United Africa could be a superpower

As Africans we should stay together like a pride of lions so we can achieve socioeconomic prosperity.

Africa as a continent used to be united, not marked with border lines. Before colonial forces came to break our continent apart, Africans used to visit one another without hindrances.

An Ethiopian could travel across Africa to buy jewels at Mapungubwe without problems but today Africans jeer and sneer at one another as if they had never been one united nation before. Our hostility is fuelled by the spirits of xenophobia and Afro-phobia where an African fears another African without a valid reason.

The spirit of unity must be planted among us in order to produce the fruits of sustainable peace in Africa. Some African countries were severely torn apart by ethnic factions and civil wars due to leadership ambitions.

Some African political leaders want to remain presidents forever. This eventually gives birth to civil wars and unnecessary bloodshed.

Diverse beads put together on the same string make the beadwork bright and marvellous in the eyes of the beholder. If African countries joined hands, Africa could turn into a huge, invincible superpower.

Our weakness lies in our hostility to each other. Our unity can spark socioeconomic progress. Let’s celebrate Africa Day by enjoying our traditional food, songs and dances. We should decorate our African continent in our traditional attire. Viva Africa Day!

Amos Tebeila Mohlaletse, Limpopo