I recently came across a very disturbing post on social media about how we as Africans have come to view ourselves. It went something like this, ‘Only in Africa …… An African in a game park with a gun is considered a poacher, one with a booming Business is a Satanist…’ I beg to end there because that is appalling enough. Well that post will unfortunately be status quo until we can change it.

A few days ago I shared a taxi with a lady and two gentlemen who were arguing about a plot of land in the centre of town where ground was broken and now blinding is being laid for the construction of a double storey building. The argument ensued as follows, one of the gentlemen and the lady were saying that this plot of land that belonged to a Zambian national had been sold to Chinese investors and they were the ones erecting this structure. This plot of land already had a few buildings that were operating as shops and one of them housed a family. The duo further argued, quite convincingly, that these shops were going to be broken down in a few days’ time and that the family that resided there had already been chased away. I sat there in awe at how passionately they ranted about how it was the wrong thing to do, ‘ How could he sale that land, isn’t it for his children to inherit , that’s our problem as blacks , we want quick money and can sale anything at the sight of a quick buck ‘ said the lady. I let them go on a few more minutes to discover not just  the depth of their ignorance but also try and understand how or where they got so much wrong information.

Well you see, the plot of land belongs to my father. Yes he plans to bring down the shops and put better structures but that is not happening tomorrow, it will happen in a few years’ time , and the family staying there is my Nephew who is still very much resident there, no moving boxes in sight. It saddened me to realise their lack of confidence in their fellows. Why would they think that it is impossible for a black man to build a two-storey building? I mean it’s not rocket science and even if it was, we have brilliant Africans that have built machines that have contributed to ground breaking innovations.

Why do I bring up these stories, well I have come to realise that we have this almost enshrined, that there is something wrong with the Black man, that he can never be perfect, that he cannot genuinely succeed, and unfortunately we go to the extent of propagating this idea to those who need the support and not ridicule, discouragement, and the worst is the ‘Pulling Down’ associated with all of this.

And you wonder why the wealth of Africa does not make Africa wealthy. When the elite rise and reject accountability. And the ones at the bottom only want to fight to punish this injustice but not really work to exploit their own potential. Our resources are not being used for the common good. One man may not manage to feed a hundred mouths, but ten men may manage this task.

I chose to call it ‘The PHD doctrine – Pull Him/Her Down’ that has encroached every corner of our society. I have heard of certain commendable practices in other lands, were when one person has an idea, the whole community of friends , family and associates come together to listen in , offer advice and even material support. They would have house warming parties for a friend that recently bought a house , or create a fund to buy office furniture for someone that is just starting a business.  Unfortunately in most of our societies today when someone buys or builds a house, the ones with smiles on their faces are the ones in the house, the ones outside are envious, or wondering, how this could be possible and where the money came from.

But this shouldn’t be the case, we ought to see the success of one as the success of all, because as we encourage the success of others, we directly open doors for our own. Some will call it karma, but I think it’s just the laws of this world. There is an African proverb that says, ‘The man who pays respect to the great paves way for his own greatness.’

I say this again, let us embrace the spirit of Ubuntu, ‘I am because you are and because you are I am.’ We are all children of the African sun, we are Africa, we are one, let us live as one. I dare say that Unity is the most powerful force on earth. Imagine what an Africa United would be like, take a moment and dream with me…………..

Let that moment seer within you

Now realise that you are the African dream and it starts when together we say yes we can and we start working on the dream , eyes wide open, encouraging those who fall and congratulating those who are rising as we tap into that prowess to get to the top as well.

#ThePullHimDownDoctrineMustFall

 

 Gift Mbewe

Gift is a development strategist who possesses wide experience in planning and project management across the globe. She is also a competent communicator who has mentored many in public speaking and leadership, from high school debate club to organising TedX Platforms. She sincerely believes in a united, thriving Africa and is very interested in welfare for the greater good for all communities big or small