WarErZA - Interview with Plantdhruv 24/8-26

YOUR. VOICE. MATTERS.

“An Outsider’s View of South Africa”

THE VIEW FROM OUTSIDE

WarErZA opens Election Week with a voice from outside ZA. https://app.warera.io/user/695041f32b332672a6278affs WarEra journey has taken him from India to the USA and Brunei, into the SMD, and now to South Africa. As a guest with no formal role in the country, he brings something the rest of this week's interviewees cannot: distance.

What does South Africa look like to someone who isn't from here? We asked about politics, diplomacy, community, and the strange national habit of apparently going to bed at 11?

EDITOR'S NOTE: Responses have been lightly edited for spelling, grammar and formatting only. Meaning and tone are unchanged.

“I find it very active and healthy. I would go so far as to say I am rather envious of it.”

- PLANTDHRUV ON SOUTH AFRICAN POLITICAL CULTURE

INTRO. To begin, could you introduce yourself to our readers and tell us a little about who you are and your role in South Africa?

- Well, I joined WarEra during the Christmas truce of last year in India, eventually being exiled from government, then hopping to the USA, then Brunei, and finally helping form the SMD before I came here after having success against the Federation. I don't really have a role in South Africa. I imagine it more as the drunk uncle with cool lore who randomly arrives at your doorstep with an expensive scotch.

01. What was your impression of South Africa before arriving here, and has that changed since?

- Well, https://app.warera.io/user/690efde8fa2a3c7c37ee867d has been hounding me to visit ever since we became friends during the first Kenyan conflict. The South African Discord, as described by Suit, was perhaps the same description as Eden in the Bible: “a physical place or spiritual state of supreme beauty, life, and innocence.” Which, yeah, okay, maybe he was right, this place is great. The only opinion I have that's changed is now I know for a fact every South African sleeps at like 11. There is not a single person awake late at night. It baffles me how everyone is on such a good sleep cycle, except Smiles.

02. From an outsider’s perspective, what does South Africa seem to do particularly well?

- Well, I will divide the answer into two parts:

Game-wise, South Africa has always had a very fixed purpose: ensuring foreigners stayed out of African cores. Diplomatically, they've had an excellent core for the last few months who have always been willing to work with anyone and everyone. And, of course, unlike some other countries, they've managed to maintain strong country-to-country ties while being focused on their bloc.

Discord-wise, the community is fairly strong and united. Despite a very functional court system and political system, there are limited to zero conflicts present. Of course, there are drawbacks to having a close-knit community, chances of tribalism causing conflicts arise; but surprisingly you don't really have that here.

03. How does our political culture look from the outside? Does it seem active, chaotic, healthy, divided, something else?

- I personally believe having a strong political culture is key. It's good for engagement and ensures voices are being heard. The one thing I like about South Africa specifically is the number of viable, seriously run parties who legitimately want different things and have different opinions, while still being unified behind the current president. I find it very active and healthy. I would go so far as to say I am rather envious of it; it's something I'd like to see more of in Asia.

04. What is one thing South Africa could learn from other countries you’ve been involved with? And conversely, what is something other countries could learn from South Africa?

- I have to say, given I left India on unhappy terms and Brunei is more or less a personal lil Mordor where Hyun and me just vibe, I struggle to think of any advice I can give. Though, if forced to come up with something, I would say there should be a stronger push to get players onto the Discord.

In India, every time a new player joined the game and texted in the WarEra chat, we would have somebody text them to join the Discord and maybe try to convince them a bit, given non-Discord players are unlikely to stay.

I wish I could take the community unity found in South Africa back with me. Unfortunately, I do not know what keeps it that way. Maybe South Africa lucked out by having multiple positive, unifying figures. That, or the quizzes.

05. If someone from another country asked whether they should come to South Africa, what would you tell them?

- ”YES”

FINAL. Lastly, is there anything you’d like to say in your own words that we haven’t touched on?

- I think the community has moulded a phenomenal democracy which reflects greatly on the character of the people within it. In a dream scenario, I would be able to steal South Africa from the paws of Greg and bring them into the SMD so that I do not have to go back to Brunei. Unfortunately, given that is unlikely :( I will have to treasure my remaining time I have left here.

I would additionally like to throw my support behind https://app.warera.io/user/690efde8fa2a3c7c37ee867d, who nearly everyone can accept is one of the best things South Africa has to offer. He is the perfect reflection of South African friendliness and is excellent at getting foreign leaders to defect to South Africa. A better leader is hard to find.

Election Week is a special part of our community: eight days where journalism has one job, ask the questions, examine the answers, and give citizens what they need to make their choice

YOUR. VOICE. MATTERS.