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While in Capetown I and the other the University of Maryland students met,
conversed, and
learned at
IDASA, the
Institute for Democracy in South Africa. IDASA's goal is to
disseminate information about the democratic process as widely as
possible and act as a watchdog to the activities of the
government. Founded during apartheid, it was originally known as
the Institute for Democratic Alternatives in South Africa,
but underwent a fortunate name change in light of the implementation of
majority rule in South Africa.
The staff was of great aid to us in our quest for understanding, always
providing useful information and helpful ideas. Thandi provided me with a
good deal of
information for my research on housing in South Africa, and Nomzi
and Kunji were always there to warmly greet me at the front desk.
My new friend Thobani, interning at IDASA, even showed me around
Capetown's townships.
The building IDASA is housed in has an interesting history --
at one time during apartheid, it was used as a medical center for
prisoners, who were held in basement cells awaiting doctors' aid.
The cells are still there today, and some of the people imprisoned
in them have actually worked for IDASA. In front of the building is the
former site of the "Slave Tree," where slaves were once traded. IDASA
stands as a great counterpoint to these terrible legacies.
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