Ben Preiss
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Growing numbers of tourists are venturing into the slums and poverty stricken areas of the world to witness first hand the conditions of the local inhabitants. Top destinations include Soweto Township, South Africa and Dharavi, Mumbai, India’s largest and most infamous slum. Is this some kind of sick voyeurism or a positive interest in helping the poor?  Growing numbers of tourists are visiting townships such as Soweto between safaris and trips to the beach at Cape Town.
Do the poor, black residents resent the much wealthier, often white, tourists coming to stare at their poverty?
Many say they don't.
Desmond, 42, who moved to Soweto from the southeast region of Eastern Cape and lives in a few square metres with his wife and four children, tries to survive with the odd day job. He welcomes the extra cash.
"I feel happy because people can help us. It feels all right, no problem," he said. Visitors, leaving after exchanging a few words, sometimes leave a banknote when shaking his hand.
Outside in the alley, Adili, 17, who goes to school, said: "It is a good thing, because most of the time they give us something."
Some visitors were uneasy, however.
"I did not need to see what a squatter camp looks like... and visit as if they live in a zoo," said Belgian tourist Lieve Vantecom, who said she preferred visiting the part of Soweto related to the anti-apartheid struggle.
Another problem became apparent when a child arrived with his hand outstretched, the only person begging during a 20-minute visit. There is a risk that schoolchildren might be tempted to play truant for the chance of a few coins.
Professional guide Antonio Vukman said visitors usually wanted to see the camps but money was a problem and tours needed to be better organized, with a fixed price.
(washingtonpost)References: cities.expressindia, washingtonpost Filed In: |
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