Shoveling sand or changing the nation? Transformation activism in Cape Town

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Periodical article

Title:	Shoveling sand or changing the nation? Transformation activism in Cape Town
Author:	Besteman, Catherine
Year:	2008
Periodical:	Anthropology Southern Africa
Volume:	31
Issue:	3-4
Pages:	85-94
Language:	English
Geographic term:	South Africa
Subjects:	community development self-help associations social work neighbourhoods
Abstract:	Despite the disappointing statistics on postapartheid inequality and racism, South Africa's transition to democracy has been heralded around the world as a model of political transformation. But anthropologists, activists and many citizens are interested in understanding how to effect social, in addition to political change. This paper focuses on the work of a few Capetonians who, recognizing the divergence between the rhetoric of inclusive democracy and economic growth and the reality of racism and inequality, dedicate their lives to social transformation in Cape Town. The paper describes three small-scale initiatives that seek to transform community life in some of Cape Town's most challenging neighbourhoods, viz. the Langa Educational Assistance Programme (LEAP), Zerilda Park Primary School, and an initiative to provide care to AIDS orphans and HIV-positive adults and children. It reviews the projects' successes and challenges and explores what is meaningful and valuable in such small, locally-oriented grassroots projects. Bibliogr. [ASC Leiden abstract]