The African Flame inside us…

One of the most amazing and indefatigable traits of Africans (Yes ALL Africans) is that amidst all the disgusting and reprehensible behaviour of a multitude of dictators, their cronies and such, there remains a fire that burns within, that carries the flame of hope. This flame that burns in the face of absurd adversity is one that cannot be extinguished, even by the darkest heart and agenda of those that are so self-serving that they don’t deserve to share our precious oxygen reserves. Any small glimmer of hope or miniscule hint at a fairy tale ending, still draws a chorus of support and unity among those that wish to create a better world for generations to come. Time and time again, these hopes are dashed and the disappointment is palpable – save for those that rape the treasuries and with it the dreams of the youth for their own short term wealth – and yet the people of Africa tirelessly turn their flames down low and wait for the next morsel of something that could finally be the turning point that allows their fire to burn again. The entire Southern Africa joined in to applaud and support the removal of Bob and expectations were high for an imminent departure but, as if reading from a script written just south of his border, he weaselled around a resignation and left millions perplexed, disillusioned and heartbroken in disbelief. Should anyone be surprised? No. Should we have expected it? Yes. This is what a narcissistic dictator should be expected to do, and experience has taught us this lesson over and over again. Be that as it may, the joy of seeing people united for a common cause and committed to returning Zimbabwe to what it once was, was liberating in itself. Witnessing the energy being silenced and replaced by FB posts of dejection, is truly heart wrenching. Somehow though, the flame continues to burn, as it always does. Africans know there is potential for rainbow nations throughout the continent, and it remains a vision for most. Africans have a dream. A dream that countries can live out a legacy of integration and involvement that is not limited to term of office, but rather measured by its positive impact on future generations. Africans believe we can unite and are continually proving it. Africans will no longer watch the leaders enrich themselves to the detriment of the ones they serve and who are more deserving. Will the current leaders be replaced by the same ilk wearing different masks? Perhaps, but their culture of greed is blinding them to the wishes of their people and their desire for unsustainable riches is deafening them to the voice of their voters. This will continue to be their undoing each tenure will become shorter and shorter. That flame, in the heart and mind of the African person, is burning low but there are more of them burning with the same colour and determination each and every day. The darkness of greed, cronyism, nepotism, injustice, criminality and moral decay that is so prevalent at the top, will not douse the flames at the bottom. This dark agenda will no longer be allowed to filter down through society looking for votes to buy. Soon enough the flames inherent to the African man woman and child, will rise up together and burn bright enough to destroy this evil darkness for good. Sooner than later I hope. Sooner than later I believe. Our flames do not burn to cause harm, they burn to breathe light and life into the paths we lay for our children and our children’s children. Africa will not suffer in silence while our flames of hope burn, because they burn for a better tomorrow for all.