THE FDA's REGULAR NEWSLETTER PRESENTS
A UNITED AFRICA? – TAKE OWNERSHIP FIRST!
04-07-2007
Brought to you from the desk of Peter METCALFE, Chairman of
"Participation Builds Unity"
"MADE IN AFRICA - FOR AFRICA"
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A UNITED AFRICA? – TAKE OWNERSHIP FIRST!
The building blocks leading towards a United Africa are gently being nudged into place by the ‘powers-at-be’ e.g. the AU – African Union. Although the Southern African and East African leaders rejected (for now) Libyan leader, Colonel Muammar al-Gaddafi’s United Africa proposal, many other African leaders expressed support.
The FOUNDATION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF AFRICA has always been supportive of this bold vision – hence our Vision Statement since 1999:
“Our Vision enhances the economic and social development of the African continent, which will ultimately shape and lead to the establishment of AFRICAN UNITY - Therefore paving the way for peace, harmony and the well being of all her people!”
However, a Process of Positive Participation from ALL our people is essential!
We need to heed exclusivity – as with the worthwhile NEPAD (New Partnerships for Africa’s Development) initiative, that has been turned into an elitist club – only available to a select few – the dream of a United Africa will remain a dream unless we ALL participate and take ownership.
At a 2010 World Cup Soccer Preparedness Conference a few months ago I was asked the following question:
“What could the ‘you and I’ of this continent (Africa) contribute towards ensuring a successful 2010?”
I pondered on this question for a few seconds and responded:
“What if each and every one of us were to pick-up the next piece of litter we found in our way and disposed of it properly?”
The response I received from the delegates was unanimous – 'we would have the cleanest continent on the planet' – however, having a 'clean' continent would be a bonus…. the point I wanted to make was thus:
“The moment we endeavor to pick-up the piece of litter ....we are actually taking ownership - ownership of ourselves, ownership of our situation!”
Should this ‘ownership’ or ‘responsibility’ or 'contribution' emanate from each and every one of us - we will make this continent (Africa) the United Africa it deserves to be!
South Africa took ‘ownership’ in 1994 – during the democratic elections – thousands stood in queues for hours to express their opinion, someone called it a miracle – I called it ‘taking ownership ....the end result was a miracle!
I firmly believe the AFRICA TRADE CENTRE is a move in the right direction towards a UNITED AFRICA.
Take care
Would you like to comment?
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05 July 2007
04 July 2007
04 July 2007
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THE FOUNDATION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF AFRICA, a private, not-for-profit organisation, is actively involved with initiating and facilitating business and other processes conducive to Sustainable Development in Africa - with the emphasis on sustainability. These processes include the promotion of NEPAD (New Partnerships for Africa's Development); networking opportunities; business opportunities; investment opportunities; promotion of special projects; dissemination of business information; joint venture initiatives and a range of value added services - all to serve AFRICA!
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Peter
P.S. To all our contacts in the United States of America …."Happy Independence Day!"
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PLEASE COMMENT
COMMENTS RECEIVED
Dear Mr. Metcalfe,
Thank you for your notes. I enjoy them greatly. I believe that when it comes to politics definitions and ideals often cloud people's visions. The goal for Africa, and the world, should not be a United Africa and a United World, but rather unified entities.
The history of the EU is educational. The EU was conceived in the 1950s and 1960s, an era dominated by two big governments, with a centralizing tendency in everything from government to education to business. By the time the EU unified economy was rolled into place in 1999, the over-riding political and social tendency in the world was devolution. The key for Africa is to devolve and involve: Devolve power to the people, and involve them.
Your analogy about cleaning up the litter is spot on. That is what the world needs: Everyone needs to be involved. For that to happen, they need to feel that there is a personal incentive and value in it for them. They need to feel that if they get involved, if they pick up that piece of litter, if they speak up at a town meeting, if they join a community board committee, it will mean something, they will have some power, and good will flow from their actions, both for their community and themselves.
Big governments make it more difficult for people to sense they have that power. I see this throughout Africa, but I also see it in North America, Europe, Russia, China, and elsewhere: Too many people still think in feudal terms, that their actions are for the service of an elite, and that if they do anything, the elite will benefit most. Worse, too many people feel that is the way society and polity ought to be set up. That is the feudal system, from Europe to tribal Africa. Why would it not be that way still, they seem to believe.
Devolution of power is the key to progress. People have to understand that they are the most important recipient of the consequences of their own actions, they must feel that they will be the most important recipients of their own actions, and they must believe that the political and economic structures of their communities, from local to global, are geared to deliver this to them.
Again, I always enjoy your notes.
Jeffrey M CHRISTIAN
CPM Group
USA
Thanks Peter, reading your comments is most encouraging.
Best regards,
Lambert
Lambert BOTHA
South African Agricultural Processors Association
South Africa
I think that you and your organisation is doing such a wonderful job.
I am so proud to be affiliated with your organisation.
I wish you much strength.
Saras CHETTIAR (Adv)
Ekta Consulting
South Africa
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Peter METCALFE
Chairman
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