The Value Of African Lives

WITNESSING the carnage and unnecessary loss of lives in Darfur one cannot help but wonder if the life of an African citizen has any value at all.

Whereas life is respected in other parts of the world, in Africa it is used by governments to underscore their power. In Africa power seems to be defined in terms of injury one can cause to others.Last year, an aide to the Equatorial Guinea President went on air saying “the president is God Himself……therefore he can kill without having to account to anyone.”Therein lies the fundamental flaw in the definition of power in Africa.Why not use power to benefit people, why kill? Sadly, the African citizen also feels those in power have every right to harm him/her since they have power.While the European citizen knows that his/her life is valuable, in Africa you have to be somebody to deserve life.How can we shape the mentality of future leaders? I suggest we start with emphasizing family values.How about incorporating in our primary school curricula respect for the sanctity (sacredness) of life and tolerance of divergent views.Let us teach the African child accountability for his/her actions, honesty and hard work.If this can be re-emphasised throughout the school career, hopefully most of them will emerge as accountable, hardworking citizens who are emotionally composed and not prone to resorting to emotions to solve problems.There must be a clear resolve to want to steer the continent in a particular direction.Behaviour can be shaped, as evidenced by the industriousness of the Japanese.It’s not a genetic thing, it’s learned behavoiur.Parents and leaders are best placed to impact positively on children.If leaders send messages that highlight good family values and institute clear programs that project hard work in a positive light, maybe we might walk tall and proud among the nations of the world as Africans one day.Amen.Vetja M Haakuria Wits University South AfricaIn Africa power seems to be defined in terms of injury one can cause to others.Last year, an aide to the Equatorial Guinea President went on air saying “the president is God Himself……therefore he can kill without having to account to anyone.”Therein lies the fundamental flaw in the definition of power in Africa.Why not use power to benefit people, why kill? Sadly, the African citizen also feels those in power have every right to harm him/her since they have power.While the European citizen knows that his/her life is valuable, in Africa you have to be somebody to deserve life.How can we shape the mentality of future leaders? I suggest we start with emphasizing family values.How about incorporating in our primary school curricula respect for the sanctity (sacredness) of life and tolerance of divergent views.Let us teach the African child accountability for his/her actions, honesty and hard work.If this can be re-emphasised throughout the school career, hopefully most of them will emerge as accountable, hardworking citizens who are emotionally composed and not prone to resorting to emotions to solve problems.There must be a clear resolve to want to steer the continent in a particular direction.Behaviour can be shaped, as evidenced by the industriousness of the Japanese.It’s not a genetic thing, it’s learned behavoiur.Parents and leaders are best placed to impact positively on children.If leaders send messages that highlight good family values and institute clear programs that project hard work in a positive light, maybe we might walk tall and proud among the nations of the world as Africans one day.Amen.Vetja M Haakuria Wits University South Africa