“The anti-apartheid movement was multifaceted, involving boycotts, marches, hunger strikes, music, sabotage, guerrilla warfare, international sanctions, divestment, prayer groups, labor strikes, and student protests. It involved both violent and non-violent methods, was active not only in South Africa, but also throughout the continents of Africa, Europe, and North America. It involved a diverse array of participants which included both black and white South Africans, Afrikaners and English-speaking whites, Xhosa and Zulu black Africans, Indian and “coloured” South Africans, Hindus and Muslims, Catholics and Protestants, students and the elderly, the free and imprisoned, the exiled and the banned, communists and capitalists, mine workers and newspaper editors, and so many more.”

“I want to study and research how the anti-apartheid movement is being taught in schools throughout South Africa, including its coverage in the curriculum, how teachers teach this era, and how students are trying to make sense of it.” He continues “what I really hope to look at is the numerous ways that people resist and try to create change. There are endless examples of ordinary people standing up for what they believe in, and risking their lives in doing so, and these courageous stories need to be told more frequently because it can provide students with alternatives to violence and numerous ways that change can be brought about.”

Of his visit to Nomarussia, he writes, “Lastly, one of the most memorable experiences I had was having the honor of meeting Nomarussia, an incredible woman in the township of Thokoza. Nomarussia works for the Khulumani Support Group, which is a movement working for the rights of survivors of apartheid-era human rights violations. She is such a strong and dedicated woman, and she welcomed me into her home to tell me all about Khulumani and to show me around her community. She spoke passionately about continuing the fight for people’s rights throughout South Africa, listening to victim’s stories after feeling ignored by the government and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and going after multinational corporations who profited off of apartheid in South Africa for reparations.

Nomarussia showed me the beauty and life of Thokoza, a township that is too often ignored by the government. She introduced me to a number of women in the community who are also members of Khulumani, some of the locals in a local shebeen, and even to her children and grandchildren, who I got to play with the entire day. Nomarussia symbolizes the strength and beauty of South Africa, and it was a great experience meeting her and seeing Thokoza with her.”

Craig’s blog can be found at http://mrdivis.wordpress.com/