On Top of the World: Table Mountain

A landmark that can be seen from almost anywhere in the city, Table Mountain, given its name for its flat top, is one of South Africa’s most prominent landmarks. Overlooking the Cape, the mountain serves as a reminder of a spirit of remaining grounded and close to one’s roots. Much like a mountain, South Africa, as a country, has grown from hard, rocky beginnings. Through its peaks and pits, nonetheless, it has persevered. The view from Table Mountain reminded me of a similar view from the top of the Empire State Building in New York City. Everything, the houses, the cars, and the people, were ant-sized. As a tourist, a person, and now a part of the South African culture and history, I had an overwhelming feeling of being on top of the world. From such a high altitude, there was no such thing as “racism” or “inequality.” There was no poverty line or separation, as we saw in Macassar Township, of the upper and middle-class by a highway. All was the same… yet, being informed of the history of South Africa and the country’s continued fight and inequality up to today, I was left knowing that something must be done. The point of this winter abroad course is to learn about social innovation in a South African context. I hope, that today, tomorrow, or even ten years from now, I can spearhead the next innovative movement that will lessen the pain for the people of South Africa, the United States, or the world.

Views from Table Mountain