50 years later the African Union soldiers on

Formed as the Organisation for African Unity on the 25^th of May 1963, the OAU later became AU (African Union) in 2002.  It initially encompassed 32 independent African countries and today it represents 54 countries across the African continent. The only country that is not part of the AU is Morrocco in its attempt to protest the admission of Western Sahara in 1982.

The organisation was designed to unite the continent and bring independence to the remaining states still under colonialism and apartheid in South Africa's circumstance.

There have been numerous challenges that have faced the organisation and these trials could have resulted in an immediate collapse of the organisation. Its survival is a true testimonial of Africa’s endurance and potential. A high degree of credit is due to Abdelaziz Bouteflika (President of Algeria – 1999 to 2011), Olusegun Obasanjo (President of Nigeria – 1999 to 2007) and Thabo Mbeki (President of South Africa – 1999 to 2008).

 For my beloved continent I sincerely hope for peace, development, regional economic integration and genuine leadership that is accountable.

In our lifetime we need to ensure the success of the African Union. We may not fully reap the benefits but Africa’s future generations will. 

It's in our best interest to protect our continent and everything that belongs to it.

My sources: http://www.au.int/en/ ; http://www.theafricareport.com ; http://www.aljazeera.com 

Image credit: http://www.aljazeera.com 

Prosperity through heritage

…these words were imparted by Prince Wilfred Tembe as the 2011 theme for the annual uMthayi Festival (Amarula Festival) which is held at KwaNgwanase in Maputoland by the Tembe nation (north of KwaZulu Natal).

After listening to a bolstering and informative show called Isintu Sami (my culture) on Gagasi FM my mind tried to paste a collage of what goes on at this uMthayi Festival. If anybody mentions Amarula I instantly think of the Amarula cream liqueur…well, this is until I heard Inkosi Tembe on IsintuSami.

‘Umthayi is a collective word defining a queue of women carrying traditional amarula beer (amaganu beer) in calabash and other containers to their king...’ Sithembiso Shangase (Isintu Sam show host)

It’s a very spiritual and sacred ceremony rather than an event. Inkosi Tembe relates to the ceremony as a prayer to their ancestors – a thanksgiving of the harvesting of the amaganu fruit.

Amabutho fetching the king - Inkosi Tembe

Led by the king’s mother, the women carrying the traditional amarula beer hand over the beer to the king and he takes the first sip before declaring it open for the nation to consume.  In many African cultures including this Nguni clan, rain is embraced as a symbol of good fortune and what I experienced at the ceremony gave me goose bumps… with clear skies above us it started to rain in the blazing heat as the women kneeled down to pour the beer for Inkosi Tembe and it stopped a few seconds later when the king had taken his sip… (In the king’s ‘thank you’ speech he mentioned that the rain was a sign that the prayers had reached the ancestors).

Inkosi Tembe about to take his sip

There are numerous economic empowerment projects that have been implemented due to this ‘festival’ and others are in progress which also include the Tembe nation’s immediate neighbouring countries, Mozambique and Swaziland. It seems Inkosi Tembe is a visionary leader, and with the assistance of government they are currently doing feasibility studies for building a brewery and other Amarula fruit related business ventures.

the queen of the Ndebele nation (left) & the queen of the Zulu nation (right)

Some of the entertainment - accompanying the Swaziland royal house

 …Join the journey to restore and preserve African culture.
See you at the uMthayi Festival next year –Umvelinqangi mayevumile!

the year to CONSERVE & PRESERVE

Image source: weheartit.com

I declare 2013 the year to conserve and preserve.

As African citizens we need to take the matter of endangered wild animals more seriously. This continent strives on it's diverse wildlife and it would be short-sighted of us not to play a meaningful role in ensuring that this inheritance is not left for poachers to devour.

May your 2013 be full of colour & positive change!

meet the Afro-optimists

 

www.iseeadifferentyou.tumblr.com

 



we're Royalty man!

…I immediately imagine many cringing at the thought of African aristocratic rulers. A friend of mine paints a mental picture of an old dark-hued man with a bulky belly, sitting on a gold-carved armchair flaunting his riches and indulging in his polygamist ways.
For many, they can’t comprehend an African king that’s progressive and relevant in a society that’s grappling with poverty and preventable diseases.

Well…meet Kgosi Leruo Tshekedi Molotlegi, the current King of the Bafokeng Nation located in the Rustenburg Valley (North West province, South Africa).



Kgosi Leruo Tshekedi Molotlegi
(36^threcorded king)
 

The Bafokeng nation is inclusive of 29 villages that boast some of the most innovative approaches to sustainable development in Africa.

 

Let me put you in the picture – The Bafokeng nation’s land overlies a valuable portion of the Bushveld Complex, the richest know reserve of platinum group metals and chrome in the world. In the 19^thcentury upon contact with Europeans visionary predecessors (Kgosi Leruo’s ancestors) ensured that the communally held land survived white rule.

 

Royal Bafokeng Hotel


Today this African community led by Kgosi Leruo benefits from these professional structures; Royal Bafokeng Holdings (Manages the Bafokeng investment portfolio), Royal Bafokeng Sports (Oversees commercial and developmental sporting programmes), Royal Bafokeng Enterprise Development (Supports and incubates SMMEs), Royal Bafokeng Institute (Education reform, vocational training and leadership development) and the Royal Bafokeng Administration (Provides infrastructure and social services to the community).



Lebone College

Lebone College classroom

Transparency and accountability is kept in check by the Bafokeng Supreme Council made up of hereditary headmen and elected women and men who form the traditional legislature and abide by Bafokeng customary law and the South African Constitution.

Continuing the legacy inherited from their ancestors the Bafokeng Nation has formulated a development mission that will diversify its economic investments and infrastructural development. You have to see this (http://www.bafokeng.com/future/masterplan)

Royal Bafokeng Nation Masterplan

“The comprehensive plan makes provision for the population more than doubling…Importantly, Masterplan has not been drawn up in isolation. On the contrary, at a regional level it has been designed…At a macro level it accords with the vision and spirit of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).”
(Kgosi Leruo Tshekedi Molotlegi, Royal Bafokeng Nation Masterplan on Target for 2035, Pg. 3)
 

Sources: http://www.bafokeng.com , http://www.bafokengholdings.com, http://www.bafokengplatinum.co.za/ , http://www.bafokengsportscampus.co.za/ , http://www.lebonecollege.co.za/

My Queen of Sheba feature for this post – 3 inspiring African women

A gargantuan African drum beat to these 3 women who were selected in the Forbes 100 Most Powerful Women

 

 

Source: www.forbes.com/powerwomen

meet the Afropolitans

 

Taiye Selasi

(www.taiyeselasi.com)

image taken by: Ananya Dasgupta (20 Jan '12)

Write what you like.

People may die but their ideologies will live.

 

voyagesphotosmanu.com

 Rest in Peace Bantu Stephen Biko (assassinated in Pretoria, RSA – 12 September 1977)

Heart-shaped Africa is the feeling centre of the world.

Continents are metaphors.

A people are spiritual states of humanity as distinguishable in what they represent as roses, lions, and stars.

Have we forgotten what Africa is?

Africa is our dreamland, our spiritual homeland.

There is a realm in everyone that is Africa. We all have an Africa within.

When the Africa outside is sick with troubles, the Africa inside makes us sick with neuroses.

Inexplicable psychic illness in the world is possibly, indirectly, connected to the troubles in Africa.

We have to heal the Africa in us if we are going to be whole again.

An extract from Ben Okri’s book – A time for new dreams

 

Last night at the University of Cape Town Ben Okri delivered an honourable 13^th Steve Biko memorial lecture – here’s to technology… check out the video