Cultural Integration in South Africa
Cultural Integration is a part of everyday life in South Africa which can be seen in many aspects such as schools as well as the work environment. In many ways there are still traces of racism and cultural discrimination in our country, but the majority of South Africans are well adjusted to the differences among the people of our rainbow nation.
By Arwen Schäffler and Laché Smith
Most South African schools are composed of a wide variety of cultures and races and obviously, among children and educators, cultural differences are experienced but they are not seen as a ‘challenge’. Integration, acceptance of differences and the adoption of these differences comes ‘naturally’ to people because of the everyday exposure to different cultures and ethnic groups.
People know that they are required to work with people with different cultural backgrounds because of their environment and many people, although there are exceptions, embrace this and create a welcoming environment to all South Africans.
Many people are still adjusting to living in a country with a wide variety of cultures and this can make environments tense and feel unwelcoming. Although most racially induced issues were ended many years ago, there are still people today that refuse to change their views on an integrated nation.
What we have personally experienced in the school environment is learners and teachers almost ‘not seeing’ cultural, ethnic, and religious differences and even if people with different backgrounds are faced with a challenge brought about by these differences, situations are handled with respect and most people just try to look past it and coexist in a peaceful and mindful way.
With all of this in mind, we think it crucial to have an open-minded approach towards all situations regarding working with people that are different to you. Having respect for everyone around you, regardless of aspects like race and cultural backgrounds, really should not be a challenge due the level of exposure everyone experiences on a day-to-day basis. If you find yourself in a situation where you are dealing with someone who is not being mindful and respectful of the differences you may share, we think it best for you to stay calm and remember that not everyone you encounter will have the same views that you do.
We can only hope that one day cultural integration, acceptance and respect will not be a topic of discussion but rather a way of life.
By Arwen Schäffler and Laché Smith