Page 195 - A People Called Afrika

The Lessons From Covid-19 For Afrika

ation, again demonstrating the clear lack of preparedness on
their part to manage issues under their mandate. In 2020! Af-
rikan people, once again, began to innovate, producing masks,
hand sanitizers, automated taps and ventilators – demonstrat-
ing that they are not a bunch of dummies who need to de-
pend on imports from any country, but are people with skills,
willingness and drive to be able to solve problems if given
the opportunity. Which means, as a priority, Afrika must
re-look its entire approach to EVERYTHING that it does.

In one unprecedented move (with the exception of a
few laggards), Afrika said to the rest of the world, please
do not come here, we do not want your diseases. Afri-
ka! Who would have ever thought we would see the day?
Considering Afrika’s “Yes massah” posture towards those
that consider themselves world powers, this was easi-
ly the most refreshing thing to come out of Covid-19.

But, before we reopen our borders to them (and even after-
wards), we need to say to ourselves, on what terms and under
what conditions are we going to re-engage with the world? Will it
be as cooks, cleaners and entertainers for the tourists who come
to our shores? Will it be as errand boys and girls and facilitators
for the ‘investors’ and ‘donors’ who flash their coin at us? Will
it be as yes-men to the various international delegations that
come seeking trade deals on their terms alone? Or will it be as
people who know their place, purpose and power and who are
going to dictate the terms and conditions for their relationships
with the world going forward? Will it be as Afrikan brothers
standing together, facing the future as one entity, carving out
a future of hope for ourselves and the generations to come?

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