Today, I am proud to share that I had the opportunity to interview Dr. John Kani. He is a renowned South African playwright, actor, director, and activist who is currently the chairman (as well as one of the founders) of the Apartheid Museum. In fact, ProjectExplorer's South Africa journey was inspired by a performance (and play) by John Kani in New York City several years ago, which our director, Jenny, had attended.

Dr. Kani and I began by talking about some of the most basic organizations and concepts, such as the ANC and National Party, before beginning an in-depth conversation. In speaking with Dr. Kani, I was able to gain a true understanding of apartheid (which means separateness in Afrikaans) and how the laws and practices under apartheid were not like segregation in the U.S. at all, as it is so often compared. Apartheid denied black and coloured people their basic human rights, whereas the Civil Rights Movement in the U.S. was a struggle for equality.

We also spoke of South Africa's current state of democracy and the country’s first democratic elections in 1994. Dr. Kani and I talked about being a voice of change in South Africa when it was most necessary, as well as the struggles of being an actor in a time of extreme oppression and censorship.

As I made my way into the museum, there were a series of mirrors with images of people on them. These people are facing away from incoming museum visitors. I am told that this is to represent the walk away from the past and toward the future; toward hope, toward freedom.

Countless images, videos, photos, and exhibits in the museum provide a very sobering experience. We were fortunate enough to be in the museum on a day it is closed to the public, so we had a lot of time to reflect on both our inspiring interview with Dr. Kani and the museum's message.

On the way out of the museum, there are two piles of stones. Visitors departing the museum move a stone from one pile to another, symbolizing the journey from the old to the new. Above the stones the new South African flag is mounted. Words like Equality, Democracy, Reconciliation, Responsibility, and Respect mark the way out of the museum.

Enhance your knowledge of South African History: Learn about the passlaws.

Inspired by Dr. Kani to use my voice and fight for equality for all people,

NEXT: Visit Alexandra Township.

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