Durban Politics

Today we went to an interesting meeting with the city manager, where I was thoroughly appalled by the manner in which he suggested the street traders will go from orange sellers to big business owners all through the help of the private sector and the development of a mall. And not just any mall, but one which will go directly over an area were thousands of south africans are presently trading and making a living! I was brave and challenged the city manager on several of his points. In his general response, to all the questions the crowd had, he made reference to my several of my points and then by way of a comeback , as I think he thought I was American, he blamed the American economic crisis for massive unemployment in Durban. Little does he know I am a Canadian and have a little less to do with the economic crisis than he thinks....

When we returned to the office, my coworker thanked me for my intervention and I was happy to have been so productive. It was a moment where I truly felt my politicial science background was being put to good use! I think I will learn lots through working at Streetnet and that it will be a steep learning curve but a very rewarding and exciting opportunity!