Pj magazine reduced by Madelein Mkunu

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Editor’s Note

Welcome

Let me personally welcome you to the launch edition of the President’s Journal. I would like to entitle my note: Formula for Leadership Growth. Simply because this publication will be all about “Leadership” and development from a very specific approach: African. As we all know, Africa remains a continent caught up in the midst of controversies, humanitarian crisis and of many unique issues that need unique solutions. As it is well said “desperate measures need desperate actions”. Africa will need far more than just lea-

more like the generation of Nelson

from our past heroes and legends that

ders who attend official summits, con-

Mandela, Patrice Emery Lumumba,

have started the process of Africa’s li-

ferences and Think Tank gatherings. In

and Kwame Nkrumah: vision and com-

beration.

fact, all these fancy meetings contribute

mitment. Our past heroes have proven

in the stagnation of the continent. Loo-

to be devoted to these elements.

that are compulsory for us to become

The next pages bring a brand new way of thinking about our future. From one

king back, I have learnt two elements Scriptures encourage us to for crave

of heroes, Dr Kenneth David Kaunda,

milk just like new-born babies in order

we explore why “he is the last man

to grow. Similarly African leaders must

standing” of his generation.

become insatiable to a vision of a better

Inputs from the African diaspora pro-

future Africa and remain committed to it

vide a new perspective on how Africa

in order to reach growth and develop-

needs to revaluate relationships with its

ment.

partners.

Africa needs desperate measures to

We also unveil the importance of wo-

overturn the current leadership crisis

men in the rebuilding process of the

and I believe there is so much to learn

Continent. My hope is that these pages will revo-

MADELEIN MKUNU Independent Consultant in Leadership and Gender Development Anchor Facilitator: Influential Leadership Programme (ILP) Founder & President: Leading Women of Africa (LWA) Editor-in-Chief: Feminar Publications Professional Fellow: Michigan State University

lutionise us to become agents of change and leaders that Africa needs in the 21st century. Yours in leadership,

PRESIDENT JOURNAL

CONTENT

THE LAST MAN STANDING Dr Kenneth David Kaunda, the First President of Zambia

10 5

EDITOR’S NOTE By Madelein Mkunu Let me welcome you to the launch edition of the President’s Journal. Read more

EDITORIAL TEAM FEMINAR GROUP Meet the Feminar Group Team Read more

OBAMA’S HIGH-RISK Africa Summit The white house Has told African ambassadors and others that no African leader will be given a one-on-one meeting with President Obama

FEATURE STORY TRIBUTES TO DR KENNETH KAUNDA Read more

Please note: We are aware that by the time this article was going to be published, the meeting would have taken place already, however given the critical approach of the author, we think it is important to share his views with the readers

WOMEN THE ROLE OF WOMEN in Rebuilding Africa in the 21st Century. Read more

WOMEN MY MESSAGE TO WOMEN The empowerment of an other woman is a reciprocal gift Read more

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AFRICAN LEGACY Mbeki Calls Brath

“A General of the Pan African Movement”

20 WOMEN

A TRIBUTE TO SA WOMEN A tribute to women can never be too ordinary nor can it be enough. Read more

29 YOUR SPACE

MEET MADELEIN MKUNU “She is a woman with big ideas, with a track record of implementing them” Read more

30 LEADERSHIP REPORT

AFRICAN MONETARY FUND AU Summit approves African Monetary Fund. The African Union (AU) summit has approved the creation of an African Monetary Fund (AMF), with an initial capital of US$22.64 billion, to promote economic development in Africa.

THE AFRICAN INSTITUTE FOR REMITTANCES (AIR) CONSPIRACY OR FRAUD?

Diaspora voices We make sacrifices to send money to help cover some basic needs

of the 23rd Ordinary Session of the African Union in Malabo Read more

ENTREPRENEURSHIP A DOLLAR OUT OF 15 CENTS. A story of supermodels, helicopters and the creative economy Read more

38 RENAISSANCE

AN ASIAN AND AN AFRICAN. Asian Interviewer: “Can you address their concerns Mr.Chang?” Read more

WE NEED ANSWERS AND CLARIFICATIONS ABOUT AIR

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THE DIASPORA

BUSINESS MAGAZINE AWARDS ON BEHALF OF THE EDITORIAL TEAM OF THE DIASPORA BUSINESS MAGAZINE, WE WERE HONORED TO PRESENT AWARDS TO TWO OUTSTANDING LEADERS IN NIGERIA.

Sub-Sahara African Leader

Best African Mortgage Bank

of the year Award, 2013, presented to:

of 2013 presented to: Federal Mortgage Bank of

Executive Governor of Katsina State,

Nigeria for the best African Mortgage Bank of the

Dr Shema, for his transformational lea-

year 2013. The award was received by the Mana-

dership in Nigeria

ging Director of the Bank Mr Gimba Ya”u Kumo

EDITORIAL TEAM Published by:

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FEATURE STORY

THE LAST MAN STANDING

Dr Kenneth David Kaunda, the First President of Zambia

of passage for African nationalist leaCOMPILED BY JOHN MKUNU

ders. The experience of imprisonment had a radicalising impact on Kaunda. The two leaders drifted apart

It took emotional moments and years of

as Nkumbula became increasingly in-

frustration for Dr. Kenneth David Kaun-

fluenced by white liberals and was seen

da to lose almost everything that matter

as being willing to compromise on the

the most for him in the battle for Africa’s

issue of black majority rule, waiting until

liberation: his friends, comrades, his

most of the indigenous population was

team: from Kwame Nkrumah, Patrice

responsibly educated before extending

Emery Lumumba, Julius Nyerere to the

the franchise. The franchise was to be

latest Nelson Mandela. Now coping with

determined by existing property and

the anguish and sorrow that has taken

literacy qualifications, dropping race

everyone around him, point man and

altogether. Nkumbula’s allegedly auto-

African freedom fighter’s leader is trying

cratic leadership of the ANC eventually

to put his life together and survive the

resulted in a split. Kaunda broke from

test of time. To do so he must discover

the ANC and formed the Zambian Afri-

why he is the only man left who lived

can National Congress (ZANC) in Octo-

through the ambush of colonialism and

ber 1958. ZANC was banned in March

who came out of that alley alive

1959. In June Kaunda was sentenced

Independence Struggle

to nine months’ imprisonment, which he spent first in Lusaka, then in Salisbury.

In April 1949, Kaunda returned to

While Kaunda was in prison, Mainza

Lubwa to become a part-time teacher,

Chona and other nationalists broke

but resigned in 1951. In that year he

away from the ANC and, in October

Government, with Kaunda as Minister of

became Organising Secretary of Nor-

1959, Chona became the first president

Local Government and Social Welfare.

thern Province’s Northern Rhodesian

of the United National Independence

In January 1964, UNIP won the next

African National Congress (ANC). On

Party (UNIP), the successor to ZANC.

major elections, defeating their ANC ri-

11 November 1953 he moved to Lu-

However, Chona did not see himself as

vals and securing Kaunda’s position as

saka to take up the post of Secretary

the party’s main founder. When Kaun-

General of the ANC, under the presi-

da was released from prison in January

dency of Harry Nkumbula. The combi-

1960 he was elected President of UNIP.

ned efforts of Kaunda and Nkumbula

In July 1961 Kaunda organised a civil

failed to mobilise native African peoples

disobedience campaign in Northern

prime minister. On 24 October 1964 he became the first President of an independent Zambia, appointing Reuben Kamanga as his Vice-President.

against the European-dominated Fede-

Province, the so-called Cha-cha-cha

ration. In 1955 Kaunda and Nkumbula

campaign, which consisted largely of

were imprisoned for two months with

arson and obstructing significant roads.

hard labour for distributing subversive

Kaunda subsequently ran as a UNIP

literature; such imprisonment and other

candidate during the 1962 elections.

forms of harassment were normal rites

This resulted in a UNIP–ANC Coalition

The Ubuntu’spirit During his early presidency Kaunda was an outspoken supporter of the anti-apartheid movement and opposed white minority rule in Southern

FEATURE STORY

1970s, he began permitting the most

PRESIDENT JOURNAL

prominent guerrilla organisations, such

some of his friends, met the new South African leader and his mes-

as the Rhodesian ZANU and the African

sage was the same: Unban the ANC,

National Congress, to use Zambia as a

free Nelson Mandela and other free-

base for their operations. Former ANC

dom fighters and hold free and free

president Oliver Tambo even spent a

elections with all South Africans par-

significant proportion of his 30-year exi-

ticipating. Dr Kaunda says, “Some of

le living and working in Zambia. Joshua

jet fighters, President Kaunda ordered

my friends thought I was being a “sell-out” by meeting De Klerk but when I met him, I concluded that this was a man I could do business with and shortly after that, Nelson Mandela was released.” The eve-

that, for security reasons, leaders of the

ning he was released, his first phone

liberation movements would be housed

call was to Kenneth Kaunda and not

at State House and thus effectively da-

long after, Mr Mandela made his first visit outside South Africa since his arrest to thank President Kaunda and the people of Zambia.

Nkomo, leader of ZAPU, also erected military encampments there. At the peak of the liberation war which saw air raids by Rhodesian and South African

ring the racist regimes to attack. Meanwhile, the anti-white minority insurgency conflicts of southern Africa continued to place a huge economic burden on Zambia as white minority

With the AU in 2017 celebrating a de-

governments were the country’s main

cade and a half of its existence, there

trading partners. In response, Kaun-

is a neefd to now open the black box

da and Nyerere accepted the Chine-

of institutional reform and adaptation.

se government’s offer to construct the

However, Africa cannot celebrate wi-

TAZARA Railway (Tanzania-Zambia

thout paying a visit to these brave lea-

Railway line) linking Kapiri Mposhi in

ders who fought hard for the continent

central Zambia with Tanzania’s port

self determination and pride and sto-

of Dar-es-Salaam on the Indian Ocean.

od the test of time. Still in the fighting

Completed in 1975, this was the only

mood, people connected to Dr. David

route for bulk trade which did not have

Kenneth Kaunda are always impres-

to transit white-dominated territories.

sed by his leadership.

This precarious situation lasted more

the Prime Minister of South Africa, B.J.

The last standing Man, Dr. David Kenneth Kaunda, is a tale of a leader full of courage, determination and wisdom that fought to find answers from the secret terrors of colonialism. His fight to save his

Vorster at Victoria Falls to discuss pos-

country and the continent came at a

than 20 years, until the abolition of apar-

Rhodesia. Although his nationalisation of the copper mining industry in the late 1960s and the volatility of international copper prices contributed to increased economic problems matters were aggravated by his logistical support for the Black Nationalist movements in Ian Smith’s Rhodesian Republic, South West Africa, Angola, and Mozambique. Kaunda’s administration later attempted to serve the role of a mediator between the entrenched white minority and colonial governments and the various guerrilla movements which were aimed at overthrowing these respective administrations. Beginning in the early

theid in South Africa. On 25 August 1975, Kaunda met with

sibilities for an internal settlement in

high cost and threatened everything

Southern Rhodesia. After the Lancaster

he had grown to believe in but at the

House Agreement, Kaunda attempted

healthy age of 90 years, still he stands

to seek similar majority rule in South

tall

West Africa. He met with Pieter Willem Botha in Botswana to debate this proposal, but apparently failed to make a serious impression.

When F.W. De Klerk became Prime Minister of South Africa, President Kaunda, against opposition from

PRESIDENT JOURNAL

TRIBUTES TO Dr Kenneth Kaunda

We run a campaign on social media to know from our contacts what they would ask, say to Dr K Kaunda should they have the opportunity to meet him face to face? Here are some selected feedback received:

“I’m Dr. Kaunda’s number one fan, got born when he was President, I had my free education and I thank the lord for Super Ken though I have never been close to him not even hundred meters”. Carlos Prosper Bwalya

“With pleasure I am sending my sincere regards to Dr.Kenneth D.Kaunda. In early 70ies I was Commercial Director at ZECCO LTD. We met and congratulated once at Ndola Trade Fair. “One Zambia, One Nation”. Thank you.” Vladimir Marjanovic, Serbia

“Congratulations, you are one of the rare Formers Presidents in Africa to leave in total Peace inside your country and everywhere, After Retiring from the power. Surely because you were and are honest. You did Not Killed, you did not Robbed.... Others presidents should follow your example but unfortunately it seems not to be the case. Once again congratulations”. Joaquim Ngoma Kumbu “Education is the pillar of society, to be fearless and respect humanity should be our aim. I learnt that from KK” Sambo Mbale “Dr. Kaunda, you are an inspiration to me as a leader. Your consistence and determination to pursue goals in life is one of the lesson that I have learnt from you sir. You are now an ICON to us and the world. With the example you have given us we can do more. Thank you sir”. Fortunatus Mwenya Lombe

“Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda our Great freedom fighter, it is my greatest pleasure to address you Sir in this media. Sir may I take this opportune moment top congratulate you for all you have achieved for this great nation called Zambia Southern region and the world at large. You are a great leader who have fought for the liberation straggle of many countries in our continent Africa. May I single out Zambia in particular. You are the founding Father of our independence and you strive to make Zambia a single entity by the motto “One Zambia one Zambia”. This made Zambian to be one regardless of one ‘s tribe language or ethic back ground. In conclusion Sir may I once again congratulate you and may the Almighty God Jehovah bless you richly and that you may have the length of days” Kenneth Ngalamika

PRESIDENT JOURNAL

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY

Overview The African Union (AU) is a continental organisation whose secretariat is situated in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Currently it has at its disposal 200,000 square metres of land it intends to utilise for the development of a cultural, business and recreational center which will collectively be known as an African Village Project in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The site is strategically located within the radius of 10kms from the AU Headquarters and Bole International Airport.

Objectives The specific goals and objectives of the Africa Village constitute two areas of services, but not limited to: - Cultural Area - Business and Recreational Center Area

The Scope of Investment

The African Union requires a firm or a consortium of firms to invest in the design, construction, financing and operating the facility for an agreed period. Detailed information is contained the Expression of Interest document posted on the AU website. Interested firms can view and download the detailed documentation from the African Union website at

www.au.int/en/bids

PRESIDENT JOURNAL

FEATURE STORY

MY STORY PERSONAL TRIBUTE TO KK

TELLING

In 1964, a school teacher with humble education became president of the Republic of Zambia. Kenneth David Kaunda is his name. His cabinet consisted of men mostly with

I have had some precious moments with

him, he quipped, “Since I wasn’t invited,

an equally humble education. When they

KK. I was Commercial Director for the

I decided to invite myself...To Colgate-

left office in 1991, they left as poor as

Multi-national Colgate-Palmolive and one

Palmolive, I want to say, as you continue

they came in because they did not steal.

Friday evening, sometime in early Dec-

to clean our teeth, continue to encourage

If Dr. Kaunda had stolen, his Shambalaka-

ember, 1989. I was in my hotel room in

us in sports.” What an unforgettable expe-

le farm in Chinsali would have been the

Lusaka, preparing for the Colgate Soccer

rience!

largest in the country but today, it is non-

Cup Final which was to be held at the In-

At that football match, the President did

existent. Former UNIP Youth Leader Pa-

dependence Stadium the following day.

the unexpected for me. He handed over a

trick Chisanga told me recently, the gover-

The phone rang and it was an Aide to Pre-

note to me in a sealed envelope and said,

nment that come into power in 1991, after

sident Kenneth Kaunda. “Mr Malunga”, he

“Take this to your father.” Someone had

making Dr Kaunda, an old man, stand for

said, “His Excellency really wants to watch

told the President that my dad was very

five hours while they searched for books

your Cup Final tomorrow but during the

ill at the University Teaching Hospital and

he had allegedly stolen from State House,

time of the game, he will be meeting a de-

that I really should have been there with

never had the courtesy to tell him they

legation from Algeria. He is requesting if

him. The note, which I still have, written

were sorry. “I learned politics from the best

there was a way you can accommodate

on State House stationery, was a prayer

of the best. I learned leadership from the

him.” I told the aide that I would call him

for my father.

best of the best. I learned integrity from

back later.

Dad died just before Christmas that year

the best of the best,” Chisanga told me.

After consulting with the two teams and

and when I was at State House the fo-

In 1962, at the age of just 8, I read his

Football Association officials,we agreed to

llowing January for lunch, Dr. Kaunda as-

book Zambia Shall Be Free. From that

switch the match to Sunday.

ked about him and I told him that he had

book, even at that early age, I was awed

The President showed up on Sunday and

passed away.

by his desire to see Zambia and Africa

said to me, “I’m grateful. I’m very grate-

free from oppression.

ful.” Ad-libbing to the speech I’d written for

The risks KK took

at the expense of his personal integrity, few world leaders could have dared delve into.

PRESIDENT JOURNAL

The President was deeply sorry and as-

president who cared and led his people with all his heart, love, soul and strength.”

ked why I hadn’t told him. I explainedd that he had been at Mfuwe at the time. He

NOTE WRITTEN BY WYNEGOOD G. MALUNGA

wanted to know if the burial had gone well

He is a former Commercial Director of Colgate-Palmolive and now a marketing con-

and I told him that my friend, then, Lusaka

sultant. He headed the publicity committee of the KK@90 the National Committee and

Governor Rupiah Banda had assisted us.

serves as administrator of the President Kenneth Kaunda Group on Facebook

Mr Rupiah Banda would later become Zambia’s fifth president. Dr Kaunda’s role in the liberation of Southern Africa can never be downplayed. He was at the forefront for the freedom of Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe and South Africa. South Africa’s African National Congress waged their battle from Zambian soil and most leaders lived here under the protection of President Kaunda. The risks KK took at the expense of his personal integrity, few world leaders could have dared delve into. Speaking at the Copperbelt University when he was awar-

MORE TRIBUTES…

ded an Honorary Doctorate in Peace and

“Surely one of Africa’s greatest contributors and living legends...hope his good work

Conflict Studies, Dr Kaunda told the au-

inspires more to be 21st century role models and not ones who constantly blame the

dience that his own friends began to label

injustices for their own actions...I salute you Dr Kaunda” Rafiq Samsodien

him a “sellout” for holding talks with the

“I would tell KK to Write the memoirs or get somebody to help him write them. The tra-

South Africans, but he succeeded where

gedy of Africa, more especially Zambia is that we don’t write our histories. So, I would

they not only failed but stayed away. “After

tell him to write ....The liberator of Africa. The giant of Africa oh god thank you for the

meeting F.W. de Klerk, I concluded that

man you sow into Africa.

this was a man I could do business with.

The man of Africa’s direction. Wish you more father Kaunda” Sam Phiri

Shortly after those meetings, Nelson Man-

“Possibly all these years, looks like KK will be grateful to be helped to write his Story”.

dela was released.”

Chudi Victor UKPABI (Drs.)

Today, I drive past State House with my

“What kept him grounded and sane during his reign? What words of wisdom does he

grandchildren, point at that mansion and

have for Africa’s leadership today, and to young leaders who are aspiring to lead in

tell them, “In that house once lived a great

government?” Lucia Hlongwane

PRESIDENT JOURNAL

WOMEN

PRESIDENT JOURNAL

The Role of

WOMEN

in Rebuilding Africa in the 21st Century During the past century, Africa has been characterized by a lack of leadership and good governance. At the 2005 World Summit, the world leaders concluded that good governance is integral to economic growth, the eradication of poverty and hunger, and sustainable development.

NOTE WRITTEN BY MADELEIN MKUNU

With ongoing political conflicts in many parts of the Continent as well as economic instability, there is a huge need for more women to step in, alongside men and find strategic solutions to various challenges faced by the continent. As we enter the new millennium, the 21st Century is being characterised by a strong wind of economic rebirth in Africa. More recently, African Governments are looking for ways and means to rebuild their respective countries. Re-

playing a meaningful role, but becau-

been themed: “Year of Women’s Em-

cently, Africa has embarked on a quest

se of a lack of proper representation

powerment and Development towards

to increase connectivity and improve

of women’s roles in the economic sus-

Africa’s Agenda 2063”. African women

intra-regional trade as well as the busi-

tainability processes of the Continent.

hope that the outcome of this meeting

ness climate on the continent. However,

Africa will not reach its full potential

will lead to action to secure social, poli-

for Africa to reach its full potential in its

until women step up as leaders on the

tical and economic equity for women of

development drive, all the role players

Continent and make a meaningful con-

Africa

need to be included in the process. In

tribution. The growth potential of Africa

Africa, women represent 52% of the po-

is hidden in WOMEN.

pulation, therefore their contribution is

More than ever before, Africa needs

unconditional to the advancement of the

Women Economic Activists. It is time for

Continent. Within the mainstream eco-

women not to continue to wait to be invi-

nomic sectors on the Continent (politics,

ted to play a role, but for women to invite

mining, construction, energy, industrial

ourselves as one of the stakeholders for

farming…) it has been noticed that wo-

the development in Africa.

men are identified as the invisible and

The next 24th Ordinary Session of

untapped power. Not because there are

the African Union (AU) to be held at

no women who plays in these sectors

the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa,

or because women are incapable of

Ethiopia, on 30-31 January 2015 has

PRESIDENT JOURNAL

WOMEN

MY MESSAGE TO WOMEN

The empowerment of an other woman is a reciprocal gift Femininity is magic. Believe in yourself. Build your self-esteem. Be all you can be. It is wonderful to be a woman. NOTE WRITTEN BY GISELLE RUFER

President Delance Swiss Watches, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist and Author, Switzerland

GISELLE RUFFER My admiration for women comes from knowing my mother. She was my role model, a beautiful, intelligent and courageous woman. Today, she is 89 years old and she will always be beautiful, energetic and full of life. When I was six years old, however, I learned that life is not always so simple. It was my first brush with injustice. My brother was a Boy Scout and I used to go with him to the meetings. Then one day, the new Scout leader told me that I could no longer participate because I was a girl. What a shock! Even today at 68, when I see injustice of

any sort, my blood boils as it did when I

home, that dream evaporated. My second

was that little girl being turned away by the

passion was art so I studied sculpture,

Scout leader.

painting and art history. Where were the

I was 8 years old when my father passed

women? I did find a few, such as Camille

away in an accident. To live up to his ex-

Claudel and …

pectations, I was determined to be a relia-

With the children on their way to becoming

ble daughter and sister. By the time I had

established in their careers, I now had time

finished mandatory education at the age

to pursue a career for myself. Working in

of 15, I left school to work in my mother’s

the watch industry, my destiny was calling.

shop.

I wanted to create a watch for women, a

As the oldest of five, I wanted my sisters to

watch that would express our shared va-

have the opportunity to do what they drea-

lues, represent life, harmony and spiritua-

med of in life. My dreams were temporarily

lity. I wanted to create a symbol for the

put on hold and I admit feeling somewhat

feminine excellence.

discouraged. I had thought that I might

It was the DELANCE watch, a timely piece

become a doctor or an artist, or even a

of art representing the hopes and dreams

lawyer or a sculptor. There were so many

of women. The road from inspiration to

possibilities…

design to reality was not easy. I had to

We lived in a delightful small town in Swit-

overcome many obstacles, meet many

zerland. My mother’s boutique was filled

challenges and endure many hardships.

with jewelry, china and crystal. I undertook

During all this, I realized that there is no

my job with a great deal of responsibili-

limit to creativity, no limit to what you can

ty. This is where I learned how to run a

accomplish if you set your heart and mind

business and to realize that it is a 7-day,

to it.

24-hour a day affair. Whenever there was

I believe that women need recognition.

a seemingly insurmountable problem, my

They also need role models. They need

mother would say, “Don’t worry, we will

esteem as much as love. And, very im-

find a solution.” And, we always did. My

portantly, women need empowerment.

self-confidence increased.

My dream is for DELANCE to become the

At 22, I married. First came a son, then a

sign of recognition for all women who want

daughter. Juggling textbooks and diapers,

to make the world a better place, a lovely

I studied at home to get my secondary de-

place by creating beauty and promoting

gree so that I could attend the university. I

harmony

wanted to be a doctor, but with two small

My Biographie: “Butterfly In A Storm” is

children, very little money and no help at

now available by www.abbibooks.com

PRESIDENT JOURNAL

BE INSPIRED! A.L. Engineering Is registered as FULLIMPUT 1418 CC and has been in operation for 12 years. The company was established by Priscilla Moodley in 1999 and is now 100% BEE compliant. We specialised in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering as well as in the construction industry. To this date we have a large database of clients from the government and the private sector. We now employ 15 permanent staff including project managers . FACTS A.L. Engineering is a member of the Durban Chamber of Commerce an Electrical Contractors Board. We are registered with CIBD within the Mechanical and Electrical Engineering services sector. A.L. Engineering was presented with an award by the CIBD for the Highest Grade improvement for single quarter for 2007. A.L. Engineering was personally selected by Bosch Stemele to be one of their Enterprise Development beneficiaries. Through this intervention we receive skills training, and mentoring from Bosch Stemele and the appointed company, Bosch Ulwazi.

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Priscilla Modley Priscilla is the Managing member of A.L. Engineering. She has a teaching background and held a management post at Sun international. She attributes her many achievements to hard work and perseverance. She is an active member and Secretary of the SAWEN KZN Chapter. As a member of SAWEN Priscilla has been able to grow her business and has gained many valuable business and life skills, accounting for her success as a prominent business woman.

PRESIDENT JOURNAL

A tribute to South African women Mothers of nations â&#x20AC;&#x201C; liberators of nations â&#x20AC;&#x201C; emancipators of women in Business, politics, religion, womenagendas, media A tribute to women in our country can never be too ordinary nor can it be enough. Each year the world over comes together to celebrate the mothers of nations and in South Africa, paying tribute to our phenomenal women , especially in the month of August, which is dedicated to celebrating women in various ways and for a multitude of reasons has become a way of life. While we cannot mention each and everyone woman who has made a difference in one way or another, we acknowledge, appreciate and are proud of the achievements and contributions; not to mention the sacrifices and risks that women here at home in South Africa and around the world have made. These women have dedicated their lives, careers, time and efforts to empower

themselves and in turn contribute to various ways that benefit fellow women, men and children, for their homes, communities or the nation at large. We pay tribute to women in the Arts, business, politics, womenrelated affairs including the emancipation, development and advancement of women in these fields. We remember and appreciate the great women who have gone before us, but whose legacies we carry forward and ensure that generations to come are not short of realising that before them, came phenomenal women who fought and died for the rights of women, that led to the better position in which women find themselves today. We thank women whose hard and tireless work coupled with dedication, commitment and perseverance for the recognition of women was and is imbued in their daily way of life. Thank you to the legends that have left a lasting legacy from which we learn and which we intend keeping alive in our own ways each day. These include but are not limited to women such as the struggle heroines who led the 1956 women matched to the Union Building coordinated by Federation of South African Women and led by Lillian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa and Sophie Williams-De Bruyn to

protest again the pass laws at that time. We pay tribute to women in the arts such as Mama Miriam Makeba, Brenda Fassie whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s phenomenal music has contribute to putting women of South African and South Africa has inspired nations. Living legends in the arts Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Letha Mbuli, Women in business and politics such Nkosikaza Dlamini Zuma, Patience Motsepe, Thuli Madontsela

(Sources: online) Compiled by: Charlotte Nakana Zimpel Managing Director Zimpel Events and Communications

PRESIDENT JOURNAL

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PRESIDENT JOURNAL

POLITICS

Please Note: We are aware that by the time this article was going to be published, the From 4th to 6th August 2014, Washington, D.C. is to see another historic event: the first U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit. All but a few of the heads of state of the 54 nations of Africa have been invited and most are expected to attend. It will be the most heads of state to ever be in Washington at one time, likely creating traffic jams Washington has seldom seen before as the Secret Service escorts the presidents and prime ministers across town several times a day. The purpose of the program is ostensibly to bring Africa and the United States closer together economically and politically. While it is a program also designed to strengthen the legacy of the Obama presidency, it is not without significant risks and challenges, for this summit will be like none the African leaders have ever experienced. The summit represents a shift in strategy in the administration. In the first term, the administration was adamant that it would work with the “like-minded” nations first, receiving selected leaders in Washington either alone or in small groups of three or four. There would be no massive summits with Africa. During this

meeting would have taken place already, however given the critical approach of the author, we think it is important to share his views with the readers

Obama’s High-Risk

Africa Summit By Min. Menelik Harris www.wadupam.org

POLITICS

THE WHITE HOUSE HAS TOLD AFRICAN AMBASSADORS AND OTHERS THAT NO AFRICAN LEADER WILL BE GIVEN A ONE-ON-ONE MEETING WITH PRESIDENT OBAMA

period, no African head of state was given a state dinner, a fact that did not go unnoticed in Africa. During the same period, China, Japan, India and Europe have all had African summits, respectively, with China being the first. Nearly every African head of state flew to Beijing and met Chinese leadership one-on-one and dined at a state dinner in the Great Hall. No leader of Africa was uninvited and the Chinese entertained the leaders lavishly and made commitments towards the development of most of the countries attending. A $20 billion commitment of aid to Africa was made, and that has since been supplemented by another $10 billion… The White House has told African ambassadors and others that no African leader will be given a one-on-one meeting with President Obama during the August summit, a fact that has caused some African leaders to ask what the utility of the trip

PRESIDENT JOURNAL

ECONOMICS AND TRADE WILL HAVE THEIR DAY AS WELL, AS THE ADMINISTRATION PLANS A U.S.-AFRICA CEO SUMMIT

is. This breaks all protocol tradition as the Africans know it. Instead, the African presidents received an invitation to “an interactive dialogue” with the American president on August 6. What is an interactive dialogue? There will be a state dinner on the White House lawn for all presidents the evening before, but once the interactive dialogue is concluded the next day, so too is the summit. There is to be no final document, another break with protocol. No doubt Obama will shake the hand of each president, but there will be little substantive dialogue. Economics and trade will have their day as well, as the administration plans a U.S.Africa CEO summit, organized by the secretary of commerce and her staff. Three hundred CEOs will be invited to meet and discuss business and trade over six hours with African heads of state. The White House is strictly adhering to selected CEOs only. In some ways, this meeting

may be the most critical of all to U.S.-Africa relations, as the U.S. private sector has been slow to respond to the new African market and is falling behind as an investor and trader in the world’s largest emerging market. The administration is hoping that this program will spark new interest in Africa from the corporate world. To help them, the White House called upon business and political titan Michael Bloomberg to add his name as co-convener, in order to better draw corporate peers to this meeting. The program breaks many international protocol traditions. That it is also held on President Obama’s birthday has added fuel for critics who say that this more a legacy’ program than a working meeting with real results. An innovative program is being planned. This is a program of high risk, ultimately to be judged by the results to come

PRESIDENT JOURNAL

DEVELOPMENT

African

Monetary Fund

Courtesy of Afriquejet.com

AU Summit approves African Monetary Fund

SOUTH AFRICA IS EXPECTED TO GET THE HIGHEST ALLOCATION

THE AFRICAN UNION (AU)

THE FUND WILL PROMOTE

SUMMIT

MONETARY COOPERATION

The African Union (AU) summit has approved the creation of an African Monetary Fund (AMF), with an initial capital of US$22.64 billion, to promote economic development in Africa. The Fund will work to correct balances of payment positions across Africa, mainly caused by low export of commodities and high import volumes which have exerted a negative burden on currency stability. The Fund is expected to create a proper lending system in Africa to correct the balance of payment imbalances within the continent and ensure exchange rate stability.

The Fund will promote monetary cooperation to achieve Africa’s desires to achieve economic integration, and will also try to speed up economic development within Africa. To achieve this objective, the Fund will design formulas to lower the debt burden and other debt management policies in Africa and also facilitate the development of the African financial markets. Its authorised share capital is denominated in 100 dollars per share. The callable share capital of the Fund has been set at 50% of the authorised share capital, which is US$11.32. The paid up share capital would be at least 50% of the callable share capital - US$5.66 billion denominated in 100 dollars.

It will also work towards African currency convertibility, ensuring that currencies across Africa can be exchangeable.

South Africa is expected to get the highest allocation of the 500,000 shares, with an 8.05% share, translating into nearly US$1billion, followed by Nigeria, at 7.94%, translating into US$899 million in capital contributions. Egypt, Africa’s third largest economy, is expected to subscribe for 6.12% of the shares, contributing US$693 million, followed by Algeria, which is to be allocated 4.59% of the shares, at US$520 million. Ethiopia comes up as Africa’s fifth largest economy with a subscription rate of 3.41% valued at US$386 million. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will get 2.79% of the shares with US$316 million followed by Kenya with 2.5% valued at US$283 million. Africa’s poorest economy, South Sudan, will contribute just US$64 million for just 0.57% while Cape Verde and Comoros will get US$112 million and US$110 million. Each of the countries is expected to make payments of its subscription at once or in four installments of 25% of the amount. The payment period would last for between the initial four years to eight. The first payments are expected 60 days after the AMF treaty enters force. Countries are also allowed to issue bonds in US dollars which are noninterest earning. The Fund will invest its fund in the international financial markets and is expected to maintain a sound credit rating, according to the Treaty, seen by PANA in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. The AMF will be based in Yaounde, Cameroon

PRESIDENT JOURNAL

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PRESIDENT JOURNAL

AFRICAN LEGACY

MBEKI CALLS BRATH “A GENERAL OF THE PAN AFRICAN MOVEMENT” Elombe Brath was a “foot soldier and a general of the Pan African Movement” declared former South African President Thabo Mbeki in a letter of condolence read to the hundreds gathered in Harlem with foreign emissaries from afar as the African Union to Cuba. NOTE WRITTEN BY MIN. MENELIK HARRIS

www.wadupam.org

The letter from Mbeki was read by Mal-

In the opening celebration of the life of

colm Omowale X Shabazz’s daughter Il-

Elombe Brath at the packed historic Abys-

yasah Shabazz. The letter also called for

sinian Baptist Church, Reverend Calvin

a new movement similar to Brath’s work

Butts quoted the 68 Psalm proclaiming

for a “Titanic struggle… to pursue the re-

“Ethiopia shall soon stretch out its hands

naissance of Africa.” Elombe Brath played

unto God”. This Psalm is one of the pre-

a key role in the liberation of South Afri-

mier scriptural verses of the early African

ca and was the host for President Nelson

Diaspora Church tradition and is especia-

Mandela in Harlem during his first visit to

lly most promoted by African nationalist

the United States.

and early Pan African leaders starting in

AFRICAN LEGACY

PRESIDENT JOURNAL

The condolence letter

from the

former SWAPO leaders announced that the “Namibian nation honors an unwavering freedom fighter and tireless Pan African”. It further declared that Brath was a great “Pan Africanist who was shaped by Marcus Garvey to fight for the freedom, independence and nation-building. Brath was the primary advisor for SWAPO representatives and other freedom fighters at the United Nations during the height of African liberation struggles from the 1960’s through the 1990s. Former Councilman Charles Barron pointed that Elombe Brath legacy and work must not falter and that all Africans must continue struggling to “stop imperialism and neo-colonialism in Africa. Also former Black Panther Party leader and student of Brath, Bin Wahad Dhoruba brought condolences from the political prisoners for whom Brath fought with and for. Dhoruba called for actions to stop the recolonization of Africa and urged the community to establish an Elombe Brath institute to continue his legacy. the 18th century to remind Africans in the

Brath was a consistent key advisor on the

Diaspora of their profound spiritual and

Organization of African Unity and then to

enduring bond with their Motherland, Afri-

the African Union affairs. In announcing

ca. This Psalm was a beacon of hope for

the African Diaspora as the 6th region of

the longing of returning to Africa and the

Africa, Tete urged that the significant con-

search of African dignity, humanity and re-

tributions of Elombe Brath to the liberation

demption, during the worse of chattel sla-

of Africa must be now translated in the

very. The African liberation theologian and

“making of the vision of the African Dias-

activist Reverend Dr. Herbert Daughtry fo-

pora 6th region a reality, for the future, and

llowed with the opening remarks stressing

the renaissance of the African Continent.”

that no one “can talk about African free-

President Hifikepunye Pohamba and for-

dom without thinking of Elombe Brath.”

mer President His Excellency Sam Nujo-

Ambassador Tete Antonio, United Na-

ma of Namibia sent a special delegation

tions Representative from Angola spoke

with His Excellency H. P. Asheke to parti-

on behalf of the African Union Chair Dr.

cipate in the funeral service of Brath.

Madam N.D. Zuma stating that Elombe

Dr. Leonard Jeffries, President of WADU reminded those in attendance that they are part of the 6th Diaspora region of which Baba Elombe Brath worked to create when he helped to establish WADU in Jamaica in 2007 as his final mission for African people. He emphasized that Brath creation of WADU was due to his relentless pursuit of victory by all means. Concluding the historic rites of passage ceremony, Elombe’s dear wife Nomsa said she was happy that she married her husband and that “he struggled all his life to uplift Africa.” Brath is also survived by his seven children, grandchildren, brothers and other relatives

PRESIDENT JOURNAL

YOUR SPACE

PRESIDENT JOURNAL

Meet

Madelein Mkunu

“She is a woman with big ideas, with a proven track record of implementing them” After 13 years in the financial administration field with various South African companies including Sun International SA, Shell Global and Western Province Cricket Club, Madelein decided to call it “quits”. By Nana Lomingo In 2008, when she decided to quit her job

• Christians for Peace in Africa / South

as an Accountant at the Table Bay Hotel,

Africa

Madelein Mkunu had no idea where her

Her footprints are easily found in her publi-

future was headed. She then decided to

cations and contributions:

do what she believed in. With no experien-

• “New vision for women of Africa in the

ce, resources or support, she embarked

21st Century” which appeared in Conver-

on establishing Leading Women of Afri-

gence Vol 6 No 1;

ca, a Pan-African Women organization

• “The contribution of women in the pro-

that has become an icon and symbol of

cess of African development and unity”,

hope for women of Africa. She has never

which appeared in Diversity in Africa, the

looked back. A converted entrepreneur

coming of age of a continent. The docu-

and thoughts-leader, Madelein has found

ment was edited by the esteemed Profes-

New people want to meet you,

new interest in: Leadership, Gender and

sor Kurt April of the famous University of

why not use this page to introduce

Development.

Cape Town/ Graduate School of Business

yourself to your new audience?

For the past five years, Madelein has been

and Marylou Shockley, currently Associa-

To book this page, please contact

playing a pivotal role in various national,

te Professor and chair at the School of Bu-

media@feminargroup.com

regional and international events and pla-

siness, California State University- Monte-

tforms such as:

rey Bay – USA;

• Regional Indicative Strategic Develop-

• “The role of women in the planning and

ment Plan (RISDP) Mid-Term Review

design of infrastructure in Africa” publis-

• China-Africa Cooperation at China-Afri-

hed various local and international Maga-

ca Think Tanks Forum II, under the topic:

zines such as: Forbes Magazine, MDGs

“China-Africa cooperation without meanin-

Review Magazine, Business Investment

gful engagement with women will fail”

Guide...

• China-Africa Business Council (Hong

• She has conducted research and written

Kong)

papers on Gender Issues for the following

• Investment Climate and Business Envi-

institutions:

ronment Research Fund (ICBE)

• African Development Bank: ”Gender and

• Vital Voices

Economic Opportunities in Africa, what we

• Strategic Framework Committee on gen-

know and what the policy Agenda for Afri-

der and women’s economic empowerment

ca is?” (March 2012)

at the Department of Trade and Industry

• Forum for China-Africa Cooperation (FO-

(the dti) – South Africa.

CAC): “China-Africa cooperation without

• South African Small and Medium Enter-

meaningful engagement with women will

prises Federation(SASMEF)

fail” (October 2012)

Personal Pursuit Madelein is currently conducting advocacy on two levels: • Creating Win-Win partnerships between women of Africa and other Partners for Development; and • Lobbying for skills transfer and development and Entrepreneurship. Madelein’s passion is to see women contribute to the rebuilding of the continent through access in the mainstream economy. “I believe when women are empowered economically, they have a voice, they have a choice. Women of Africa owe it to themselves to take their future in their own hands”, says Madelein Mkunu.

PRESIDENT JOURNAL

LEADERSHIP

Report of the

the

23rd Ordinary Session of

African Union

Malabo

The 23rd Ordinary Session of the Summit of the African Union concluded in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea on 27 June 2014. A number of key decisions were adopted:

The fifty year vision for Africa

early entry into force.

The Assembly mandated the AU Commis-

Regional think tank

sion to explore Agenda 2063 flagship pro-

The Assembly called for the enhance-

grammes, such as the Continental Free

ment of the Pan-African Productivity As-

Trade Area, free movement of people,

sociation, to provide it with the capacity

the continental integrated high speed rail

enabling it to act as a regional think-tank,

network, and to report to the Summit in

catalyzer, research and knowledge deve-

January 2015.

loper and policy adviser on productivity at

Establishment of the African Monetary

the continental level.

Fund

Science and technology strategy

The Assembly adopted the Protocol and

The Science, Technology and Innovation

the Statute for the Establishment of the

Strategy for Africa -2024 (STISA-2024)

African Monetary Fund. It further called on

was adopted as the continental framework

Member states to sign and ratify that Pro-

for accelerating Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s transition to an

tocol as expeditiously as possible, for its

innovation-led,

knowledge-based

eco-

AFRICAN UNION LEADERS COURTESY OF WWW.AU.INT

LEADERSHIP

PRESIDENT JOURNAL

The Assembly adopted the Protocol and the Statute for the Establishment of the African Monetary Fund.

nomy within the overall framework of the

Commission to prepare Draft Terms of

tem, and for the intensification of efforts

AU Agenda 2063.

Reference of the Continental Free Trade

towards building alliances with diverse in-

Legal instruments adopted

Area (CFTA) Negotiating Forum based on

terest groups engaged in intergovernmen-

The following legal instruments were

best practices in the regional economic

tal negotiations, with a view to gathering

adopted: Protocol on the Establishment

communities

support of the African Common Position.

of the African Monetary Fund; African

draft Guiding Objectives and Principles as

Climate change

Convention on Cross border Cooperation

well as Institutional Arrangements to be

The Assembly considered the Report of

(Niamey Convention); African Union Con-

submitted to the next AU Trade Ministerial

The Assembly considered the Report of

vention on Cyberspace Security and Pro-

Conference for consideration, along with

the Committee of African heads of State

tection of Personal Data; African Charter

other negotiation-related issues, and sub-

and Government on Climate Change (CA-

on the Values and Principles of Decentra-

sequent endorsement by the Assembly in

HOSSC) and endorsed the Framework

lization, Local Governance and Local De-

January 2015 so as to facilitate the effec-

programme on Climate Change Action in

velopment; Protocol on Amendments to

tive launching of the CFTA negotiations in

Africa as a continental framework that will

the Protocol on the Statute of the African

June/July 2015.

guide the African Union, its Member Sta-

Court of Justice and Human Rights; Pro-

UN Reforms

tes and the RECs in addressing climate

tocol to the Constitutive Act of the African

The Assembly considered the Report of

change in the near future .

Union on the Pan-African Parliament.

the Committee of Ten on that issue, and

Continental Free trade area

endorsed its recommendations, notably

The Assembly, while considering the

heeding the call for Africa to speak with

Report of the High Level Committee on

one voice on this crucial matter, for it to

African Trade (HATC), directed the AU

be adequately represented in the UN sys-

(RECs)/Tripartite,

refined

PRESIDENT JOURNAL

LEADERSHIP

Digital migration

nal Economic Communities and Regional

Declaration adopted at its 21st Ordinary

The Conference of Ministers in charge

Mechanisms, African and International

Session held in Addis Ababa, on 25 May

of Information and Communication Te-

Institutions specializing in maritime and

2013.

chnologies (ICTs) and the Conference of

related activities, as well as development

Finally, the Assembly agreed to hold its

Ministers of Communication, with the par-

partners, were encouraged to participate

24th Ordinary Session at the AU Head-

ticipation of national and international re-

actively in the Conference when it is con-

quarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 30-

gulatory entities for the broadcasting sec-

vened.

31 January 2015 under the theme: “Year

tor, were directed to take up the issue of

Conflict resolution

of Women’s Empowerment and Develop-

migration from analogue radio/television

Regarding the Report of the Peace and

ment towards Africa’s Agenda 2063”.

broadcasting to digital transmission, and

Security Council (PSC) and the State of

Source: www.au.int

to work in concert to protect the interest of

Peace and Security on the continent, the

the public broadcasting services of the AU

Assembly called for renewed efforts by

Member States.

the AU Member States and the Commis-

Maritime Piracy and criminal acts

sion, as well as by the Regional Econo-

The offer by Togo to host a Regional

mic Communities/Regional Mechanisms

Conference on Maritime Piracy and other

for Conflict Prevention, Management and

Criminal Acts Committed at Sea was wel-

Resolution (RECs/RMs) towards achie-

comed and as such, Member States and

ving the objective of a conflict-free Africa

their appropriate Administrations, Regio-

by 2020, as provided for by the Solemn

Finally, the Assembly agreed to hold its 24th Ordinary Session at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 30-31 January 2015 under the theme: “Year of Women’s Empowerment and Development towards Africa’s Agenda 2063”.

PRESIDENT JOURNAL

INVESTIGATION

The African Institute for Remittan

IN OUR OPINION, ANY INSTITUTE, SHOULD STAY AWAY FROM INFLUENCING HOW REMITTANCES ARE USED.

WE NEED ANSWERS AND CLARIFICATIONS ABOUT AIR

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We make sacrifices to send money to help cover some ba-

informed us that in 2015, an African Institute for Remittan-

sic needs, and over the years, our small contributions have

ces (AIR) will be inaugurated and slated to operate in Ken-

helped hold our families in Africa together. Now that these

ya. And that, the World Bank, European Commission, the

remittances are increasing in volume ($60 billion in 2012),

African Development Bank and many other international

Diaspora voices

some foreign powers are of the view that these funds are not efficiently spent and therefore, a foreign

institutions participated in the creation of this institute. The

We make sacrifices to send

bulk of the project

money to help cover some

the EU; with a World

basic needs

632,159 dollars and

body will be set up to show our people how to better use

is being financed by Bank contribution of

their money for development purposes. This is neither right

$2.4million from the European Commission.

nor fair. It is condescending and smacks of a new order of

Based on Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) produced by

scrambling for Africa. We believe that no power has the right

the Institute in January 2014, African Diaspora continue to

to get involved in personal relationships between us and our

question many reasons behind the creation of this institute.

families, especially, without our consent.

1. What is the real mission of this institute?

In our view, tampering with these transfers will be tantamount to tampering with the economic development prospects of

FAQ22 informs us that its mission will be to harness remittances for social and economic development in Africa; meaning

Africa and the economic freedom of Africans worldwide. We

that, this institute will be involved in determining how these

most certainly do not see how creating a bureaucracy, and its

remittances will be spent. But in FAQ 21, this institute will not

latent implications, that will need to be staffed with salaried

be involved in remittance transactions and payment settle-

employees could benefit us, the stakeholders. In todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s glo-

ment issues.

bal world, it is important to note that such an institute has not

Clearly, FAQ21 and FAQ 22 contradict each other.

been created in any other continent (Asia, Latin America and

In our opinion, any institute, should stay away from influen-

Eastern Europe) also concerned with migration, Diaspora and

cing how remittances are used. If AIR is created, to only su-

remittances then, why in Africa?

pport, policy research and advice, for an environment that

Recently, the African Union and World Bank press releases,

will be conducive to: (i) greater and cheaper remittance flows

nces

INVESTIGATION

PRESIDENT JOURNAL

(AIR) Conspiracy or Fraud?

IN 2012, THESE $60 BILLION OFFICIAL TRANSFERS WERE GREATER THAN THE ENTIRE WORLD’S

SOME FOREIGN POWERS ARE OF THE VIEW THAT THESE FUNDS ARE NOT EFFICIENTLY SPENT

and, (ii) easy access, to the financial/banking systems by re-

FAQ15 informs of an online consultation with 3000 hits and

cipients; that should be explicitly stated, in all AU official do-

235 respondents. This means that of the 30 million remitters

cuments. Otherwise, we believe that the mission of AIR, as

and 120 million receivers, only 235 people responded to such

stated, is misleading, and should be reworded to reflect, the

an important discussion. These extremely low numbers are

technical nature of its mission.

by no means representative of the number of people whose

2. How much will it cost the AU to operate this institute?

lives and interests are directly at stake? We believe that the

We would like to have more information on: (a) the size of

outreach would have been greater if more Diaspora-led orga-

this institute such as, the number of employees/experts to be

nizations, embassies in countries of origin, civil societies, and

recruited locally and abroad; (b) as stated in the FAQ docu-

NGOs in recipient countries had been involved.

ments, experts in this field are limited therefore, how many

Conclusion: We need answers and clarifications about AIR

Africans have been trained and are in the pipeline to run this

if we are to buy into it. At this stage, it is clouded in secrecy

institute; and (c) the overall cost of operation in the medium-

and does not bode well with us. We believe that the remittan-

term and how funding will be secured for the long-term.

ces immigrants sent back home to friends, families, and loved

Why is it important for us to be informed? Because we are:

ones over the years, have clearly been well spent and well

(1) concerned about the cost and sustainability of this institute

managed by the beneficiaries for their intended purposes,

especially, if the host country is to bear the brunt of the ad-

and do not, by any means, need unsolicited micro-managing

ministrative cost. (2) We fear that these costs could outweigh

by third-parties. That is the reason why Africa is sustaining

the expected benefits. Therefore, a well-established cost/

its non-mining sector’s current growth rates in recent years.

benefit analysis is called for and its finding shared with us.

In 2012, these $60 billion official transfers were greater than

AIR would otherwise be nothing more than another expensive

the entire world’s combined foreign FDI ($50 billion) in Africa.

“dead” African project.

They are the backbone to the sustainability of Africa’s recent

3. Isn’t this “Institute” a duplication of activities?

higher growth rates. No one, no institution or foreign power

We have the impression, that the activities of this institute will

has the right to temper with these remittances—tampering

duplicate those of central banks or, could be performed by

with them means, tampering with Africa’s economic freedom.

central banks. From that perspective, it is important to help us

And this, we, as Africans, should not and cannot allow

understand why this institute is necessary? 4. Why exclude Continental Diaspora and receivers of remittances?

PRESIDENT JOURNAL

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

A DOLLAR OUT OF 15 CENTS A STORY OF SUPERMODELS, HELICOPTERS AND THE CREATIVE ECONOMY NOTE WRITTEN BY GARIKAI NHONGO

GARIKAI NHONGO I was 16 years old when my physics teacher bolted into class and asked: “Do you know how to make a million dollars?” My mind raced to a million places and my heart beat excitedly in anticipation. I expected that he perhaps had created a laser that could heal a disease we had never heard of or perhaps he devised a Nobel Prize worthy formula for the earth’s rotation. Before you condemn me as an overly excitable fellow, let me give you the context. This guy was an African Einstein. I can’t vouch for what went on in his head but he kept plenty of unkempt hair and a sporting mustache with a dusty lab coat completing the look. When you saw him he always looked like he was working out something. I always imagined that his head was like a projector beaming complicated calculus that only he could see. You can imagine my utter disappointment when he offered his answer, “You plant a million cabbages and sell them at a dollar each.” I was shattered. How could my Einstein be advocating for agriculture in this modern age. A man who was meant to fill our minds with a desire to conquer the unknown wanted me to plant cabbages.

If you look at it closely it’s a very African way of thinking about economics and perhaps it’s the reason why our great continent is only advocating for beneficiation of natural resources 100 years after the West got to it. The example of my physics teacher illustrates just how conflicting our own thinking is. It’s the strangest oxymoron. The analogy basically gives us the understanding that we are in a position of knowledge. Being a part of the global economy, we know what we want. We know what we buy. We know that we would want more but we never venture out to search for that “more” ourselves. We even boast great education systems yet we seem afraid to encourage our young entrepreneurs to venture towards the unknown. What we really should be doing is encouraging them to dream and make new things. We should be encouraging them to be a part of the creative economy. This is the ability to create something out of nothing or very little and the foresight to monetize it. Basically, to borrow the children’s game, to make a dollar out of 15 cents. I’m sure the more perceptive of you have already realised that cabbages in my assessment go well beyond just cabbages or just agriculture but it illustrates the usual economy. Things that people have been known to do all along. It’s either you are a teacher, a doctor, a lawyer, an engineer and so on. The problem from a macroeconomic level goes much deeper than just our thinking. We can’t ignore the role that policies and institutions play. I believe that our governments should have an unwritten contract with their citizens. Governments should say that if you create something viable and new, and it works, we will help you protect it and we will ensure that you will earn handsomely from it. This understanding is often created by enabling policies and institutions that support people who are bold enough to venture outside conventional comfort zones. Unfortunately in Africa, God giveth and the government taketh away. As an example, about 20 years ago, in a Southern African country far far away, a 15 year old student made

a working rifle for a science fair. He was told that what he had done was dangerous and illegal and he must never do it again. He now works for a top arms company in the United States. In another incident, an engineer made a helicopter at home. He was told that if that contraption rose 10cm from the ground, he would be arrested. Now he consults for an aircraft company in Germany. Yet in another African country, a 17 year old boy made a radio using card board, wood, wires and Coca Cola bottle tops. He is now a lab technician in an underfunded hospital. We are happy to tinker on Facebook or Google but we don’t stop to think that not so long ago these were ideas that may not even have seemed plausible. They were created by the crazy imagination of people not so different from you and I. Knowing some of our governments as we do, had the concepts of Facebook and Google been mooted on this continent, they would never have seen the light of day. I can imagine how many privacy laws they would have broken and heck, if the government felt adequately threatened, jail time may have been the end result. But it shouldn’t be the case, let’s learn from the examples we have and encourage ourselves to become so much more. So forget cabbages and forget labels. Let’s open our minds to creating something out of nothing or out of very little. Or at the very least, if we can’t live it ourselves, let’s have the mental fortitude to encourage those coming after us to make a dollar out of 15 cents

PRESIDENT JOURNAL

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RENAISSANCE

An Asian and an African

Asian Interviewer: “Can you address their concerns Mr.Chang?” Mr. Chang: “The concerns of Black people? Yes I can. The fact is that we all live under a system of White Supremacy. We Asian people look back at our long history of conflict with the European. We observe their strategies and develop our own, in response and in kind. There is no need for loud mass movements on our part, because we intend to overtake them in time, through action and personal sacrifice”.

By Alex D. Patton

ASIAN INTERVIEWER: “AND THE BLACK MAN?” MR. CHANG: He does not count into our situation. He is simply here. We do not hate the Black man. We just love the Asian man most. Real love--not cliché. We want to see Asian man happy, so we employ him. We eat together. We spend time with each other.

If our indifference to their situation make us racist, then what would you call the Black man’s indifference to his own situation?

We want his kids to be educated, so we invest in our own schools that offer our children the technical abilities to change the world’s power structure in our favor. We want to see the Asian man safe, so we purchase and organize our own communities. We want him to remain Asian, so we reduce the outside influence of others ideologies and cultures. While he fought to sniff behind the White man, the Black man has had the opportunity and every right in the world to do the same, but he chooses to indict people like me for not hiring him over my own brothers. For me to do this would be foolish and that would not be Asian love. In contrast, the Black man will fight for the right to be up under everyone else other than other Black people who he should feel the most love for. If our indifference to their situation make us racist, then what would you call the Black man’s indifference to his own situation?”

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