I dream of the realization of the unity of Africa, whereby its leaders combine in their efforts to solve the problems of this continent. I dream of our vast deserts, of our forests, of all our great wildernesses.
Nelson Mandela
The love for Africa runs in my blood... It's in the quickening of my pulse as I spot a Gemsbok in the Desert on Google Earth, the sharp intake of breath as I turn into a Jacaranda lined avenue in Pretoria in all it's purple glory, the smell of the Bushveld in the morning or the Cape Fynbos...
I'm often asked where I'm from and I proudly say 'South Africa' and I see the surprise in the Curious eyes: "But you speak English so well!"
I should, it's my first language
"But you don't look Black"
That's because I'm not...but it doesn't mean that I'm not an African.
A commentator on Other Things Amanzi's blog hoped that "freedom will come to Africa's nations"
Freedom for which nations I ask?... For the Poor and downtrodden, from the Government that they themselves Democratically elected to rule, but who later turned out to be Despots.
Or freedom for those who were never the Oppressors, but who are now not allowed to call themselves African simply because they're not Black.
And I find myself trying to redefine myself over and over again, because I refuse to be categorized by my skin. Because I was Poor and Downtrodden, but by my sheer determination have risen above it to be who I am today.
But in Africa, the continent I love, I am put in a box that is labeled "NOT Black", and therefore unworthy of promotion, unworthy of being called comrade, unworthy of being called African.
We came to Australia because we tired of being constantly classified and discriminated against because of the colour of our skin, but found that here, we have to classify every patient we see based on the colour of their skin. (It's not that easy to do here - I've met plenty of Blonde, Blue Eyed, proudly Aboriginal Australians).
Here, it's refreshingly not a racist issue, it's simply a way to ensure that funds are allocated where they are needed - to the poor, downtrodden and under served!So we will continue to love Africa, and proudly sing Nkosi Sikelel iAfrika every time the Springboks play.
God Bless Africa, may Her Glory be lifted high!
5 comments:
i was actually there on the lawns of the union buildings when nelson mandela was inaugaurated. i actually heard when he said "never again will one group suppress another group in this country". there were tears in my eyes. seems the rest of the anc didn't hear that speech
That must be hard for you. You should keep whatever is in your heart though and not let it be touched or critisised or destroyed by anybody.
As for Australia- my cousin left to live there, following the love of his life... sometimes it seems too far.
Well written. Hard not too agree. It would seem that the beauty and majesty of Africa' fairest currently comes at a price, tarnished by the constant awareness of the suffering of the poor at the expense of the "Wabenzi" and the fear for one's loved ones. Even Picasso's passion for all things beautifull was dulled by his thoughts to the point of no return. I too have strong feelings for the "old country" but they are constantly being eroded by the experience of living in one of the world's strongest democracies. Mandela will go down as the world's greatest leader because he recognised man's right to live in a space uncluttered by thoughts of fear and envy. My fear is that Mandela and all of his comrades who sacrificed so much will die with the immortal words of Paton on his lips.
Reading your posts, I find them peppered with your intense love of your country! It must be hard to leave it.
Living in peaceful and racially harmonious Singapore, I cannot understand the unjust you suffered in your own country.
I wish you well, may happiness and angels be with you always.
Howzit...you obviously yearn for SA, but Im not sure whether you missing the present country or the country u knew when u left?
Ive always been a patriot...but experiences and inhumane incidences are slowly diminishing this feeling.
The last straw was when a fellow medical student (5th year) was raped whilst on an intake round at the Chris Hani Baragwanath hospital!
I hate being negative about my country but I believe that if others are notified of the REAL situation of SA, things will change.
I have hope and faith that one day (Im praying its during my lifetime) the poor will be presented whats due to them, the homeless will be sheltered and the illiterate will be granted the opportunity to an education...then only can we truly say that we are free. Peace to u my fellow South African
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