Most of the recent events in S. Africa go ignored in the media. I deal with many yacht crews in the marine industry including S. African. The white settlers/farmers/merchants/entrepreneurs, that have been there for generations, have had a rough stretch. The news you may read about Nelson Mandela is not the reality S. Africa is dealing with...
There is a systematic process to "rid" the country of those that have been born and raised there for generations. Once fruitful farms, business's, and wineries are looted, pillaged, and merciless gangs roam and target them.
This has been going on for some time. With a wink and nod from an enabling S. African Gov't, and yes, it's racially motivated.
Those farms and business's are rendered wastelands and not even being maintained to the detriment of the country, which makes no difference to the thugs and gangs that steal the goods and equipment, burn the houses and estates down, and do nothing to rebuild.
I'm truly sorry Mericet for the loss of your friend and mentor. I wish and pray you find peace, and also wish you safe travels in December when you go there.
Many have fled North, and I urge any and all with interest to research the current events occurring in S. Africa. It's not a pretty picture.
But we are blinded by a media that touts Nelson Mandela pics with Sec. State Clinton as a "notable" moment....Dig into the reality.
It's not what it is portrayed to be.
Just my .02 cents. I talk to these crews. They paint a different perspective, ignored by the worlds media.