Saturday 26 May 2012

Africa day was celebrated across the continent yesterday. Only recently designated the hopeless continent by no less than the Economist magazine, the world is finally taking this continent seriously as an economic partner. I suspect this is driven by the West's desire not be to be out done by China, a country that has invested heavily on the continent in the last decade. The African economy has finally left the hangar and is on the highway, warming the engines up in preparation for taxi.

Parallel with this must come the shedding of victim hood. The world's economy is lopsided, the playing field uneven with farm subsidies, protectionist trade regimes and all manner of unfair business practices but these are raging the world over. There are economic battles between Europe and the US, China and the US, Latin America and the US as everyone tries to gain a foothold in the battle for resources and markets.

If a South African in Elon Musk can send the first privately owned craft in to space, then Africa can compete with the best of them up there. What Africa needs to do is create the environment that allows it brightest to shine their brilliance from African shores. The awarding of a major portion of the SKA array to South Africa is a case in point. We now have a platform to nurture the next generations of the Strive Masiyiwas, Samuel Esson Jonahs, Mo Ibrahims, Sindi Mabasos, Wendy Luhabes and many others right across the continent. http://www.africansuccess.org/rechRub.php?idRech=5&lang=en

The people you will find on the list above get on with it. They fight their battles in the boardrooms, courts and in the markets. The fight for Africa is for each country to produce millions of similar people running SMEs and large corporations, creating wealth rather than amassing it and, in the process, creating the room for Africans to walk with their heads held high.

Africa must not forget her pain of slavery and colonialism but she must not carry it around in her bosom passing it on to future generations in a continuous state of victim hood. It is Frederick Douglass, former slave turned liberator of hearts and minds who said: "It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men."

We must heal and we must fight the fight in the markets, with exemplary and dignified leadership for all Africans. In his book, Architects of Poverty, Moeletsi Mbeki calls for a change of mindsets in the African elite. He calls for the protection of property rights, rule of law, diversity and growth of skills in the labour force, cooperation between labour and management, a healthy labour force and a stable social and political environment. Samuel P Huttington in the book Clash of Civilisations reminds us that in January 1989 in Singapore, the President Wee Kim argued that it was necessary to identify the core values that "capture the essence of being a Singaporean." This exercise culminated in a white paper that defined the shared values of Singaporeans as: Nation before (ethnic) community and society above self, family as the basic unit of society, regard and community support for the individual, consensus instead of contention, racial and religious harmony." I must remind readers that Singapore is roughly 76% Chinese, 15% Malay and Muslim and 6% Indian, Hindu and Sikh. Sound familiar?

Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore probably said it best at a national day rally on August 19, 1979; "If we can test men, weed out the nervous and jittery, you can bank on your future in Singapore long after this government has stood down. We have got to find them. We have some of them. For any group of men, the final achievment is to see their creation bloom and flourish. They must be able to select, to judge, to impart what has been learned from exeperience and then say, 'Now the rest is up to you.' There will be new problems but the basic factors are the same. The world is different, the economy is more complex and sophisticated, but what makes a society tick, what gives a people flexibility, the cohesiveness, the thrust, the dynamism, always seeking new ways to overcome new problems or old problems- that's as old as the beginning of man and the first tribes. That, I hope, will be the story of Singapore."

This too, must be the story of individual African countries so that the continent can flourish.

Monday 21 May 2012

It is proving to be a dramatic year, thus far, in the field of sport, arts and culture. The deaths of Whitney Houston, Donna Summer and Robin Gibb have genuinely touched fans worldwide across every line you can think of. News of their deaths were not just another entertainment item that one sticks at the end of the 8pm news. They were headline news announcing the departure of iconic figures who did more than just make music. These acts defined music genres, raised the bar and set a new standard for their contemporaries and beyond as we reminded ourselves of their contribution to the field of human endeavour.

Even more dramatic, in this highly interconnected world, have been the climaxes to sports competitions, particularly soccer. It is to Golf that we turn to, though, for that Albatross from Louis Oosthuizen which set up a thrilling finale to this year's Augusta. Then you fast forward to Chelsea's semi final match against Barcelona, Real Madrid's penalty loss to Bayern Munich on penalties in their semi final and now the Champions League final. Difficult to argue which was the most emotional finish to a sports event but in my book the Zambian victory over Cote D'Ivoire in the African Cup of Nations, back in January has to be right at the top of emotional Richter scale. We have been truly spoilt, both for the privilege of being able to truly mourn legends who have passed on and appreciate their legacy and celebrating new legends who have made and are making their mark.Yet, we are only half way through the year! I salute those who have passed on and the living legends.

I have been lucky enough to meet a few legends in my time. A few years ago, I ran in to Jay Jay Okocha at his club #10  in Lagos. Very humble, down to earth man. It was the same when I met Kalusha Bwalya in Lusaka and this weekend when I ran to Herve Renard, the man who led Zambia to the Afcon finals. I consider myself very lucky and wish I could have had a ten minute chat rather than just a snapshot.




Here is a living legend in the mould of Dennis Liwewe. You should have seen him celebrate when Boateng scared a hat trick for AC Milan. You might find it on You Tube. In this clip, however, he says goodbye to club and national legend Inzaghi: http://www.20min.ch/sport/fussball/story/Kult-Moderator-Crudelis-bittere-Traenen-25483469

Who else would I have loved to have met? Bob Marley, Nancy Wake, Frederick Douglas and, like most men, I am yet to meet Gabrielle Union!



Thursday 17 May 2012

I react to the story of the Lemba people and wonder out aloud why no one is putting it in a bottle and sticking a label on it. When you do not own your narrative, others will write it and, in some cases, distort it for you.

http://www.newsday.co.zw/article/2012-05-16-innerzela-making-your-heritage-count/

Wednesday 16 May 2012

King Kenny Dalglish has been sacked. It is always very sad when a legend has to depart the scene in that manner. I suppose that one would argue that the American owners of the club took a leaf from General Electric's former CEO, Jack Welch, who in his relentless path to success argued that a good leader had to have edge: the ability to see reality and the courage to act on it.

The results have not been good enough. The players have not delivered, especially the new crop, with the exception of Suarez. The selection for the FA Cup final was disappointing and, therefore, objectively speaking the decision is probably correct.

But! This is no way to treat one of our greatest ever players and servant. If Wall Street CEOs could still earn their bonuses after what they did to the world's economy, surely King Kenny could have been sent back upstairs if keeping him in the coaching framework was going to be awkward? With his quick wit and charming personality, he could travel the world in the role of ambassador and help sell more replica shirts, work with kids in countries far and wide and all sorts of PR activities. I mean, our greatest rivals Manchester United still use Bobby Charlton in tv ads!

Yes, sport is a business but we are the fans and we never forget our legends because the power of the brand comes from their guts, sweat and commitment to the badge. Liverpool became an attractive investment to the owners because, in major part, Kenny Dalglish and our other legends made it so on the pitch. Long live the King! You will never walk alone!

Monday 14 May 2012

Ooh, ooh, ooh, here is a question! if Europe, being the middle of a serious recession, huh lets say Portugal, had to ask former colonies to invest their petrol dollars to help save the economies of the former colonial master, where would they stand on a vote for smart sanctions in a human rights abuse case perpetrated by the former colony?

As soon as the question popped in to my head, I realised just how this question is almost cast in stone in terms of who the villains are meant to be as typecast by history. There is work to do. Similarly, questions must be asked from the rooftops about Saudi Arabia and Bahrain for the simple reason that human rights abuses are taking place there, regardless of how or why the mainstream press chooses not to highlight them. http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/05/14/214124.html

The need for balance in reporting or condemnation does not, of course, excuse the excesses by any ruling power on the planet. I will be the thorn in your flesh.

Sunday 13 May 2012

I had a cousin once whose favourite expression seemed to be, "I've never seen anything like this before" as he narrated a story. I used to find this amusing and grossly exaggerated on his part. Tonight, I experienced that expression in full as Manchester United trailing by a goal, in a season defining match, patiently retained their discipline to score two goals in the dying minutes of the match. When I saying dying minutes, I am referring to the 91st and 93rd minutes of the match. It is simply not done, not at this level of the game, not with this amount of pressure and yet there it was. The Manchester United fans who had been singing "glory, glory Man United" barely a minute earlier were stunned in to silence. The temporary Manchester city fans for the night were in ecstasy that they themselves could hardly believe. The lesson to all, including myself, was simply this: take nothing for granted. The fat lady must warmed her voice several times not knowing whether to fly to Old Trafford or the Etihad stadium. Manchester United did not lose the title, Manchester City won it and deservedly so. The noisy neighbours are now respectable neighbours. Manchester City fans may take the week off!
Spare a thought this Mothers day for all the mother whose children are currently the victims of human rights abuses and dictatorships. This mothers will not have her children make a cup of tea for her, have flowers brought to her by her own or even get lovingly teased about her mothering style.
From Bahrain to Western Sahara, many a mother is weeping for a missing son or daughter. From Pyongyang to   Yangon, Mexico city to Damascus, a mother worries about her children venturing out on to the streets. All this mother knows is pain, muted by the greater need for daily survival, her mourning postponed for a time when it will be appropriate to do so, a life in limbo hovering between heaven and hell while the world goes about its business in pursuit of happiness.
If the very least you can do in support of this woman is to raise your voice in her support, then by all means do so. For there was a time, was there not, when you complained that the world was not doing enough to raise their voices in protest at what was going on in your country. Show your solidarity now and, especially for those who are in positions of influence, speak out against injustice. As Nickelback so correctly explain in their song, "If everyone cared," the world would be a much better place for all if you, yes you, raised your voice. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IUSZyjiYuY

Help to light a candle instead of cursing the darkness. Speak up for anxious mothers and their missing children worldwide. I am speaking up for the mother of Nabeel Rajab, the President of the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights. Who are you speaking out for today?

Saturday 12 May 2012

From Azawad (Aza who? yep, Azawad) to Azania, societal groups are seeking preservation of their ways, autonomy or total independence. Balkanisation, it would be appear is back in fashion following the lull after the break up of some east European countries. Azawad is the name given to the recently proclaimed Tuareg state in the north of Mali with world famous Timbuktu as the intended capital. The state is not yet recognised but this has not diminished the appetite for freedom of the Azawadis.

Come to think of it, balkanisation is not new at all. Apart from the fact that the first Tuareg rebellion started way back in the sixties and there have been a few after that until this latest one, we find that worldwide, there are people wanting to secede from the mother ship which they do not consider a mother at all. In Zambia, for instance, the Lozi want to establish an independent Barotseland, The Scots want their Independence from England. Well even though the Scottish National Party won 45% of the vote in the last parliamentary election, only a third of Scots themselves actually back a divorce, but who knows what will happen in the next couple of years?

What drives balkanisation? Is it the discovery of rich natural resources like oil, diamonds or water depending where you find yourself? Is it driven by long simmering anger over a battle from thousands of years prior only to be triggered by a single aberrant action of a local policeman or authority? Indeed, what makes a people? Is it a flag, a country to call one's own, language, economic or military power? How is freedom truly defined and is it really about freedom or simply the ability to say we rule ourselves or are ruled by our own? Irony of ironies, the same Patrick Henry, post colonial Governor of Virginia, who said "give me liberty or give me death" during the movement for independence in Virginia owned 78 slaves! How could a man who could express a cry for freedom with such eloquence own slaves?

Societies must always interrogate the motives of men and women who would lead us to war for a murky ideal that is based on a thousand years of hatred. We should be especially wary of secessionists whose raison d'agir is based on tribal affiliation or bitter pain as opposed to a historical right of a nation of peoples in historically acknowledged borders such as in the case of Native Americans or Australia's Aborignes. At the same time, politicians must surely understand their duty to govern any nation in a manner that serves all who live in as equally as possible lest a demagogue were to exploit the consequences of deliberate lopsided development, a policy which is simply unsustainable. There are obviously clear cut cases for a right to return and independence. No brainer examples include Western Sahara and the Chagos Islands but others are perhaps better resolved with a fairer and more transparent share of the national cake.

Is it possible to choose from the best of divorces as happened in Czechslovakia rather than opt for the bloddy option as happened in Yugoslavia?

Whatever the case, will the Timbuktu desert festival still take place next year? Will the Tuareg, having "won" their freedom, assuming they can hold on to the territory in chaotic Mali, sing a better song for their people? Or does it not matter as long as they are singing their own song?

Friday 11 May 2012

There is an interesting debate raging in the US on the subject of same sex marriage following Barack Obama's "evolved" position on the subject. Obama declared "I've concluded that for me, personally, it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same-sex couples should be able to get married." This has, of course prompted debate within my circles. For the avoidance of doubt, here is my position. I grew up with many prejudices and with the benefit of travel and education, I have developed a more broadminded and tolerant worldview. As a high school teacher, for instance, I quickly evolved in to recognising how some students were simply naturally gay and not following some western or unAfrican fad as some put it. In fact, one of my students went to become a well known radio personality and his sexual orientation was later "confirmed" (in this context) when he became embroiled in a sex scandal by Zimbabwe's conservative standards. Later on as President of the Alliance Francaise of Bulawayo for several years, I met a lot more gay people who were open about their orientation because they came from foreign countries and did not need to hide in the closet, certainly not within our circles. Being gay is natural and not something that needs to be cured and gay people have the exact same needs that non gay people have which include the need to be treated equally in whatever institution is available to everyone else in a society. This includes the institution of marriage. The only reason the subject is a "tender and sensitive" one as Romney put it the other day is because people have had entrenched positions for such a long time but have we not had such positions before? Think upon the following:

  • it was once fact that the earth was the centre of the universe and everything revolved around it
  • thousands upon thousands of women were burnt at the stake in early modern Europe between 1300 and 1800 simply because it was a "fact" that they were "witches"
  • thousands of gays are persecuted today because it is a "fact" that is unAfrican!
It is ridiculous to deny what is before your very eyes, refusing to accept it because your worldview cannot absorb the reality of what is going on. As for those who object on religious grounds, remember that some of you would probably have been burnt as "witches" in 1300 or denounced as heretics and burned in the next round of burning in the "holy fire" for daring to suggest that the Earth actually revolved around the sun and not the other way round. By all means keep your faith but do not let it be a stumbling block against everyone else and certainly not with regard to equal rights and justice. The days of the baying mob, fully convinced of their righteousness, belongs to the dark ages. To each their own beliefs and the law for us all!

Tuesday 8 May 2012

One of my favourite songs of all time is Paul Simon's Bridge over troubled water. The Live version in Central Park is excellent, the cover by Andrea Bocelli and Mary J Blige even better. The opening lyrics, "when you're weary" are a promise of something better to come.

What should one do when one is tired to the point of resignation? Well, if you have any friends, go and sit down and have lunch, laugh about silly things, reminisce, look for the positive in everyone's story and drink from the well of friendship. The refreshed or at least with battery slightly charged again, off you go to face the world again.

They talk of a second wind in marathon running and taking an hour and a half out of of the trenches gives you little gusts of wind that may not be enough for a marathon but enough to for a few more steps to the next water point.

There is no point in hiding away like "a selfish little clod of ailments complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy" as Shaw so eloquently put it. So if you are feeling weary, go out there, have a drink with a mate, take a walk on your own (that is not expensive) and watch people jogging around you, nod at the man walking his dog, the couple walking or the sunset and marvel at the simplicity of life. There, I feel better now!

Sunday 6 May 2012

There have just been elections in Greece and France with changes in the political landscape resulting in both countries for pretty much the same reasons. The electorate has rejected austerity, the same type of austerity that had been foisted upon developing countries in Latin America and Africa. The major difference between these two countries and many an African country has been the ability of the electorate to effect change.

You see, democracy is not merely the presence of elections every so often. It is also the guarantee that an environment can be provided for the people to display their approval or disapproval on issues in between elections as we have seen in Greece and France over the years. Both countries have an activist population that does not hesitate to take to the streets when they are not happy about the potential negative effect of a proposed law, a scandal involving a major politician or the desecration of a grave by extremists to cite a few examples. It is this culture that makes countries strong.

A strong, independent and free thinking press usually alerts the public to some wrong doing and then carries the unrelenting voices of the people to the leadership. The people then back this by some form of action such as a mass demonstration to remind the leadership that they cannot be taken for granted until a proposed law is withdrawn, a tainted leader steps down, an appointment reversed or a perpetrator of an outrage arrested. The people are an institution!

They are an institution because their activism and intervention are not merely limited to bread and butter issues that affect them directly but include an action to protect the nation and its democratic values.

This is the kind of activism that is needed in some African countries. We need to move higher up on Maslow's hierarchy of needs, in a political sense, so that we always defend our individual countries from a strong foundation of institutionalised public values. Currently many an African is pre-occupied with survival and the political elite use this to divide, conquer and plunder. By reaching for the higher values of accountability, reinforcing and insisting on effective checks and balances, we can begin to curb the natural excesses that arise from the trappings of power. The law exists to protect man against himself. We must help to uphold it in support of a living democracy that will help our countries to grow in all aspects. "Light a candle instead of cursing the darkness."
So, I have just got back home from a short evening at Le Petit Cochon where we watched the result of the French Presidential poll with local Frenchies, which as expected gave the victory to Francois Hollande whose ex wife actually lost an election to Sarkozy. I must say, though, that I was surprised that the local French voted 72% for Sarkozy because I have never met a French person who voted for him before! All my mates, except one have always declared voting to the left.
As they French say, though, to each their own taste and this is an example of democracy at work. I would wish the same for the majority of African countries. The ability to say, I do not agree with you as sitting President and I wish to replace you by another without being labeled an enemy of the state. I remember being fascinated how Gordon Brown literally drove without an escort to go and present his "resignation" to his Queen after losing to Cameron of the Tories. The next day, some official arrived at his house to fetch the official car!

As has been said before "the ears of the leader must ring with the voices of the people." Francois Hollande has his work cut out for him but this is not the point. The point is, he is allowed to argue his point and convince the electorate enough to allow him to put his ideas in to action. And if he fails? The people will speak once more!

Saturday 5 May 2012

Is it wise to blog when you are just returning from witnessing a cup final loss at the pub? I mean Jessica Leandra was emotional when she composed that infamous tweet! For the avoidance of doubt, let me state that I am of sound and sober mind but I cannot vouch for my emotional state for I am upset. So there is the disclaimer.
There used to be an advert from my youth (this is how upset I am) in a show called World Sport Special and the voice over would say something about the "bitter taste of defeat." You see, I am not bitter about the loss. Nor am I angry at the ref who had to make a split second decision on whether the ball crossed the line or not. Even the chaps in the space station could see that it had crossed the line but that is beside the point I wish to make. I am upset that we lost the match because our selection was wrong from the get go.
The choice of strategy in any battle is key, followed by the performance of the the individual soldiers in battle. when you leave a seasoned and hard working Kuyt and Rodrigues on the bench in favour of the error prone and confidence shy Henderson and Spearing, you are digging yourself in to a hole. Why would anyone want to start a cup final with a tunnel to victory when the playing field is already even?
For the sake of clarity and good order, I must state as a loyal and disciplined member of Liverpool Football Club that I am an admirer of King Kenny. That admiration does not blind me to the on and off occasion when the King's wardrobe is somewhat inadequate, which it clearly was today. I am in pain because we lost a match we could have won, had we made the right tactical choices. Buy Brit has not worked. The squad is not big enough but even with our constrained resources, we could have made a better team selection and won or lost for the right reasons. For now, it is just pain. I will be ok in the morning. I think so. At least Torres did not play. Good luck to Chelsea against Bayern in Champions League final. When they have won five of those, the guys in the pub who were dancing around me will have earned the right to do just that. Not yet. You will never walk alone!
A South African model has sparked a storm in South Africa after tweeting her anger at an "arrogant and disrespectful" black person in a very racist and crude tweet. Jessica is not a first offender because she had another tweet about almost punching an  rude "African monkey" at a service station. She is consistent in both her view of black people, nearly punching them and their duty to respect her.
All over the world, drivers flash their lights at each other to warn about speed traps in an unspoken universal code of unity against local enforcement authorities. I am sure Jessica owns a car and has happily flashed her lights at black drivers to warn of the same many times in her life. I am equally sure, she has smiled and waved at black drivers who have given way to her at a busy intersection allowing her to slip in to traffic on her way to a photo shoot. In a few hours time, Liverpool and Chelsea will clash in the FA cup final for this season. All over the world, pubs will fill up with regulars but also strangers and for ninety minutes, assuming Liverpool do the business within time allowed to spare us the agony of penalties, these strangers will be united by the colour of their respective soccer shirts and not their skin. If Jessica loved soccer, she would probably be in a multi-racial pub with a few trend setting friends (that everyone would be staring at) and would probably have even hugged complete black strangers if her team had scored. Three hugs and high fives for a hat trick!

This is the absurdity of life. The fact that I can go to a social event that unites me with a complete stranger, flash my lights at him in traffic to warn him about traffic cops and still be racist or tribalist to the same chap in a different setting. You can think it, don't tweet it!

Racism and tribalism are both unacceptable wherever they occur. What should South Africa do from here? Forgive her, she has already been punished by her loss of sponsorship and future earnings, by your very strong and correct reaction and her public apology. Furthermore, South Africans should take the great vibe from sports venues all over the nation tonight and carry it in to their conversations with their children, at the braai stand, the water cooler and every day life. "Light a candle, instead of cursing the darkness."
It is refreshing, isn't it, to see the UN Security vote on an issue with a unanimous decision as they did on Wednesday urging the two Sudans to halt hostilities or face sanctions. The AU will facilitate talks between the two states and hopefully find a lasting solution that will allow a war weary people to start living near to normal lives. It would be great for South Sudanese to take electricity, running water and medical care for granted within the next decade in their new country. You cannot hold entire generations of people hostage to war and misery, trapped in a life of uncertainty. It is the worst form of torture. Bravo to both the UN and the AU for their efforts.

Thursday 3 May 2012

So what does one do? Lionel Messi or Christiano Ronaldo for World Footballer of the year? Ronaldo has been fantastic all season and so has Messi. Ronaldo has won the Spanish championship and Messi has broken a record that has stood for 39 years. Both have missed crucial penalties at crucial moments of the season. Neither one has managed to win the champions' league this season? Who would you give it to?

Wednesday 2 May 2012

Some suicidal chap called in to a radio station this afternoon to state that his mother's cooking was better than his wife's. This is the equivalent of joking that you are carrying a bomb to an American immigration officer. I hope his wife, and worse her friends, were not listening and recognised his voice.

It has been said that man is the only animal that consciously walks towards danger whether it is climbing Mt Everest "because it is there" or diving in to the depths of the ocean to see what it really looks like down there and how deep it is. I am reminded of Luc Besson's movie Le Grand Bleu which enthralled viewers in Europe with the story of the massive competition between two free divers trying to out do each other in their quest to hold the world record for free diving. In true French fashion, the ending of the movie is ambiguous both celebrating man's desire to go beyond his limits and warning about the dangers of the same. It also, of course, forces the viewer to make his mind up about what the ending could have been.

For many, to live is to stretch yourself to the ultimate limit. How far are you prepared to live a full life, even when it means having it cut short? What is more important, the memory of your legacy or living to a ripe old age and seeing your grand children? Do you have an Everest you have yet to climb or are you happy with a white picket fence and grand children running around? One could argue that Bob Marley and Marilyn Monroe who died at age 36, Martin Luther King and Malcom X both 39, lived a much more fuller life than the the average Joe who lives an average three score and ten.

Who is to say? What would you prefer, a full short life or a long average but peaceful life?

Tuesday 1 May 2012

I have not made up my mind about Julian Assange and that does not really matter. In an effort to get a better understanding of the man, I have been watching his show on RT but it is his guests that I am getting to know better instead. Take for instance Moncef Marzouki, the new President of Tunisia. He comes across as sincere and was quite candid in describing the most frustrating thing for him in carrying out his duty as President while striving to remain the human rights activist he has always been.

I find that refreshing. A President who agonises over the duties he must perform as head of state because he has not forgotten why and how he got in to power. There too many leaders today who take cold decisions without regard to their conscience or the collateral damage. Marzouki, however, is a man who spent four months in solitary confinement and who understand the terrible psychological torture that can be visited upon a human being. He is using that experience not for vengeance but, trying to do what he feels best for his country despite all the pressures around him. I wish him luck and consistency and hope that the trappings of power will not, in time, change him to the contrary.