Discovering different personalities through travel.

By Sindisiwe Dlamini

Growing up in Soweto, South Africa, life was vibrant and exciting. During my time in Johannesburg, I've explored the colourful neighbourhoods of Soweto and learned about the rich history of resistance and revolution that has shaped the community. From the iconic Vilakazi Street to the Hector Pieterson Memorial Museum, I've been constantly inspired by the strength and resilience of the people I've met there. The constant buzz of people, the colourful streets, and the bustling township lifestyle made it a place of endless curiosity and exploration. However, at the age of 16, I was forced to move to KwaZulu Natal, leaving behind the only home I had ever known due to seen circumstances.

At first, the transition was difficult. The lush green hills, the slower pace, and the quietness of the rural areas of Ingwavuma, KZN were a stark contrast to the city life I was used to. However, as I settled in, I discovered that KZN had its own unique charm and beauty that was just as captivating as Soweto. In the heart of the rolling hills of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, lies a world that most of us in the cities rarely get to experience. The rural areas of KZN are a special place, with their lush green vegetation, winding rivers, and friendly people. For a long time, I thought that life in the rural areas was incredibly dull and simple, with nothing interesting to write about. But after spending a month there, I discovered that there's so much more to rural KZN life than meets the eye.

The longer I spent in the rural areas of KZN, the more I began to realize that the simple and uncomplicated way of life was incredibly fascinating. In the cities, we're used to the never-ending noise and distractions, which can make it hard to appreciate the beauty in the little things in life. However, in the rural areas, people take the time to appreciate the small things that can bring joy and happiness. Whether it's a beautiful sunset or a clear sky filled with stars, the people in the rural areas find joy in the simple pleasures of life.

Moreover, I was pleasantly surprised by the creativeness and resourcefulness of the people in the rural areas. Without the many conveniences of modern life, they make things with what they have and often find creative solutions to everyday problems. For example, I remember visiting a village where the people made pots using clay with their own hands. They had built the entire thing by hand, their ingenuity. I was amazed by their resourcefulness and their ability to make something from nothing.

In the cities, we often take for granted the many luxuries and conveniences we have at our disposal. However, in the rural areas of KZN, people have learned to live without these things and find joy in the simple things in life. Often, the most interesting and inspiring stories come from the people living in the remotest corners of the earth, where they've learned to make a life for themselves with what little they have.

The first thing that struck me when I arrived was the quietness of the place. Gone were the hustle and bustle of city life, the honking of car horns, and the loud music.

The air was crisp and clear, and the only sounds were the chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves and the sound of the river as it meandered its way through the valley. As the sun began to set, we all gathered around the fire, the warmth of the flames enveloping us. Our grandmother would share stories of their youth, of the struggles they faced, and the wisdom they had gained from their experiences, she once shared a story about how she had fought against the apartheid regime, and how she had been arrested and tortured because of it. But despite the hardships she faced, she spoke with an unbreakable spirit and a determination to stand up for what was right.

One day she shared a story about how our great grandfather had once encountered a leopard while out collecting firewood. She described the intense fear that he said he felt in that moment, but also the awe he had felt as he watched the leopard in its natural habitat. We all knew that it was lies, but we are enthusiastic that we showed was out of this world. Ohh may her soul continue to rest in peace. As the night wore on, more and more stories were shared, and the fire became a beacon of warmth and comfort for all of us. It was a moment of true connection, where our differences and backgrounds became irrelevant, and we were united in the simple act of sharing stories.

The people in the rural areas of KZN are incredibly friendly and hospitable. They take pride in their cultural heritage, and it's evident in the way they dress, eat, and live. On my first month there, I was invited to a traditional Zulu wedding ceremony, where I got to witness the traditional dances, the singing, and the beating of the drums. It was a colourful and festive occasion, and I felt honoured to have been a part of it. The bride and groom wore traditional Zulu attire, with the bride's outfit decorated with complicated beadwork and matching headdress. The groom was dressed in a colourful shirt, trousers, and beaded necklaces. The wedding party was also glowing in their attires, with women wearing brightly coloured dresses and the men in smart suits.

The main ceremony involved the exchange of gifts between the families of the bride and groom, the presentation of the dowry, and the tying of the knot. The bride's family welcomed the groom's family with traditional Zulu dance and song. The marrying couple then exchanged rings, followed by the traditional cord around their necks. The celebration continued with a feast of traditional Zulu cuisine, including istambu (samp), a maize and beef stew, and salads, with drinks. The music and dancing continued into the night, fueled by rounds of the local beer, I don’t want to lie, I was tempted to ask for that beer but unfortunately, I was told that its not for kids.

Life in the rural areas of KZN is closely great with nature. The people here are incredibly adapted to their environment, and they live in harmony with it. The village I stayed in was surrounded by rolling hills, lush forests, and slow-moving rivers. Each day, I would go for long walks in the surrounding areas, stopping to admire the stunning views and the unique plants and animals that stayed in that part of the world. I also enjoyed fishing in the nearby rivers, a game that's popular with the locals.

Of course, there were still challenges to adapting to a new place, such as navigating the local transportation systems, learning the local customs and traditions, and mastering a new language. But with time and perseverance, I gradually found that I was building a new community of friends and peers, people who shared my love of adventure and discovery.

Sometimes I would reminisce about my time in Johannesburg's bustling Soweto district, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of longing for the vibrant energy and culture that surrounded me during my stay. From the colourful houses and bustling streets to the warm hospitality of its people, Soweto left an unforgettable mark on me.

As a young lady who was moved from Joburg to KwaZulu-Natal to get a better perspective of life there, I dreamt of furthering my studies and pursuing a career that would allow me to make a positive impact in the world. So, when I was done with matric, I decided to move to Durban to enroll in a reputable university and learn all that I could about my chosen field. But as I soon discovered, the road to success is not always a straight one. Despite my best efforts, I was unable to secure a place at the university, leaving me with no choice but to take a gap year.

At first, I was disappointed and frustrated, feeling that my dreams were slipping away from me. But as I began to explore the city of Durban and the opportunities it presented, I discovered that the gap year could be a time of huge personal growth and discovery. I spent my year in Durban volunteering and exploring my passions. I worked at a local NGO, caring for children from disadvantaged backgrounds and supporting community projects. I also became involved in local cultural events, attending music festivals and art exhibits that gave me a deeper appreciation for the diversity and richness of South African culture.

But perhaps the most significant thing I learned during my gap year was the value of self-reflection and introspection. I used the time to nourish my mind, body, and spirit through yoga, meditation, and other wellness practices. I became involved in activism, promoting causes that were important to me and helping to mobilize young people in my community.

As I look back on my gap year experience, I realize that it was one of the most transformative times of my life. Although I didn't achieve my goal of beginning my university studies that year, I learned to value myself and my abilities, to forge meaningful connections in my community, and to recognize that success is a journey, not a destination. As I begin the next chapter of my life, I do so with the confidence that comes with knowing that I have the skills, experience, and resilience to meet any challenge that may come my way.

After a gap year of self-exploration and community involvement in Durban, I was ready for the next chapter of my life. In 2020, I applied to the Cape Peninsula University of Technology's journalism program, hoping to fulfil my lifelong dream of becoming a journalist. But due to the COVID-19 pandemic, my application was put on hold, and once again, I found myself facing uncertainty and disappointment. Yet, I refused to let the situation bring me down, and instead, I used the extra time to deepen my knowledge of the field I wanted to pursue.

In 2021, my perseverance and hard work paid off, and I was notified that I had gained a place in CPUT's journalism program. I was thrilled to be starting a new chapter in my academic life, and eager to immerse myself in the exciting world of journalism. I got to move to Cape Town. Cape Town, known for its natural beauty, vibrant culture, and diverse cuisine, is a city that captivates the heart of every traveller. But beyond the famous landmarks like Table Mountain, Robben Island, and the V&A Waterfront, lies a world of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. One such gem is the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which I have heard of but haven’t visited. The gardens are home to thousands of plant species, including the famous fynbos, and provide a peaceful oasis in the midst of the bustling city.

Despite the initial overwhelm of the urban environment and the unavoidable homesickness, my enthusiasm for this new journey soon took over. As I settled into my university studies, I discovered the warmth and inclusiveness of my fellow learners and teachers. The community spirit in Cape Town is a wonder to behold.

As I ventured further into the city, I discovered a cultural melting pot that welcomed me with open arms. From the jazz clubs of Long Street to the colourfully painted Bo- Kaap district, the distinctive neighbourhoods of Cape Town offered something unique and fascinating to explore. Some of the places I’m about to visit but have heard of. As I began my studies, I found myself surrounded by a wonderful community of peers and mentors, all passionate about the power of journalism to inform and transform society. The journalism program at CPUT was careful and demanding, but also incredibly rewarding, with an emphasis on hands-on experience and practical skills.

I learned how to research, conduct interviews, write, and report news stories, and create multimedia content. I also discovered the power of storytelling in promoting social change, and the importance of promoting diverse voices and perspectives in journalism. Beyond the academic rigour of my studies, I also found that the city of Cape Town was a vibrant cultural hub, with a wealth of opportunities to explore and learn. I attended cultural events, visited museums and galleries, and connected with people from all walks of life.

As I near the end of my journalism program, I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences that I have had at CPUT. Although the path to get here was not always straightforward, I know that the perseverance and resilience I demonstrated will serve me well in my future career as a journalist. With so many different directions to explore in the field of journalism, I sometimes feel overwhelmed by the choices, choosing from traditional print media to online news sites, social media influencers, and more, there are countless paths that I could take in this ever-changing industry. I understand that the decisions I make now will set the course for my future career, and that finding the right internship is a critical step in that process.

As a young woman who has experienced life in Soweto, KwaZulu-Natal, as well as Cape Town. I've come to appreciate the distinct differences between these three vibrant parts of South Africa. While Soweto boasts a rich history of struggle and perseverance, KwaZulu-Natal is known for its natural beauty, warmth, and hospitality

and Cape Town has the stunning beaches and dramatic coastline to the vibrant nightlife and world-renowned cuisine, Cape Town was a city that never failed to thrill and inspire me with its dynamic mix of heritage and modernity.

Looking back on my travels through these three distinct regions, I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have experienced the many different faces of South Africa. Whether I was exploring the buzzing streets of Soweto, lounging on the beaches of KZN, or soaking up the culture and history of Cape Town, I felt a deep sense of connection and appreciation for this beautiful country and its people.

Despite the differences between these three regions, I've come to appreciate the unique beauty of each, and the incredible diversity that exists within South Africa. Whether I'm exploring the vibrant streets of Soweto or experiencing the natural wonder of KZN or experiencing the past that Cape Town offers for us like the Robben Island part. I recognize that each part of this country has something truly special to offer, and I feel grateful for the opportunity to experience it all. As I continue to explore new destinations and learn about different cultures, I know that I'll always carry the memories and lessons of my time in Soweto, KZN and CPT with me.