Exploring the Heart of South Africa: A Journey of Culture, Kindness, and Self-Discovery

Embarking on a trip to South Africa is an exciting journey, filled with unexpected encounters and cultural revelations. It's remarkable how complete strangers in the streets of South Africa are willing to share kindness and support.

South Africa is a unique blend of cultures and backgrounds, with a population speaking 11 different national languages. This diversity is not just a statistic but is palpable in the warm way people from all walks of life greet you, effortlessly welcoming you into their community.

As an Italian-Moroccan student, I've been fortunate to experience the hospitality and acceptance of my Moroccan roots. My travels and studies have exposed me to the differences between life in Europe, where the pursuit of status and material possessions can often overshadow human connections, and the more community-driven and faith-oriented way of life in Africa.

My journey to South Africa had a distinct purpose – to seek knowledge in the field of Islamic principles applied to clinical mental health care. Being a young female traveler, I knew that venturing into this experience alone could be daunting. To ease my journey, I reached out to a group of Muslim women through 'Muslim FRIENDS' on Instagram, where Sister Zudora and the community offered invaluable support.

Before my departure, I faced challenges, including the unavailability of my international driving license. However, the kindness of strangers came to the rescue. Wahida, a kind lady I connected with through the 'Muslim Friends' group, offered to arrange my transport. And as I landed in George, a young man named Moaaz appeared, sent by Wahida, knowing my name without prior photographs, providing a sense of relief. Moaaz fetched me from the airport and helped get the local sim card and groceries.

South Africa's cultural mix was fascinating,

with a significant Indian influence. The availability of traditional Indian cuisine at local grocery stores was a delightful surprise. Halaal food, especially halaal chicken in Knysna, was readily accessible.

Despite initial concerns about crime rates, I found Knysna to be generally safe. Each trip to town became an opportunity to connect with the locals, who were always up for a chat and a laugh. Even the beggars on the streets exuded positivity, dancing and singing, a stark contrast to the misery often seen in other parts of the world.

My journey through South Africa was more than just a physical exploration; it was a profound cultural and self-discovery experience. South Africa's unique blend of cultures and the warmth of its people left a lasting impression. This adventure has broadened my horizons and reaffirmed the importance of seeking knowledge, even if it means traveling far from home. As a medical student, these lessons in cultural diversity and human kindness have enhanced my perspective, reminding me that travel can be the best teacher.

Author details:

Manal Rizq

Department of Medicine, surgery and neuroscience

University of Siena, Italy

Instagram: hikma_daily

Manal Rizq is a student of Medicine and Traditional Islamically Integrated Psychotherapy (TIIP).

She, along with her colleagues, has actively shared valuable content on Islamic Psychology across various social media platforms. Follow her Instagram page, hikma_daily, for insights into this fascinating field.