context, similarly to how you will find more drugs and crime in poorer areas- you will also find more people infected with viruses like AIDS.
South Africa is a beautiful country. Dont be fooled by common misconceptions ! Do your own research and then decide whether South Africa is a place that you would like to visit.
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