You have probably heard of the terrible attacks against refugees and immigrants from other African nations residing here in South Africa. The most recent attacks started in the Johannesburg township of Alexandra and spread to other low income neighborhoods and informal settlements. They have caused a number of deaths and the displacement of thousands of people.

The actions have been condemned locally and abroad. Although the government was criticized for acting slowly initially there has been significant progress. On May 21^st President Thabo Mbeki authorised the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to provide the South African Police Service (SAPS) with the logistical support it needs to stabilise the situation. The situation is being brought under control and 400 arrests have been made.

If you are considering a visit to South Africa be aware that the problems were localized. You will not be in any of these areas on a Roar Africa trip. The South African Tourism Board is re-assuring all potential foreign visitors that it is safe to visit South Africa and that the incidents of attacks are contained in very small areas of our beautiful country.

The US Embassy issued a travel alert for South Africa on May 21^st. It is a fair account of the situation. It does not advise against traveling to South Africa, but warns American citizens to be aware of the possible dangers which are confined to isolated locations and informal settlements. You can find it here.

The South African Embassy calls on concerned and interested parties to visit their website at www.saembassy.org where you will find further information on this matter and the text of President Mbeki’s speech on May 21^st.

HOW TO HELP: We’d like to turn your attention to what you do not see in the headlines- The true spirit of South Africans and friends around the world who are helping the victims with donations of hard work, goods, food, blankets, and money. If you would like to help there are a number of options. Please visit United for Africa (“How to help” and “Where to Donate” pages).

Our thoughts are with all those affected by the violence.

I am excited to share some news and progress from our philanthropic partner, Uthando (Love) South Africa. Starting on July 1st Uthando will conduct a regular schedule of tours to their projects around Cape Town. These are not "tourist visits" to poor townships. Or "township tours". Yes you will visit townships but you will experience so much more. These are "authentic introductions to the social problems confronting so many South Africans, and the innovative and truly inspirational ways in which these problems are being handled" (Uthando). These tours define responsible tourism. They are a chance to learn, experience and be inspired.

The regular schedule of tours runs from Monday through Saturday. All trips run from Cape Town for about 4.5 hours (8.30am - 1.00pm) and are R650 (+/- $85) per person. That includes transport, tea/coffee/snacks, and a donation. The tours all begin with insight into the political and cultural heritage of the townships around Cape Town, visiting sites of the struggle against the Apartheid regime. Thereafter there are visits to specific Uthando projects. Here are some examples of the projects you might visit:

• Khumbulani Day Care Centre: Day care for children infected or affected by HIV / AIDS
• Abalimi Bezekhaya (Xhosa for “The Planters of the Home”): organic gardens providing income to impoverished locals
• Volcano Arts Project: Working with youth and schools to teach arts and life skills
• Khayelitsha Special Needs School: Develop skills and impart knowledge to disabled children.
• The Mdzananda Animal Clinic: Working to address animal welfare in Khayelitsha township
• Beauty for Ashes: A halfway house and prisoner rehabilitation project in Observatory.
• Jikeleza Dance Company: Performing arts for children from poor areas, providing them with a talent while building self-esteem, discipline and teamwork .

Sample tour (click the picture).

For full tour details click here or speak to Roar Africa to arrange it for you.

Come and learn something on your trip. All that's required is your enthusiasm and energy so save a half-day in Cape Town for an inspiring visit with Uthando.

See also my post from last month after a visit with Uthando.