Informal Settlements

 Our morning started with the startling realities of life in South Africa.  Not far from our hotel is an informal settlement.  That is, a group of ‘houses’ made of corrugated aluminum now home to refugees from other African nations; each refugee hoping for a new life in South Africa. 

We were privileged to tour one such settlement and even invited into the home of some inhabitants.

With communal toilets, no running water, the conditions are the type that many of us may find deplorable and yet, these people are happy. They have escape situations that are much more deplorable.

As we share photos of the moments we spent with these displaced people, we cannot in images share the welcoming and heartwarming nature of the people we met.  With little to share, they shared all. We Thank You.