Africa: a frank diagnosis of the continent

POSITIONS of power have the potential to make or break those who hold them. It is often disheartening to see young people assume positions only to feed their own self-interests.

Complacency, self-fulfilment and ego are not exclusive to the youth; they have been the downfall of older activists as well who’ve allowed themselves to be consumed by a desire to be bowed down to by the very people they should have been of service to.

Unless you’re politically connected or born into a life of privilege, not many of us find our way into these spaces and circles.

I have had the pleasure of meeting passionate young people far and wide, globally and here at home in Africa. Through the hopeful eyes of fellow African youth, I have witnessed the type of energy that is too great to overcome through chats over food, watching African sunsets, rivers and waterfalls too picturesque to deem us the proverbial dark continent.

I am because of every one of you. Against the backdrop of a rooted continent lies discussions such as “why are things on this continent not working”, “how can we get things to function”, “it’s a lost cause”, “it’s on the brink of collapse, don’t bother”, or “there is nothing we can do about it!”

There are times when I also reach the “don’t bother” phase, but then I remind myself that Africa will not change until we change it. Unless we push for accountability and transparency, so-called leaders will continue on their trajectory.

Having spearheaded many exciting youth leadership programmes to unleash the potential of young activists across the continent, my diagnosis of the situation stands, and as I advised young people at the time: “Don’t get into spaces and be quiet, don’t get into spaces and conform, don’t become the old whom we despise.”

I recently went through one of my most testing battles to see if I would enjoy a fancy position, and whether I would live up to my values and face the consequences.

As I stood up, against the tide, I did so with a small team – no one stands by you when you speak truth to power. Until one of my mentors asked me: “What are you afraid of?” Speaking and thinking critically when you are expected to be a puppet and grateful for your position means you are excluded. I experienced cyberbullying, even from my colleagues, discrimination and threats.

When we do stand up, be prepared for the dirtiest politics, because we are threatening people’s positions and popularity. Ethical and moral leaders are few. We threaten the way institutions have been running, unchallenged and comfortable.

At the time, the immediate impact is not seen but perhaps the small actions of transparency and accountability will set the tone for the next rare activist who comes along.

Upon reflection, there is nothing I would change and I have a clear conscience, having lived up to the principles I preached.

Others will, unfortunately, follow the crowd, fit in, ask no questions and accept the status quo, serving no one but themselves. And that’s why things have not changed, but this is also precisely what we have to change. Africa needs activists, not leaders.