Africa Day: From 40 years of solidarity in struggle to a century of unity and peace

Speech by African Christian Democratic Party MP Zwelethu (Mighty) Madasa

27 May 2003

While we correctly celebrate 40 years of the new defunct OAU for championing solidarity for political liberation from colonialism, the OAU has left us with another legacy.

Over years we have seen the emergence of a new ruling elite characterised by an insatiable appetite for power and riches. Ironically, this elite to succeed in its endeavours has had to collaborate with the erstwhile colonial powers, either to loot national resources or to help to store them away in secrecy.

We only speak or hear about tribalism or religion as the major cause of conflicts in the continent. Whilst this may be true, there is ample evidence indicating that the root cause of the so- called tribal wars is a scramble for power and access to resources.

We know that it was not tribalism that perpetuated the war in Angola at least in the 90's. We know that it was not tribalism that perpetuated conflicts in West Africa up to now but diamonds. We know that it is not a tribalism that perpetuates conflict in Sudan, but minerals. Why is that most of the so-called tribal wars are in mineral rich areas of Africa? Are tribal conflicts not a convenient means for those who are corrupt and greedy of keeping the masses at bay whilst they continue to loot unabated? Those of us who are the people's representatives not just our political parties, we need to speak out on their behalf.

Africa needs a new breed of public representatives who are truly servants of the people, who will be vigilant against party authoritarianism, which has been one of the means dictatorships have arisen in the continent. Representatives who will not keep quite when policies that are detrimental to human development are hatched and implemented.

A century of unity and peace will come when we people's representatives become what we should be, bold and fearless voices of the marginalised calling on the ruling elite to account.

Will the AU purge the corrupt dictators? That is the question.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For more information: Adv Mighty Madasa MP at 083 302 4938
Media Liaison: Charmaine Horne at 084 370 3550 or 021 403 3307