Africa has an abundance of caterpillars ready to become
butterflies. It is up to us to strengthen the
institutions which will
enable these
butterflies to emerge.
with sun, wind and waterfalls to enable us to shift towards renewable energy sources and reduce the risk of being landed with “stranded assets” such as coal-fired power and nuclear energy plants. We need to start by re-imagining the kind of economics we believe are better geared for sustainability and inclusivity, and working in harmony with nature. This is what made it possible for humankind to evolve on the African continent.
The past: A door to the future
From this perspective, we are able to understand that in order to develop an inclusive, sustainable development approach, one has to start with the important elements of human survival, sustainability and prosperity by working in a way that focuses on the common good. Which is why in Africa, the notion of ubuntu (which is found in other cultures as well) developed.
The first human beings had to learn this approach quickly because they were living cheek-by-jowl with other creatures and the only way to ensure their survival was through collective action, protecting one another and defending the interests of all. We are now finding our way back to that way of thinking as we begin to understand that our wellbeing is intimately connected to the respect we have for one another, for nature and for the other creatures with whom we share this planet.
This is a critical turning point in thinking for the entire human race. It is particularly essential that we, as Africans, do not allow ourselves to be relegated to the role of followers. We should be leading this debate because we have remained organically connected to this approach, as reflected in our indigenous cultures. Ubuntu and holism is a philosophy embedded in our culture and our psyche. We grew up in communities who practised inclusion – something which research tells us is vital for human development. Neuroscience confirms that human beings are wired to be connected.
Just look at a group of young people. By their very nature, they are “clubby”. They want to be together, but they are sometimes “hanging out” for the wrong reasons: as an escape, rather than as a way of collaborating and working towards something bigger than themselves, something higher and prouder. Our job, as the adult population, must be to love them at home, at school and in the wider community so that they can embrace the value system which promotes respect for human dignity, the common good and stewardship. Peer relationships with such a value
system would affirm the goal of good citizenship and public responsibility.
Unfortunately, in our country we have yet to promote values-based civic education to enable the graduation of young people as self-assured, active citizens ready to play leadership roles. We also need to do much more to strengthen the teaching of African history so that young people can tap into the richness of Africa’s contribution to world civilisation. Our children need look no further than their rich ancestral heritage so that they can take their place as members of the global community.
While a super-hero film like Black Panther has created a stir internationally with its fictional tale of Wakanda, there are many glorious stories from Africa’s past which hold just as much power to transform the way we think about ourselves, our continent and our future. Consider, for example, the civilisation of Great Zimbabwe or the likes of the seafaring empire of Carthage in modern-day Tunisia, a dynamic commercial hub, or the wealthy and scholastic Mali Empire (home of the original “Lion King”, Sundiata Keita).
Lessons from history show both our strengths and fragility. This may help us appreciate the responsibility we have to our planet and to one another, because we need nature to be in balance in order for us to survive.
It’s complicated
This brings me to the point of how we measure prosperity: it needs to change. Gross domestic product (GDP) has been shown to be a faulty and inadequate tool to measure the desired outcome.
64 An Absa Investment publication
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