A country of contrasts

MY TY:In her second letter from South Africa, Ashleigh Hayman, a transition year student at Presentation Secondary School in Tralee, Co Kerry, dispels a few myths about the region

'OVER SIX YEARS ago I moved to Ireland after having spent the first part of my life in South Africa. Now, back for a six-month trip, I'm confronted with the real variations between South African and Irish life. As you would expect, there are many differences between the two places. Some stare you in the face while others you just have to experience for yourself. There are the differences in government, weather, food and languages that you would expect between any two countries, and the differences that are distinctive to South Africa.

"One of the most interesting things I found when I moved to Ireland was people's view of Africa as just one extensive, uniform place. On hearing I lived in South Africa people assumed it was in a hut with little but bugs to eat and no civilization at all! So before I continue, let me clear that up: there are cities, planes, big motorways and even our fair share of McDonald's.

"South Africa is becoming more built-up and although poverty is still rife, apartheid has more or less come to an end with some of the world's wealthiest living here. The politics of this country are especially fascinating at the moment, particularly the Jacob Zuma and Thabo Mbeki situation. The majority of Irish teenagers - and adults too - are probably completely blank on this subject but the current disputes within the leading political party, the ANC, will make a big difference in South Africa. They have not only been causing a lot of controversy, but have also led to Mbeki's resignation as president and the resignation of many other crucial members of the cabinet.

"Unlike Ireland, South Africa's president is both head of state and head of government, combining the role of Taoiseach and president in one.

It almost feels like governmental trouble follows me around, having left Ireland after Bertie Ahern's resignation to arrive here for Mbeki's!

"So South Africa isn't as far away from Ireland's standards as one might think, but there are still some accepted differences. First is the extreme difference in wealth within the country, from multi-millionaires to those who live on less than 50 cent a day. We've all heard of the wealth in some countries and the dire poverty of others, but one thing South Africa is often remarked about is the contrast within it.

"Another that comes to mind is the commonality of house help. I know there are people in Ireland that hire cleaners and other domestic helpers, but it is generally a thing for the wealthy. With so many people looking for a job here, the majority of the middle- and upper-class have either frequent or full-time helpers. With notes and ads in your postbox every few days, hiring help is just a normal thing in South African society.

"On a more negative note, another trait here is the level of crime. From robberies to murders, it seems to be almost everywhere. Recently it seemed to be very much targeted towards foreigners, especially those living in the townships, in what seemed like a xenophobic epidemic. Crime will probably continue to be one of the main factors affecting emigration here, but the many good South African characteristics, such as the natural beauty, friendly people and stunning towns, keep a lot of citizens living here - and they're right, if you ask me."