• 09Jun

  The Final Curtain

  Category: Corey Towe  Posted by: Corey Towe at 3:28 pm   No Comments

  I’ve intentionally waited a couple of weeks to write my last blog in order to give me time to process and think through all the things we heard and felt during our trip to South Africa. I wanted to let my emotions stabilize so I can sit down and think about the implications of the trip, how I can respond and how my perspective is different as a result of this experience.

   

  My view/paradigm of international business has shifted significantly because of this South Africa experience. Having been to South Africa twice before, I had an expectation of the culture, the weather and the social challenges we were walking into, but I didn’t have this experience in the context of the South African business environment. Needless to say, my paradigm about business in South Africa and my paradigm about international business was challenged and shattered as we visited business after business.

   

  I realize now I knew very little about doing business in another country and very little about the right questions to ask when thinking about international business. I still don’t have all the answers, but because of this experience I know some questions to ask and I know all aspects of society and culture need to be investigated in order to somewhat understand the dynamics in a country.

   

  South Africa truly has a bright future. I can’t wait to watch the country re-position itself during the two major soccer tournaments this June and next summer. These are tremendous opportunities for South Africa to re-brand itself as a country and start to turn around the current perception the rest of the world has about that country and the rest of Africa. I wait in anticipation for South Africa to continue to emerge from the shadows of Apartheid into the forefront of countries leading the new world economy.

   

  Thank you to all who made this trip special.

• 05Jun

  MY JOURNEY…..THE BEGINNING AND THE END (06/05/09)

  Category: Ivy Horn-Scott, Uncategorized  Posted by: Ivy Scott at 6:39 pm   5 Comments

  We have been back in the United States for about 2 weeks now. During this time, I have had an opportunity to reflect on my incredible trip.  I started my journey to South Africa almost a month ago.  Before I left, my hopes were to learn about the history of South Africa and really take in one of the birthplaces of my ancestors.  I have been many places, but none have touched me or moved me as my trip to South Africa has done.   I did not expect to see people living in huts or as primitive as most people would expect when you say “Africa”.  However, I was truly amazed how advanced and modern South Africa has become.  It reminded me very much of a major city in the United States.  Even the ways of dressing, the hair styles, and the buildings were as current as what we have here in the U.S.  In that way, South Africa exceeded my expectations.

  One of things that I have constantly mentioned in my blogs is the parallelism of South Africa’s tumultuous history to our history here in the United States.  From segregation to affirmative action, our worlds are very much similar.  However, I think South Africa has a better chance of being a very strong country because of their sense of community and their love for South Africa.  My hope is that in the next decade or so, major accomplishments will continue to be the norm in their society.

  Our visits to all the different companies were truly enlightening on the dynamics of emerging markets.  The cultural visits enhanced our understanding of the history and people who have made South Africa what it is today. 

  For me, this journey has been one of great gratitude and one that has challenged me to be better in the giving of my time and my money (what little I have-LOL) as a way of service to others who are less fortunate than me.  Although, I am not wealthy by any standards in America, the little that I do spend on frivolous things could help a little village in Africa.  For that, I am most thankful to be blessed to be a blessing to someone else.

  As I close my last blog, I can truly say that my journey to South Africa and all of my feelings, emotions, and experiences with the people I have met (including my classmates) will be something that I will always remember and carry with me for a lifetime.

   

• 05Jun

  Reflection

  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.

• 01Jun

  Forever Changed

  Category: Aisha Moffett, Uncategorized  Posted by: Aisha Moffett at 11:16 pm   No Comments

  My mother always told me, “Don’t judge a man until you walked a mile in his shoes.”  Well, I feel similarly about the country of South Africa.  You really can not talk about it or understand it until you have visited and immersed yourself in the culture.  I learned so very much from my visit to South Africa.  Below are some insights that I gained from the experience:

  Humility-  When I reflect on my visit to Robben island, once again I am moved by the level of peace and humility and unwavering forgiveness that not only Mandela displayed but also Sparks and his fellow ex-inmates.  They practice forgiveness and humility by giving daily tours so that their story would be heard.  I amazed at the spirit of Mandela that could not and would not be broken and still contains enough stamina at ninety plus years to continue hope in a healing nation.

  Blessings- Going into poverty stricken areas of the country and seeing the conditions that some people are forced to live in allowed me to see how blessed I am.  In the United States we live such a charmed existence and do not realize true poverty.  It amazed me that the sadness that I felt for those people was more about me and not about them.  The children were so happy and comfortable in their existence because that is all that they knew, and for them it was enough.

  Progress-  A misconception about Africa is that everything you experience will be third world.  Going into many of the companies I witnessed the progressiveness of many of the businesses.  The facilities, preparedness and presentation were on a level that you would not experience visiting most U.S. companies.  South Africans take so much pride in what they do and they are moving forward at a mind blowing pace.

  Openness- This country is not just about one people or language but many.  South Africa belongs to many and the rainbow is very alive.  You can not be close minded or remain ignorant with the variety of colors, faces, races and people that make South Africa the beautiful country it is.  When I tell people “South Africa was beautiful”  I am not just speaking about the scenery but the total experience.

  In retrospect, I am forever changed by the complexity of South Africa.  The cross culture of natural beauty, international business, and social diversity make South Africa and amazing place.  I sincerely appreciate this experience and I will forever hold a special place in my heart for South Africa.

• 01Jun

  Tuesday – M ….Where the sun always rises

  Category: Kim Weaver  Posted by: Kimberly Weaver at 8:56 pm   No Comments

   

  Just leaving Jo’burg and heading to Kruger Park. Wonderful evening at Old Joe’s Kaia.  The meals and discussions were wonderful.  There is a brutally honesty of South Africans.  Throughout the trip, I have been listening and learning of everyone’s prospective.  The stay was a nice retreat on our journey. It was a moment to stop and get to know each other better.  We ate, drank and sank. What a great evening.  The stars off the deck at Old Joe’s were unbelievable.  To think what we miss with the smog in Atlanta!

   

  I am thankful for some time to ponder the evening and our previous weeks’ visits.  The reality remains that there is a great divide in South Africa and it appears that the divide is getting bigger.  Regardless of who I speak to there is a hope but also a deep undertone of frustration as the journey of the Rainbow nation continues.  The looming issues of education and opportunity are reoccurring themes.  From the school and throughout the companies, the quest becomes what to do with a generation who were deprived of so much?  How do they live and survive?

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