South Africans are anxious as they prepare for their much anticipated visit from First Lady Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey. The question is, who is generating more buzz? Right now, the answer to that seems to be Ms. Winfrey.
This past weekend, the South African newspaper, The Sunday Times devoted a ten paragraph write up of Oprah as a preview of her visit, and there was not a single mention of Michelle Obama’s week-long trip, which starts tonight.
Although large crowds of admirers and supporters are still to be expected for Obama, the overall decline in excitement from the people of South Africa illustrates the disappointment felt towards America’s first black president and his seemingly decreasing relations with Africa.
In his term, he has only made one visit to sub-Saharan Africa. A government official in Kenya, where Mr. Obama has family roots said "we know that he is an African-American, but we see him as un-African… and too American"
To South Africans, Oprah Winfrey embodies what it means to give back. With her numerous contributions throughout the years, most recently, her new “leadership academy” for young women, Oprah has proven that she is invested in the growth of the community. To show their appreciation, South Africans are not shy in showing their enthusiasm for Oprah’s return.
