South African Exchange Student is Enthusiastic Booster of Her Country

Monique Metcalf Loves Saginaw Valley State University, the USA

January 26, 2003
By: Dave Rogers

Here's how natives defend themselves with this small leather shield, she says, demonstrating the amazingly small military protective device.

She brandishes a short spear used by the Zulu tribe to great effect against the British during battles of the last century.

Waving aloft a picture of Nelson Mandela, president of South Africa, she claims he is best known figure internationally after the Coca Cola logo.

She is 27-year-old Monique Metcalf, a super enthusiastic booster of hercountry, who is studying at Saginaw Valley State University as a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar.

Ms. Metcalf may be one of the best examples of the "New South Africa" and also how international scholarship programs help build good will and understanding. And the story of what has happened in her country is a great object lesson for Americans. It was only 12 years ago that President Frederik de Klerk proclaimed the end of Apartheid (separation of the races) and declared himself in favor of a democratic South Africa. His policy was confirmed by a favorable vote of 70 percent of the white population. African National Congress leader Nelson Mandela was released from prison after 27 years and later was elected the first black President of the New SouthAfrica, with de Klerk serving as second vice president.

A Psychology and Communications major at SVSU, Ms. Metcalf describes her experience in this country as "absolutely phenomenal!" She loves the United States, but reserves her most ebullient phrases for her own country.

Ms. Metcalf comes by her positive attitudes honestly, since her father, Peter, is director of the Fund for the Development of Africa. She worked for an insurance brokerage before discovering the scholarship opportunity at SVSU through Rotary International, a service organization of which her father is a member.

She told the local service club recently about the Zulu tribe, boasting that the legendary leader Shaka Zulu, "was the greatest military strategist in the world." The tribal leader's exploits are featured in a documentary television program which is broadcast periodically.



Shaka Zulu, 1785-1828, is probably the most famous southern African in history, known for his peerless leadershipof the Zulu clan. Fiercely militaristic and brutal, the Zulu territories grew immensely during his 12 year reign. He was murdered at age 41 by his half brother.

The fact that white and black South Africans have been able to come together to livein peace is a lesson for Americans, especially since those divisions were so deep and long lasting.

Perhaps more significant for U.S. observers is that South Africa's economy is robust, drawing praise from the International Monetary Fund for itsstability. Also, the South African rand is the strongest foreign currency against the U.S. dollar.

The lesson in how peace and understanding between diverse elements of society leads to prosperity should be instructive to those who perpetuate the divisive political factions in our country, state and municipalities.