This year during spring break, N.C. Central University students weren’t the only ones on the road.

Dean of the Graduate School Rudolph S. Jackson and a group of NCCU educators visited South Africa during spring break. (Photo: Stephanie Cotton/Campus Echo Staff Photographer)

Rudolph S. Jackson, dean of the Graduate School, along with fellow NCCU colleague Janice Harper, an American Council on Education Fellow, accompanied a group of educators on a trip to South Africa March 11-19.

Jackson, was part of a 14-member group. The American Council on Education, located in Washington, D.C. sponsored the trip.

“I’ve had the opportunity to visit some of the places I’ve always wanted to visit,” said Jackson. “Those are very memorable things that I had an opportunity to do that I won’t soon forget.”

Jackson and his colleagues explored several cities in South Africa including Johannesburg, Soweto, Durban, and Cape Town. The purpose of the trip was to learn more about the South African culture and geography

He gave a presentation at the Educational Management Association of South Africa in Durban.

Although this was not Jackson’s first visit to South Africa, he wanted to go this time because he’s had an ongoing interest in the post-apartheid era.

“Very modern,” said Jackson describing a typical day in South Africa.

He says he found his visit to Soweto expecially significant. Soweto is a township prominent figures such as Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu.

Jackson said there was a lot of ground to cover and that they ran on a tight schedule.

They toured the University of Natal, in Durban, the jail cell at Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years, and the home Mandela shared with Winnie Mandela. The home is now a museum.

Jackson said he was treated with great respect in South Africa. He said that he didn’t have trouble communicating because many South Africans speak English.

When asked what he enjoyed most about his visit, Jackson replied: “Having an opportunity to see where a lot of the historical things took place.”

Jackson said his most memorable moment was the visit to Robben Island and talking with former prisoners who support the policy of reconciliation.

During his spare time, Jackson did some shopping and was entertained by what he described as “exceptional dancers.” He also talked with some residents and visited a game reserve.

Jackson says that anyone anticipating a trip to South Africa should plan ahead. He recommends that you conduct a background study of the region you are plan to visit.

“You need to allocate a good budget,” said Jackson. “Make travel arrangements early.”

Jackson says it’s impossible to put some media reports into context. He suggests that going there would enable people to describe it to others and give them a sense of what the reality is.

“This experience ... has enhanced my understanding,” said Jackson.

Jackson grew up in South Georgia. He attended college in Atlanta at Clark College, now Clark-Atlanta University.

He did his graduate studies at UNC-Chapel’s School of Business. He has a doctorate in public health with an emphasis in health policy and economics.