Each African country is different.
Government, religion, culture, economy, geography, health and population all
vary. Africa is the biggest continent on the globe, which is the reason for its
variety. Lifestyles found in one country will be different from its neighbor.
Therefore the problems found in one country will also be different. It is true
there are many similarities between some of the countries, however there are
enough differences that a solution to a problem in one region may not be as
effective in another. Each African country must be studied individually to be
fully understood.
South Africa is one of the countries
African Endeavor has been focusing on. A field branch of AE is located in
Pretoria, currently focusing on townships in the area. Poverty resulted from
previous apartheid legislation has limited most residents of the suburbs. Their
homes are small one-room structures with limited or no water supply and
electricity. They house 2 or 3 generations of families. Some township residents
are squatters that had no option of proper housing and thus live in a shack they
built from corrugated metal. The metal heats in the summer sun creating a sauna
effect inside the shed. Unemployment plagues the township due to limited
education, skill and availability. Most of the residents are HIV positive and
were born with the disease. Crime overruns the townships creating additional
fear to residents. Governmental policies and limitations offer inadequate
assistance to the township. Religious beliefs, tribal conflict, cultural
differences and the not too recent apartheid era have restrained South Africa.
Tanzania is very different from South
Africa. It has much less western influence in economy, business and lifestyle.
The residents of Tanzania are countrymen first, then tribal. The problems of
the country are more about poverty due to isolation of villages rather than
forced isolation from governmental policy. Religion has strong influence in
Tanzania resulting in less crime. The country is also plagued by HIV and AIDS,
and like South Africa, has found ways to function with the disease. Prevention
is a focus of the communities.
Many of the solutions to alleviate poverty
in Tanzania will not work in South Africa. The differing cultures will not
embrace the same solutions the same way. However, many of the ideas between the
two countries can be adopted by each other with minimal adjustments. By Gods
grace, His kingdom can be realized in Africa.
