Here is the Africa of which I dream Eric Shikobela, of Pretoria, writes:

The Africa I dream of. I dream of a continent that is at peace within itself. Can peace be bought or created?

Can peace be negotiated? No, it can’t be. A bought peace will soon be bought back.

A created peace will soon lose its form. A negotiated peace will lose ground. A genuine peace can be found in the heartbeat of every true African.

The Africa I dream of is an Africa that takes pride in itself.

I dream of a continent that will not see going overseas as a definition of success, but as a way of life. A continent in which its people will find pride.

I dream of a continent that can reward its own talent. I dream of Africans enjoying the fruits of their labour right here in Africa.

The Africa I dream of is a continent that is led by true and committed leaders. Leaders who prioritise the wellbeing of African people and leaders who are filled with God’s wisdom.

I dream of a continent that has leaders who can bring forth solutions, not problems. I dream of a continent that has a leadership that understands that leadership is not a career, but a calling.

I dream of a continent that shines brighter than the stars. A continent that flies higher than an eagle. Africa, my motherland, Africa my home. Indeed the struggle continues, but it shall one day end. One good day the pains and sorrow will be just history to tell our descendants.

Nothing in this life lasts forever and everything has its season.

I dream of a continent that will lead in the world’s critical issues.

A continent that will be ahead in terms of growth and stability.

An Africa that will heal, that will unite, that will prosper and an Africa that will rise. I am a true son of the soil. I am a true African.

Africa, I love you!