Vukani Township.

Our Anthropology 2 class went for a walk in Vukani Township. I’ve had much discussion with people who are and aren’t Anthro students and there is much debate as to whether this walk is something that is exploitative or if it is in fact merely a walk through an area of the City we live in and exposing ourselves to realities we may be unfamiliar with. Look and you will see.

To check out another Anthro 2 students experience of the walk go to: Tarryn's Blog

Our lecturer, Joy Owen, and Sam sharing words before we set off for our visit to Vukani Township.

Kat tallying up the taxi fair.

Getting onto the zoom zoom taxi.

Looks strange from this perspective. Exploitative or genuine interactions? This is what the big debate is when going on a walk through the townships.  

These guys were awesome, busy working on a fence but insisted I take a shot of them. 

The puppy that everyone fell in love with. His name is ‘Buthi’ according to Ma.

Ma is a Resident in the Vukani location and she welcomed a few of us into her house to chat about her pets, which she adores. 

Many of the houses in Vukani seem to have these stumps in a corner of a small garden. One person asked what they were for and Ma explained that any time a child has misbehaved, they are sent there to reflect or speak with the ancestors. 

One of the exchange students in our Anthro class asked Ma if the pot plant above her door was symbolic of anything. I had always seen them as ornaments for decoration. Any cultural depth would probably have to be further investigated.

Anthropology lecturer, Joy Owen, with two of her second year students waiting for other class members to catch up with the rest of the group.

Enjoying each others company as we take a break from our walk 

Photo: Sibulele Mabusela