05Jun
Category: Todd Skidmore
Posted by: Todd Skidmore at
7:36 am No Comments
We have been back for a while now and I have had time to reflect and review my pictures. I think the best of part of the trip was seeing first hand the progress this country has made from the apartheid years to now. It is a beautiful country with history to learn from, but more importantly a future to share. I think our class got somewhat of a peek under the tent as to what this country is doing for itself as it moves beyond an emerging country. The big coming out to the world, of course, will be next year at the 2010 World Cup.
We did learn there is a lot more work to be done. HIV/AIDS, unemployment and housing are still very major issues that must be dealt with, and dealt with swiftly if South Africa is to move beyond an emerging nation. But fortunately, at the root of this country, is it’s people. The people are happy, freindly and want to change and appear willing to work hard for it. That is clearly the first step.
25May
Category: Todd Skidmore
Posted by: Todd Skidmore at
7:48 am No Comments
As an employee of Coca-Cola North America, it was great to see what was being done in South Africa first hand. I was surprised by the similarities in approaches to marketing. It does prove that Coca-Cola really is moving to a global approach to marketing. That is what is being preached at work, but it was great to see it in action. A global platform is established, then each division will tailor that approach to their respective market.
We saw that the sophisticated marketing techniques of Coca-Cola are not just reserved for the largest countries or regions. As a matter of fact, I learned that South Africa is Coca-Cola’s tenth largest market. I was impressed by the execution levels and consistency in point-of-sale marketing that I saw as we made our way through South Africa. It was good to visit Coca-Cola at that end after we had seen the marketing approaches in action throughout the trip.
I was also excited to see the markeing execution around the World Cup coming to South Africa. That is a big deal for Coca-Cola and they are doing a fantastic job bringing it to life. It was also great to hear the employees talk about how great the World Cup is going to be, not only for Coke, but for South Africa as a country. This is their chance to shine for the world.
25May
Category: Todd Skidmore
Posted by: Todd Skidmore at
7:34 am No Comments
We had the opportunity to spend time in the township where Mandela grew up. We visited his former house and also ate a great lunch in the area. I am not sure what to write, but the many pictures I took will forever tell a story. I will say that despite the conditions for some families, a feeling of hope for a better future remains.
I spoke with a boy who knows five languages. Kelly spoke with a girl in the 10th grade who was studying some English in a one-room shack. She said she wants to be a doctor.
She can.
25May
Category: Todd Skidmore
Posted by: Todd Skidmore at
7:31 am No Comments
What a great trip so far. We have seen so much in such a short time. The minute we landed in Cape Town, one can see how much growth, development and opportunity has taken place. It is certainly a beautiful place with a rich culture to offer. It is truly a metropolitan city.
It has also been hard to take in some parts of the trip. We went to Robben Island yesterday to see where Mandela was in imprisoned for many years. We learned of the sacrifices made for freedom and democracy. The most amazing part was listening to the former political prisoner talk not about how he was angry with those who imprisoned him, but about the reconciliation he and the other prisoners like Mandela made. They represent the hope of South Africa.
We visited several wineries today, a great small family winery and much larger winery that ships product around the world. It was an incredible day in some beautiful wine country. On the way back, however, we were quickly reminded that despite the progress that has been made in this country in a short period of time, much work is left to do. For many miles along the highway, we saw the “housing” of those much less fortunate. These were no houses, just makeshift homes with no indoor plumbing and spotty electricity at best. It was difficult to finish our day with that drive, but clearly strong hope remains for continuous improvement and opportunity.
18May
Category: Todd Skidmore
Posted by: Todd Skidmore at
12:55 am No Comments
It was one of the best museums I have ever been to. There were so many facets I loved about it. Being an architecture fan, the design was really amazing – modern and urban, concrete, brink and metal. All perfect choices. Inside, the use of black and white photography along with video was very impactful.
Many parts of the museum had an impact on me. As we discussed things over the lunch, the one area that stuck out at me was the smugness of those in power during apartheid. There was one video where some leaders were answering questions from journalists about the laws and injustices in place. And to hear them go on about how their way was the most obvious way, and the best way for the country. To paraphrase, he said there is no way the country could successfully run with blacks in charge, their form of “democracy” was right for the country.
And then to see another video where Winnie Mandela said there would be a time of equality in response to another reporters question. It was perfect.
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