Hunger in South Africa

One of the lingering questions I’ve always had when I talk with South Africans is, “what does it feel like to drive through your country and see all this poverty, all the time?”.

And I think I’ve found the answer. After seeing it all the time myself, you become desensitized. But yesterday I was reminded how desperate the lives some people lead. Here’s what happened…

When I first arrived in South Africa, my jaw would drop at the tin shacks and people doing whatever they could to make money (selling car chargers and sunglasses at every street intersection). But now, after seeing so much, I can understand why so many South Africans ignore the issue. It’s just too much. It’s overwhelming.

In addition, as Ian Malcom said in Jurassic Park, “life will find a way”. It’s impossible to think how I would survive living in those conditions, but thousands of people do. And just like me, they get up every morning, go to work, come home, relax, do laundry and repeat the process all over again. Let me be clear that this isn’t an excuse, but somehow, the human race will adapt to their living conditions, no matter how dire. A better life is always a dream away.

But yesterday afternoon was a bit different. I received a reminder that poverty in South Africa is real and a daily struggle not to be ignored. I’m in Upington in the Northern Cape. I ordered 2 Grilled Chicken Wraps from KFC. I ate all but one last bite out of the second one. All that was left was a little bit of the folded wrap and a dollop of mayonaisse on a piece of chicken the size of a quarter. I crumbled it all up in my paper bag, got out of the car and threw it away in the trash can in front of me.

No sooner than when I got back into the car, I saw a man, probably about 30, through my car’s windshield, reach into the trash can and pull out my paper bag. He opened it up, sniffed it, and upon realizing there was food inside, unfolded the tin foil and ate that last bite. Less than 2 minutes earlier, I was pulling that same sandwich out of my own mouth.

I sat there stunned.

Speechless.

Never in my life have I seen that kind of desperation right before my very eyes. Sure I know that it happens. I’ve seen homeless people in the city rummage through trash – but never my trash. Never something I just consumed, and so soon after. This became a personal moment for me. As if (as awkward as it may sound), I connected with this person on some level.

That image will stay with me forever.

About the only thing I could think of when I saw this happen was, “I have to give this guy some food”. All I had left was a granola bar in my backpack. I stuck my hand out the window, motioned for him to come over and he grabbed it, quickly scurrying away to search for more food.

For all it’s wonder and charm, South Africa has real problems that need real, immediate solutions. I just don’t know where to start. If you have any ideas. please leave a comment.

Until then, I’ll see you out there…!

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