From the bright light into the dark shack my eyes take some time adjusting to the darkness inside.
My guide introduces me to Gogo, meaning Mama.
For many years Soweto was the “small parliament” in the days of apartheid. Soweto is also the most populous township in Africa.
I cannot help but notice the novel, “Stolen Innocence” lying next to the only bed in the shack. A memoir written by Erin Merryn triumphing over a childhood broken by abuse. Gogo says that one of her grandchildren picked it up on a refuse dump.
Mama tells me that she has four children working and staying elsewhere and she takes care of five grandchildren. Her income is dependant on the tour guide bringing visitors around to see a typical South African shack.
There is some excitement in her voice. She cannot wait for the 2010 football – the possibility of more tourists visiting, means more money.
As I walk into the almost too bright sunlight, I notice three children playing in the neatly swept yard. They are kicking a KFC box around.
I leave with the hope that the football in 2010 will make a difference in their lives, maybe giving them each a beautiful soccer ball in order to stay innocent children, protecting them from a stolen innocence, playing, laughing, growing up and triumphing over their circumstances.
Chris Litschka
“Depicting Life”
2 Responses
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Tweets that mention Stolen Innocence | Cooked in Africa -- Topsy.com
August 2, 2010
This post was mentioned on Twitter by Getaway, Cooked in Africa.
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Jei
August 3, 2010
Stunning photography! Love it!
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Tweets that mention Stolen Innocence | Cooked in Africa -- Topsy.com
August 2, 2010
This post was mentioned on Twitter by Getaway, Cooked in Africa.
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Jei
August 3, 2010
Stunning photography! Love it!
