South Africa

One of the most incredible places I have been is South Africa. The people were wonderful and the scenery was magnificent. I was there on an international trade mission with the Council of State Governments a few years ago with Gov. Ruth Ann Minner of Delaware, Anthony Brown, who is now the Lt. Governor of Maryland, Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden, and many others. We met with federal officials in Pretoria, and with state officials in KwaZulu Natal. We met with officials at McCord Hospital in Durban concerning health problems in South Africa. HIV/AIDs is epidemic in KwaZulu Natal and the people at McCord are working to find ways to treat and educate people on health issues. It is a huge task that they tackle with great resolve and compassion. In Cape Town, we met at the American Consulate and found how the US was trying to help the new post-apartheid government.

Massachusetts has a sister province relationship with the East Cape Province that looks at long term goals of strengthening both parties. Massachusetts is trying to bring health care solutions, among other goals, to this very poor area. South African Partners, a non-profit in Boston has been working very hard to bring these two areas together and coordinate our efforts in Massachusetts.

This is one of the most amazing trips I have been on. Everyone I met wanted to learn and be given the tools to help each other. It was an emotional trip to a beautiful country. For all that we, as state officials could give in technical advice on how to govern or what trade opportunities there are for South Africa, I felt we received so much more in return by learning about human nature. There was such a wonderful grace and resolve in the people that we met. It was inspirational.

While in KwaZulu Natal, we met provincial officials at the Phinda game reserve. We were there for almost two days. Very early in the morning or late in the day, we took rides throughout the reserve to see some of the native land. These are a few pictures of the animals that we saw.