We were overloaded with information, but here are some notes I took that stand out:
At Coega:
- The development projects are funded by foreign investors, for export products.
- Much lip service is put to supporting the local economy and providing jobs, but the laborers, 84% from the area, are paid the very low national minimum wage.
- Environmental impact assessments are performed, but the larger environmental impact of the project is ignored for the sake of economic growth. The aluminum smelter uses more energy than the entire city, and emits visible pollution. 10% of the world's catalytic converters are produced in Port Elizabeth!
- a community with a history of political resistance
- Steve Biko, the founder of the Black Consciousness movement, was imprisoned here
- this community does particularly well become of its proximity to shopping malls, suburbs, and the airport - this makes the town attractive - its walkability.
- The Xolenanii Youth Center was founded to create bridges and relationships between White and Black youth. Some of the problems with this mission that the Center encounters are language barriers and ingrained social roles. They told us that alleviating hunger and poverty is important before social transformation and reconciliation can occur.
