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With the World Cup just a week away, the excitement is building for the biggest sporting event on the planet. While many know what the World Cup is, there are some people who may not like soccer or know much about South Africa.
Because this is such a huge event and is a wonderful blend of cultures and nationalities in one place, I wanted to get more information about South Africa and the World Cup.
So whether you live in Sacramento and know nothing about soccer or you live in Brazil where soccer is your passion, check out this three part interview with England-born, South African native, and soccer/football fan Clare Appleyard.
About Clare Appleyard
Clare was born in England but moved to South Africa when she was 6 years old. Clare spent her childhood growing up in South Africa under Apartheid before Mandela's freedom led to a revolution in the country. She grew up in a middle class family in Johannesburg and graduated from college in Cape Town with a Master's in Geology. As a kid, she learned early on what it meant to be a football fan. And as she traveled with her family, her love for travel grew as well as her love for football. She currently lives in a suburb of Johannesburg where diamonds, travel, and football are a big part of her life.
Part I explores Clare's life in South Africa and what she experienced in a country that has seen many changes.
You left England when you were a child. What brought you to South Africa?
Clare: My dad was in serious danger of losing his job in the UK under the Thatcher era and South Africa was hiring "white labour." So all 5 of us (mum, dad, 3 kids) emigrated to darkest Africa, Johannesburg, in January 1983.
What did you think about moving to SA as a child?
Clare: I think I was a little too young to understand the full implications. It was a bit of an adventure, but at the same time I was sad to be leaving the rest of my family (aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents) behind and my school friends.
Growing up in South Africa, what did you notice about differences in culture?
Clare: No fish and chips! Seriously, that was a big deal for me. Also, being a kid, I was pretty bummed that my birthday had moved from summer to winter.
As you grew older, what things did you notice?
Clare: Culture - we went from having a TV In the UK, to not having a TV in South Africa. So combined with the good weather, we spent far more time outside playing and exploring as kids. As I grew older I resented the "white Afrikaner" more. I rebelled against having to learn Afrikaans at school and I hated rugby because of what I felt it stood for.
What was it like as an outsider growing up under apartheid? How were race relations between white and black South Africans?
Clare: We didn't really know we were growing up under Apartheid, if you know what I mean. For us, it was just normal - schools were all white - we didn't know any different. Africans were the labourers, helped clean the houses, the gardens etc. It was only really when Nelson got released in 1990 that we (as kids I mean), realized that things weren't really equal.
Did you have any black friends growing up?
Clare: Nope, not a single one. My first real interactions started at University I think. High school was exclusively white when I was there.
How did things change after Apartheid ended and Nelson Mandela took over?
Clare: Things started slowly. I left school in '93 - no black students. In '94 they started opening up the schools etc. There was a lot of white resentment because the whites felt that blacks were now being "handed" jobs etc. BEE (Black economic empowerment) came into play where companies had to have a certain % of black employees and much of it became "window dressing". Many whites felt that SA was "going to the dogs" so they emigrated to Oz, Canada, etc.
What were race relations like between people as they became more integrated?
Clare: Some people integrated easily, others not to easily. The "old style" white Afrikaner found it most difficult, definite "this is OUR country" mentality. Those that are about 20-something now are probably the best integrated.
Was there any violence during the early days?
Clare: I don't have recollection of such, but I might be wrong. Chris Hani (one of the big anti-apartheid activists) was assassinated. That was a big deal. But violence per say I don't recall.
Can you tell me a little more about Hani? How did you view him?
Clare: OK, my 17-yr old perspective (because that's how old I was) was that this was a problem. Prominent black man gets assassinated by white men - never a good thing. I thought it could up-end what Nelson was doing bringing the country together.
What was the country's reaction to Mandela being freed? What was your reaction as a young teenager?
Clare: I was 13 and pretty green when he was released! I didn't like the idea - but only because I was massively influenced by my best friend who's every move I followed. My parents knocked that right out of me and got me to see some sense! (laughing). I think overall the country reaction was pretty positive, but again, we're going back a long way.
Once things were integrated, what was your experience like now going to school with blacks who were once slaves and now peers?
Clare: My first experience with them as peers was at University - both in the classroom and in the university residences and I had no issues about it. Because we were Brits and had no integration issues back home in the UK, I grew up in a house-hold that was not racist. The essential to budget travel is to plan in advance. When it comes to family trips, globetrotting, well-deserved trips and/or going to see new places we have never been before, the truth of cost and budgeting is generally in the back of our heads. Planning and consuming our travel budget wisely is a concern for most families. Curbing spending and expenses, while still enjoying your vacation to its fullest, is the key to guaranteed accomplishment and fiscal obligation. Your pocketbook and family will thank you! The thought behind economizing money while travelling is simple: Even if your personal funds is incredibly small, you can still take a break and enjoy life! Simply put, life is just too short to never step out of the door or leaving the homestead! Also remembering that while traveling, no matter whether on a budget or not, even the smallest of things can all add op to a large vacation or travel costs!. Because they were my age, they weren't "slaves" so to speak. It would have been their parents and grandparents who suffered most. But this wasn't something they brought into the college environment. They knew things had changed and they were faced with opportunities that their parents/grandparents didn't have so it was all good.
How do you view South Africa today?
Clare: A country on the edge - I'm mostly optimistic about South Africa, which is why I'm still here. But if we're (the government?) not careful, it could all go to pot. We have some renegade ANC youth leaders preaching hate speech towards whites. We've had xenophobic violence against Mozambicans, Zimbabweans etc. So we need to be aware of what has gone on in Zimbabwe - and make sure that those mistakes aren't repeated here.
African National Congress - banned during apartheid years and un-banned with the release of Nelson Mandela in 1990. They've ruled since the first free and fair elections in 1994 - Mandela's party
Thanks to Clare for an insider's perspective on South Africa. It's still a nation that is trying to earn its respect and the World Cup will give them an opportunity. From Apartheid to Mandela's freedom to the sweeping changes made in the country, South Africa is a country with an interesting and controversial history.
In Part II, we will talk about travel and how an English girl in South Africa got a desire to explore the world.
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