Talking Points of the Resident Coordinator at the “Propeller Behind an AfriCAN” Panel Discussion with Waterford Kamhlaba

1. Acknowledgements

• It is with the utmost pleasure and humility that I am here today, amongst such incredibly esteemed panellists, teachers and students, such as yourselves.
• I must admit that following my introductory call earlier this week with the event organisers, particularly Mr Bongani, I found myself intimidated and in need of time to ensure that I addressed well the pertinent issues highlighted. It goes without saying that I am delighted to be with you all today: thank you for the wonderful opportunity and bringing hope at a time in which we are in desperate need.

2. How Africans Have Progressed

Pan-Africanism

• I believe that to be an African is one of the greatest gifts a person could have: with it comes a courage, resilience, wealth of experiences and power that can overcome any obstacle. As Africans, we are bound by the spirit of pan-Africanism: a spirit that replicates that of the Zulu philosophy of Ubuntu – I am because we are.
• In our everyday, we take with us the vision and bravery of our ancestors: the likes of the great Kwame Nkrumah; the first leader of independent Ghana with a fortitude for African independence, and Julius Nyerere; the first Tanzanian president who inspired many African nations with his passion for self-reliance. These leaders believed in their African people, the importance of peace, unity and living in harmony, as reflected in the African Union symbol.
• Despite our continent being bound by a complex, difficult past, such as ‘colonialism’, we are not defined by it, but rather by the choices we make through the opportunities that history presents. In the great words of Jomo Kenyatta, “Our children may learn about the heroes of the past. Our task is to make ourselves architects of the future.”

Impact of Colonialism

• Without a doubt, one of the most most devastating impacts of colonialism is  that of ‘colonial mentality’ which ultimately manifests in four ways: ‘denigration of the self, denigration of the culture, discriminating against less westernised in-group members and tolerating historical and contemporary oppression.’ Psychological ideas in individuals can range from ‘admiration of the colonial legacy and culture to feelings of shame and embarrassment about the indigenous culture’.
• It is this ‘colonial mentality’ that has been hugely damaging to our continent, but continues to evolve for the better. It is up to us all to mindfully acknowledge and change our daily thought patterns which might hinder the prosperity of generations-to-come. As the powerful Sudanese proverb says, ‘We desire to bequeath two things to our children. The first is roots; the other is wings.’ We cannot give our children wings if we do not remove the chains that will hold them back.

Shift in Mind-Set

• This requires a shift in mind-set that will indeed take time. As Africans, we must learn to embrace and take pride in our individual cultures, languages, and heritage once again, teaching our children of their rich past and encouraging them to reach their full potential. We must begin to see our continent for it truly is: peaceful, powerful, imperfect, rising, valuable and worthy.
• For it is true that Africans are undeniably resilient: despite the far-reaching impacts of colonialism, our complex history, and present battles, we have risen to every challenge and in many instances, emerged stronger, braver, more united and determined.

Pan-Africanism in Africa’s Current Socio-Political Climate

• This resilience and evolving, blazing spirit of pan-Africanism has been demonstrated in the African Union’s release of the first pan-African passport in 2016: one which enables Africans to travel, work and trade without intra-African barriers.
• At a time when the world is largely closing its borders, this becomes a remarkable step towards realising the powerful visions of past and present great African leaders: one which identifies Africans for who they are and enables opportunity for all without discrimination.
• Africa’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic has also demonstrated the powerful spirit of pan-Africanism. Despite the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, exemplified in Africa’s worst economic recession in half a century, widespread unemployment and increased food insecurity, our continent has made remarkable progress towards overcoming the pandemic: progress that has been driven by a spirit of unity.
• Economists predict that Africa is anticipated to grow by 3.4 percent in 2021. This is an incredible feat.

• Under the leadership of the African Union (AU), whose Agenda 2063 refers to “an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the international arena;” the continent has experienced multilateral coordination and a high level of support from foreign partners.
• This spirit extended not only throughout the African Union but to international and regional partners, between governments, the private sector and local communities.

Positive Trends

• Positive trends continue to emerge across the continent despite the pandemic. For instance, African economies are becoming more competitive, adopting transformative macro-economic policies to dramatically increase GDP growth rates. Child mortality rates have decreased whilst Africa remains the fastest urbanising region in the world. It is estimated that by 2035, over half of the continent’s population will live in cities. Foreign investment and finance in the region are expanding, as are Africa’s trade patterns evolving. For example, Africa’s trade with Brazil, India, Indonesia, Russia, and Turkey more than doubled between 2006 and 2016.
• According to analysts, there is greater support amongst Africans for “more accountable governance resulting from democratic election, term limits, and increased civic participation.” Afrobarometer surveys, conducted over the past five years, suggest that 68 percent of Africans prefer democracy, 75 percent support two-term limits for leaders and 62 percent think that citizens must hold their governments accountable.
• However, the term ‘democracy’ and the model that it represents is problematic as its definition is defined by the West and is suitable to that of the Global North.
• It is evident that Africans desire change within their nations; system-changes to create greater accountability within governments and amongst leaders.
• We therefore need to remain resilient and unified: such that will propel us into the flourishing future that has always been intended for us to have.

Harness the Youth

• It is imperative that the youth are the stars of Africa’s story. It is often our youth who are left behind and reap the repercussions of generations prior. Young men and women are 2.5 times more likely to be unemployed than people aged 25 to 64: a devastating statistic. According to OECD, being unemployed at a young age can have long-lasting effects regarding career paths and future earnings. Young people with a history of unemployment will have fewer career development opportunities, lower wages, less prospects for better jobs and lower pensions.

• It is estimated that in most African countries, 70 percent of the population is under age 30; a proportion that is anticipated to increase rapidly.
• However, this immense number of youths known as the ‘youth bulge’, presents a pertinent opportunity to harness their talent, energy, and skill, lifting our continent to greater heights that we can imagine. As I continue to be blown away by the young people I meet daily, such as yourselves, I know that the future is bright with you as the leaders of our magnificent continent.
• Innovation, rapid development and job creation are imperative for the true potential of our youth to be harnessed. We cannot afford to allow greater poverty, unemployment and conflict disempower our youth, for they are all that we have and our greatest gift.

• Despite the obstacles faced by young people across the continent, we have witnessed an incredible number of youths seizing opportunities presented by the pandemic, oftentimes in collaboration with NGOs or entrepreneurs.
• There was an explosion of innovative initiatives throughout the continent, demonstrated in the local production of masks and hand sanitizers, natural medicines to boost immune-system health, and online campaigns to share life-saving information about COVID-19.

Examples of Inspirational African Youth

• Artists such as South African Master KG, produced the smash hit; ‘Jerusalema’ during the pandemic, which lifted the spirits of billions of people around the world during a difficult time in history. Master KG received numerous awards for his song and made history by becoming the first African artist to receive the prestigious French NRJ Music Award.
• Our very own Sibusiso Matsenjwa, Thabiso Dlamini, Sibanga Dlamini and Robyn Young have represented impeccably well the Kingdom of Eswatini at the Tokyo Olympic Games in athletics, boxing and swimming, despite the difficulties that training during the COVID-19 pandemic has presented. We are so proud of our athletes who have given both joy and inspiration to our nation.
• Undoubtedly, there is a renewed sense of pan-Africanism that is filtering through our home continent, as our African brothers and sisters are becoming more aware of their gifts and are claiming and embracing the incredible privilege that it is to identify as an African.
• I encourage you all to ask yourself and answer honestly: are you proud to be African? I have no doubt that you are, and this is where and when transformation begins.
• It is time that we live out the incredible vision of our pan-Africanist past heroes, and lead and teach our children and children’s children what it means to be ‘African’: powerful, proud, blessed, the future and unstoppable.

3. Emancipation of Women

• Before I begin, let us consider the definition of ‘emancipation’: “the fact or process of being set free from legal, social, or political restrictions; liberation.”
• The emancipation of women has long been significant in the world’s social and cultural transformation. African women have broken through a vast number of layers of repression, including slavery, colonialism and victimisation. Much progress has been made in ending harmful and unacceptable practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM) and child-marriage, as are women gaining representation in political processes. For example, between 2000 and 2018, the proportion of women parliamentarians nearly doubled, across the continent. However, women are often side-lined and addressed in a superficial manner throughout political processes, minimising their value and influence.
• It is therefore worth considering the extent to which women have been emancipated, for how far have we truly come? As I contemplate this question, I am reminded of the great words of G. D. Anderson; “Feminism isn't about making women stronger. Women are already strong; it’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength."
• Indeed, women are incredibly strong and always have been. As I think of smart, brave and impactful women, I am reminded of my beloved grandmother who would have been 100 years of age this year. She was incredibly strong, raising children from the young age of 17, and passed on her skills, knowledge and power to her 14 grandchildren. My grandmother was free to bring up her family as she pleased, whilst my grandfather worked for a household income, and this, to me, represents a freedom had by women throughout history.

Defining ‘Emancipation’

• However, it is evident that ‘emancipation’ has a different meaning throughout the world. Differences in social, education and cultural backgrounds mean that the global perception of ‘female emancipation’ is not uniform.
• The Global South, including Africa, often adopts the Global North’s definition of ‘emancipation,’ running the risk of narrowing our fight for women’s rights to issues that are not root causes of the struggle.
• As African women, we need to write our own ‘#MeToo’ movement. Although the #MeToo movement is significant in revealing a gross power struggle throughout the world, we need to address Africa’s social norms that culminate in practises such as: female genital mutilation (FGM), child marriage, sexual violence, polygamy, and the lack of female participation in decision-making. The rise in young women settling as ‘sugar babies’ and dependents is concerning and shows that women are not empowered, for independence is imperative to our ‘emancipation’.
• We must do all that we can to empower our girls to fearlessly follow their dreams and provide platforms on which their voices are heard and valued. Women in leadership must no longer be a surprise but a norm.

Women’s Strength in the COVID-19 Pandemic

• The COVID-19 pandemic, however, presents a unique opportunity for a ‘great reset’, acknowledging that women remain vulnerable but are indeed the backbone of society.
• We have witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic just how resilient women are, as they fight on the frontlines in the battle against the coronavirus; as healthcare workers and home caregivers. According to preliminary global studies, women account for over 70 percent of COVID-19 infections among healthcare workers; representative of their share in the total healthcare workforce. Yet, they account for less than a third of all deaths among healthcare workers.
• In our beautiful continent, rural women in particular are bearing the brunt of COVID-19. In fact, it is estimated that the pandemic will likely push 47 million more women into poverty, reversing decades of progress. Nearly 60 percent of women work in the informal economy, an insecure labour market, and are therefore at greater risk of falling into poverty.
• Despite these statistics, women continue to fight daily for their families, their selves, and all those around them. These statistics demonstrate the courage and resilience of girls and women. All of you present today; your mothers and grandmothers, are pictures of this bravery and determination.

4. African Women in Leadership

• It is without a doubt that the world needs more women in leadership, as does our nation. Women work not only to empower themselves, but their families, communities and future generations of women and men.
• History tells us that when female policy makers have influence, they impact in positive ways the lives and well-being of girls, boys and general society. Female policy makers are more likely to understand the complex ways that gender discrimination filters through our social institutions, persisting in harmful norms, traditions and behaviour that are rooted in culture, religion and customs.

Progress

• Africa has made strides in making space for women in leadership. For instance, in 2006, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf made history in becoming the first female head of state in Africa, as well as the first black female head of state. Serving as Liberia’s President, Ms Johnson-Sirleaf also received a Nobel Peace Prize shared with two other African women: Leymah Gbowee and Tawakkul Karman, for their “non-violent struggle for the safety of women and for women’s rights to full participation in peace-building work.”
• Since then, transformational change has been witnessed across our continent: in Rwanda, women represent 61% of parliamentarians, as do women represent 44.7% of ministers in South Africa. 
• In the Kingdom of Eswatini, we witness the exceptional leadership of many brave and smart women: notably, Her Excellencies; the Minister of Health, the Minister of Education and Training and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Barriers

• However, African women face a number of barriers in their journey towards equality: African ministers are half as likely as males to be appointed to influential positions such as finance minister or prime minister. It is estimated that 50% of women in cabinet handle issues associated with social welfare, whilst only 30% lead ‘more influential ministries’ for treasury, defence and foreign affairs.
• In 2018, the UN Human Development Report ranked Eswatini 137 out of 159 countries for gender inequality, for unemployment remains higher for young women than men, at 50 percent and 44 percent respectively. Along with high levels of gender-based violence, income inequality affects more women and girls and, in turn, their standard of living.
• We need women in senior leadership to bring to the attention of decision-makers that indeed, women’s prospects for prosperity are much less than those of men.
• In 2018, only 23 percent of judges worldwide were women and in 2013, 12.7 percent of parliament seats were held by women. Who will fight for our daughters and granddaughters? We will and we are.

Solutions

• It is time to invest in women through education, health and the economy. Quality education must be available to all girls everywhere, particularly those who are vulnerable. By increasing budgets for education, subsidising or abolishing school fees for primary and secondary education, as well as empowering poorer families through cash transfers, we can ensure that our daughters of tomorrow are empowered to reach their full potential.
• We must continue to encourage our girls to study the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and provide mentorship to girls and women who enter roles that are predominantly held by men.
• We have an obligation to continue to fight for the legal protection of our girls from harmful cultural practices such as FGM and child marriage. Every girl deserves an opportunity to flourish and prosper, chasing her dreams without fear.
• The United Nations is working in close collaboration with governments and partners across the continent, to implement programs and strategies to promote women’s participation in decision-making and create an equal playing field for women in politics. The UN strives to end violence against women and girls by strengthening, developing and supporting the implementation of laws and policies against violence, as well as implementing programs to prevent violence and support survivors.
• We are in desperate need of change. However, change begins with you and me: we have the power, through our everyday choices and language, to take leaps towards gender equality. Awareness, courage and commitment are all it takes.