Driving with our director after every rehearsals, brought me such need to know more about the foreigners, which on a normal day I would pass them and pretend as if  they do not exist.

I thought, if I didn’t look at them or talk to them, they might appreciate that I am giving them their space. However, I would never do that to a South African. I didn’t know how ignorant that may have been. I was ignorant.  I was quick to say ‘No To Xenophobia’  but I can’t even say hello, or buy from them. Instead I put them in a box, forgetting that they are here to survive just like me. They are human beings wanting nothing but to be treated as such. My ignorance was nuanced a bit when I was put in a situation that prompted me to learn and  research the stories in ‘the last country’.

Being part of the last county, really disturbed me. Frustrated me. Provoked me and challenged me. From this experience I ended up wanting  to know more to know how they were, how did they come here. Where was the bravery coming from… I where was the spirit of holding on came from, the hope they have.

I felt the need to be human, to possibly greet and hug them. Tell them that, I now understand. Somehow I felt even more connected because I was telling their story. I always wanted to tell stories that matter, stories about people and their experiences. Stories that challenged social cohesion. There is power in knowing someone’s story. It changes you as human.

I am so grateful for the experience.I cannot wonder about other South Africans but I know that  I am at a privilege space that has allowed me to be human.  I can do more than what I have been doing. I don’t  have millions but it surely does start with my thinking.  It starts with knowledge. It starts with learning me to not point easily. It starts with my heart and mind. It starts with with love for humanity. I am trying to not cry writing this blog, because  I have been laid back and relaxing because my territory has been safe.

That is not living. I always say I care about people. I can do more than saying.  Give hand where ever I can. Denis Hurley Centre is close by, I should befriend my self with that space. I should smile and more and converse with those whom are not like me.

Looking forward to the better me from this moment onwards…