The Africa team (20 of us) completed a wonderful week together, full of inspiration, courage and wisdom from African leaders, young and old, whether working in an HIV clinic in Westdene, a youth centre in Tembisa, a girl’s school in Magude or the poultry market in Maputo. We explored the power of mobile telephony and micro-enterprise; we understood the energy and power demands of a rapidly growing continent; we experienced the emerging middle class, as well as those who continue to be marginalised. One of the most fascinating live issues was the burgeoning role of the state in South African business and labour relations.
Our week opened with a stunning talk from constitutional court judge Edwin Cameron, the first (and only) senior public official who is openly HIV positive. It closed with a workshop where our group shared the impact of the week and changes that it had generated in them. For me, it feels like it has been a resounding success overall. We would have all loved more time to reflect/digest – a combination of factors meant we did not have enough. And yet the stories that are being told and the shifts that people are articulating are already whetting my appetite for February when we go back.
My favourite quotes of the week? “We need to celebrate what’s right with the world and ask ourselves how we can best serve others” and “I need Africa, it teaches me about humanity’s struggle for existence and both the beauty and the ashes of our lives”. One from Mpho Makwana, former Chair of Eskom and the other from Oya Hazel Gumede, a lawyer, entrepreneur and, as far as I can work out, poet.
Hopefully some of our Africa crew will share their stories and aspirations soon.
