In order to ensure my effectiveness as a social entrepreneur in South Africa I had to first undergo an extensive study of the history and culture of South Africa. During this period I learned invaluable and enlightening information about South Africa and how it arrived at the current economy position it is in.

From my studies I have learned that South Africa is rich in fossil evidence of the evolutionary history of the human family. In fact, Scientist have estimated that humans lived in this region for over 100,000 years. However, in the 19^th century struggles between Africans and Europeans over land emerged and the results drastically altered the dynamics of an environment that was inhabited by our noble ancestors. Eventually the Europeans won and the British Parliament’s South Africa Act of 1910 gave South Africa its independence. Shorty after the legal system of apartheid or separateness was created and implemented. Furthermore, new laws forced blacks into townships and outlawed all major black opposition movements, including the African National Congress. This is one of the many reasons the famous Nelson Mandela was thrown in jail indefinitely.  In addition, racial restrictions/laws began to severely cripple the economy of South Africa, making South Africa an international pariah. In 1994 South Africa saw its first fully democratic election and the people began to gain a since of optimism.

Still today the racial separation that took place in the 19^th century affects Africans, as there are numerous people who die from starvation and diseases daily. Moreover, there are communities within South Africa that lack the resources that define civilization, as we know it in America, including sanitized water facilities, education facilities, fully structured legally systems, hospitals, etc. Now, that I completed this process and gained an understanding of the various issues that South Africans face routinely, I can full employ my abilities and creativity as a social entrepreneur to create a necessary project in South Africa during the course of my internship.