Numbers.

The first day in Guguletu, we tried to get to know the area better. First we went to Khayelitsha, another township. The township was very intimidating. Most of the people there live in shacks. I am honestly surprised that the people are still alive here, considering the living conditions. Most shacks are made of whatever material can be found. They have metal roofs. They use tires or whatever they can find to hold the roof down. Some have electricity. There is usually just a cord hanging along the wall or ceiling to connect the electricity to something. There is no billing of electricity. The people have to go to a store to buy the electricity beforehand. Many people run out of electricity randomly. This happened a few times while we were there, but it didn’t seem to phase anyone. They use electric burners to cook food. They hang their clothes up to dry. When it rains, water often gets into these shacks, through leaks in the roof or water through the door. They use paraffin heaters for warmth. There are port-a-potties that people share for bathrooms. They get water from a tap that they share with other people.

I cannot imagine what it would be like to live in a shack. I cannot imagine getting an “at home” feeling from a shack. They must get that, because that is what they come home to everyday. When I was little I used to play the game “MASH.” The object of the game is to see what your life will be like. One part is for your home. “M” was for mansion, “A” for attic, “H” for house, and “S” for shack. I knew what a shack was, and that I did not want to have that. On the contrary, I had no idea that so many people live in shacks and when I say so many people, I mean it! There are numbers of shacks. My eyes could not see any farther. There are shacks built on top of shacks. I am still boggled by the numbers. How can so many people live in those conditions? I realize they don't have a lot of choice in the matter. It is all that they know, because this is what they grew up with. Moreover, houses for all is not realistic unless there are major changes made. One person said that the amount of space a house takes up equals 12 shacks. A few houses we stayed at had shacks literally in the backyard. I don't know how I would feel about that.