AFRICA NEEDS A MINDSET CHANGE

When it comes to resources, Africa is one of the richest continents if not the richest. She is greatly endowed with minerals, vast arable lands, favorable weather, a strong breed of people for production and amazing natural attractions among other things. Yet Africa continues to be one of the poorest continents in the world and her people live in abject poverty. Which leaves one wondering ‘why’?

It is very easy to come up with excuses for ourselves. We blame colonialism even though we attained independence decades ago but our minds remain in bondage. We accuse the super powers of suppressing us when we refuse to think for ourselves. In fact, we have come up with volumes of excuses for why we are where we are today but at the end of the day, we are still the same. In my opinion, we as a people are the cause of most of our problems and we are also the solution for them. My question to us as Africans is, what are we doing to change our situation?

I have a proposition for us to change our mindset. To shift from pointing fingers, making excuses, a begging mentality, running away, killing each other, stealing from one another to taking responsibility for our own futures and that of generations to come. We will always be trying to catch up if we are not willing to take the lead. Dear Africa, the power is in our hands and it starts with you and me.

By Wadzanai Ashley Mushakwe

Published in Mastermind Magazine 2019