Back in Johannesburg: Constitution Hill, African Leadership Academy, and More

After our weekend adventures in the Pilanesberg National Park (and near van breakdown on the return drive), the PBPL 85 class buckled down to get back to work. Bear with me, our itinerary was as packed as it was inspiring. 

After another delicious breakfast at our now second home (the DaVinci hotel), we set out to Constitution Hill to meet with Robert Brozin, best known as the founder of the global food chain Nando's. It's not every day you have a globally renowned CEO as your tour guide, but we have learned to expect the unexpected. Robert Brozin sits on the Board of Trustees of the Constitutional Trust. He took us around Constitution Hill, where the Constitutional Court (the highest court in South Africa) sits on the site of the old Fort and the first prison in the country, operating from 1893-1983. Under the apartheid government, the prison housed political prisoners, subjecting many to heart-wrenching torture and dismal conditions. The prison held individuals such as Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, and Winston Churchill over the course of its operations.

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The view of the Old Fort Prison from the top of the barracks looking over Hillbrow.

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Robert Brozin leading the group past the walls of the Old Fort. The writing under the emblem translates to "Unity Creates Power."

Robert Brozin took us to the Constitutional Court, where it felt like every inch of the space served to promote the story and vision of South Africa. Walking into the court, we passed women protesting the government's failures in delivering reparations promised by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Once inside, the architecture conveyed light and transparency. The walls of the court itself are made up of bricks from the old prisons, emphasizing the country's resilience. Throughout the building, powerful artwork tells the story of South Africa's journey to democracy. South African Constitutional Court's vibrant space starkly contrasts the formal stone of the US Supreme Court. 

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The women protesting insufficient redress outside the Court.

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The lobby of the Constitutional Court.

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The interior of the Constitutional Court.

Next, Robert Brozin showed us some of his recent initiatives on Constitutional Hill. After seeing the lounge and conference space designed by young African creatives, we went to the recording studio space. You read that right—the highest court in South Africa shares a location with a modern recording studio. Brozin articulated that this space invites the youth to inspire and create. Situated under the 1896 ramparts, the studio tells the country to look towards the future while respecting the past. I only wish I could include audio components so you could hear the sweet sound of Henry Nolan's serenade.

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Rehearsal space within the Old Fort.

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Up-and-coming star Henry Nolan '23.

We ended our visit to Constitution Hill with a delicious meal at Food, I Love You. This restaurant is located in the old cafeteria of the prison, the only space where black and white prisoners would interact. Brozin sees breaking bread as a powerful tool to bring people together, especially at this historic site. Not only was the restaurant's mission inspiring but the food was absolutely delicious.

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Yum!

Our day wasn't even half over if you can believe it. Next, we headed to the African Leadership Academy (ALA) for a tour and discussion about the school. With past and present students hailing from 46 African countries, ALA seeks to develop the next generation of African leaders. Our lovely tour guide Zanita led us around the quad, showing us the incredible facilities and sharing the vibrant traditions which include an annual fierce house cup competition. It was wonderful to speak to students about their experiences and aspirations after hearing many conflicting narratives about the youth in many of our discussions with adults. After the tour, we met with five teachers at the academy and discussed how to unleash the power of the youth across the continent. We left thoroughly inspired and hopeful for the future.

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Visiting the ALA cafeteria with our wonderful tour guide Zanita on the left.

Our last stop for the day was a remarkable dinner at the GIBS Business School, an affiliate of the University of Pretoria. We met with Mike Mpanya, a pastor, activist, and entrepreneur; Dr. Claudelle von Eck, an executive coach, former CEO of the Institute of Internal Auditor, and a recently appointed trustee of Eskom; and Rabbi Gideon Pogrund, the founding director of the Centre for Business Ethics. We had an eye-opening and provocative conversation, covering complex topics including affirmative action, youth engagement, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and the unfolding political scandal regarding the allegations of Ramaphosa's recent farm theft. Our discussion included plenty of sofa jokes. Dinner ended up lasting three and a half hours, and we easily could have kept going. 

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Claudelle von Eck surrounded by eager PBPL 85 students.

***Important Announcement****

For our loyal readers, we are happy to report that Josh's luggage has finally arrived. See an image from our luggage celebration below. He looked absolutely dashing in his suit at dinner tonight. Three cheers for Josh! 

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Finally!

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