While there is a growing Black middle class, wealth and privilege are still concentrated in the hands of a tiny White minority and politics and corruption have not helped improve the lot of the majority. It was also heartening to talk with young White South Africans who believe in Nelson Mandela’s vision of a rainbow nation and want to build a more equitable society. I had to remind myself that it had been only 30 years since the end of apartheid which is no time at all to set right the injustices of centuries. The impact of colonialism and racism is apparent throughout the beautiful Western Cape region and examining South African society through my personal and work lens was troubling. To be honest, I had conflicted feelings about going to a country where until 30 years ago my husband who is White and I and our mixed race children would have been classified as White, Indian and Coloured and the state would have questioned the legality of our relationship. And this is exactly what I experienced on a recent visit to Khayelitsha, a township, on the outskirts of Cape Town, South Africa. Through my decade long work helping workplaces become more equitable and inclusive and as a female Indian immigrant who has lived and worked in the US and UK, I have seen how opportunities through being included and having a sense of belonging sparks creativity, helps build community and encourages innovation and entrepreneurism.
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