The Architecture of Friendship - Samantha White

Authored By:

Nicola Lazenby

Besides being the name of one of Johannesburg's biggest townships, what does the word "Soweto" stand for? What is the significance of  the role of women in this country? And how should a northerner from America pronounce the word "pen"?

These three questions were but a part of many that we found ourselves asking as we embarked on our third day of our HSSA Summer program to South Africa.

Despite being long, the day in Johannesburg never contained a dull moment. A particularly pleasant aspect of the culture here in contrast to America is the amount of symbolism each structure in Johannesburg contains. This is especially clear at the Hector Pietersen museum and memorial. Hector Pietersen was one of 176 children killed in a protest where, under the laws of Apartheid, school children were marching against being forced to learn in Afrikaans instead of their mother tongues. His image, captured in a photograph on the day of his death, is now iconic around the world.

The museum's architecture shows deep symbolic detail: The trees are planted along the road to symbolizing children and the path they took on their march, while the water running from a fountain nearby represents their blood spilled and the tears wept for them.

South Africa thus far has proven to be full of an amazing culture with a deep history. Although their people have endured a tremendous amount of hardship each individual I have come across has been kind-hearted and welcoming.

Although being educated about the vast history of South Africa is an incredible experience, one of the highlights of today was getting a chance to relax with my peers. After a long day of touring Soweto, we all met in one room with the intention to relax. Of course, this turned into an intense game of spoons while southerners argued with northerners about the correct way to say "pens". Everyone seemed far more comfortable around each other than we had on our first day, and as I looked around the table each individual wore a bright smile and the room was full of laughter. This two-hour session assured me that the people on this trip would play an important role in my stay in South Africa in the most positive way.