Salute to the Achievements of Africa – the 40-year Contribution of the OAU to Africa’s Freedom and Unity


The following speech was given by ACDP MP (NCOP) Kent Durr, MP in the National Council of Provinces on 20 May 2003:

The motion talks of a “saluting 40 years contribution of the OAU to Africa’s Freedom and Unity.

Frankly I consider this an extravagant and unrealistic interpretation and generalisation of the role of the OAU this past 40 years.

I believe that it would be better, wiser and more productive of us to focus upon a hopeful future, rather than gilding the lily of the OAU’s rather flawed past.

The reality is that we have seen dozens of coup-de-tats by military dictatorships: we have seen governments predating upon their people and consuming what wealth there was. Gold Coast became Ghana with huge gold reserves that were squandered, to name only one.

The worlds ideological divide on either side of the Berlin wall in a cold war led to a hot war in Africa, with fragile democracies being toppled by surrogate armed forces in the global competition between the great powers.

With the exception of a few states like South Africa, Botswana and Namibia that there is not much to celebrate in the past, though the future is more hopeful.

It is said today that the number of private companies that a country boasts is a better guide to its status than the number of battleships it can muster.

The private limited liability company is the most radical engine of progress and prosperity and is the key to the wealth and power of successful nations worldwide.

How many do we have in Africa?

Just as the 19th century was the century of the entrepreneur; the 20th century, the century of management; the 21st century the focus has swung to legitimacy and effectiveness; it promises to be the century of governance.

Understandable measurements will help judge that stewardship, performance and sustainability, and will be available at the click of a mouse.

What needs to be avoided, Richard Wilkenson writes, is the pitfalls of sloth, greed and fear.

The world will invest in a country only if they trust a government, the people and its institutions.

The greater the trust, the greater will be the investment. The greater the certainty, the greater the investment. Money is fungible; it will go where the returns are highest and where the safety is greatest.

The days of the knee jerk loyalty to political parties, also in Africa are over. The days when leaders could exploit and predate upon their citizens, and then still expect their support and loyalty are over.

The days of governments that govern by fear is over. The giant charade of collectivism was shattered when the Berlin wall came down and we could all see the Emperor was not wearing any clothes.

Unlike Africa we have done well these past 9 years. We have laid the basis for a successful society. Others can emulate us.

Everywhere in Africa, South African private and pubic limited liability companies are creating wealth and are the new role model of a new Africa.

Let us look forward to a reformed, restructured, revitalised and re-improved African Union.

May God Bless Africa.


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For further information: Kent Durr MP (NCOP) at 403 3938
Media Liaison: Charmaine Horne at 084 370 3550 or 021 403 3307