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Ubuntu and the African Renaissance

Remarks by the Hon. David Kilgour, MP for Edmonton Southeast
and Secretary of State for Africa and Latin America
For the 11th Anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s Walk to Freedom
February 12, 2001

I would like to welcome Dr. Makgoba here this evening. We are very fortunate that Dr. Makgoba has taken time to share his views on the future of a continent we all hold so dear. Allow me also to thank the South African High Commission, the National Archives of Canada and the Ubuntu and African Renaissance Group for all their hard work. Their efforts have made tonight’s event possible. Finally, it is important that we welcome all the young people here. Indeed, it will very soon be their responsibility to ensure that the African renaissance remains on track.

Like most of you here this evening, I want to ensure that Canada not only responds to events across Africa, but has the foresight to implement policies that will contribute significantly towards the African Renaissance. Whether by contributing peacekeepers to UNMEE forces in Eritrea/Ethiopia, or through humanitarian funding undertaken by CIDA, or though the financial support of peace initiatives such as the Arusha Accords, Canada must play an active role in ensuring that a sustainable, peaceful context prevails in which this renaissance can flourish.

This evening, of course, marks a key moment in Africa’s history. Nelson Mandela’s walk to freedom 11 years ago yesterday signified not only the beginning of a new era in South African politics, but also how Africa as a whole would be perceived around the world. Having someone of Mr. Mandela’s strength and character be a constant voice has without doubt accelerated the revival of an awareness about Africa, its issues, its problems, and most importantly its splendour. He is a fine model of the presence and spirit of Africa. Some say that 200 years from now he will be the most respected and loved world leader of our times.

South Africa’s important role in this revival is also undeniable. President Thabo Mbeki has consistently embraced this role, most recently in a speech he gave at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Most encouraging is South Africa’s efforts to demonstrate that Africa isn’t always conflicts and bad news: Africa offers hope and potential. It is up to Africa’s friends to do what they can to bring that about. South Africa plays an important bridging role in this process – through its economic and technological prominence, its high profile membership in a number of multilateral organisations (such as the Commonwealth and the Southern African Development Community) – and thus can help educate Africa’s friends as to what the most effective and productive course of action is to help Africa help itself. That said, it is equally important that we recognise that South Africa has a finite ability to play this role. It has its own problems. We must be prepared to listen carefully to Dr. Makgoba, and then act to ensure that the African Renaissance stays on course.

Obviously, it is all to easy to stray from this course by focussing on the immense hardships that Africa is faced with. Disease, poverty, and war continue to ravage large swaths of the continent. Many African states are currently mired in conflict, with the ‘arc of crises’ stretching from Angola to the Upper Nile basin. The continent accounts for half of the world’s war related deaths and struggles to assist 8 million refugees. A dozen major wars and twice as many rumblings insurrections continue to cause devastation, resulting in the death or displacement of innocent civilians. While it is true that there will be no peace without development, there will certainly be no development without peace.

What of the hope for this peace; a peace that would act as the foundation upon which the African renaissance can be constructed. Indeed, there is evidence aplenty that peace and prosperity are possible. Africa is moving forward, and some of its countries are experiencing the fastest economic growth in the world in percentage terms. Botswana, for example, has an annual GNP growth rate of 13% and its industrial sector has for years been among the fastest growing in the world. As well, the beginnings of regional trade and economic groupings are forming in West Africa, Southern Africa and East Africa. The Southern African Development Community, for example, represents a market of 186 million people with a combined GNP of US$ 178 billion. This region aims to establish a free trade area by 2002.

Last month, I had the honour of being in Accra to witness the inauguration of President Kufour. The peaceful transition of authority and the manner in which the elections were held in Ghana make it a beacon of hope in a region increasingly troubled of late by civil strife. Ten days ago, I met with Joseph Kabila, the new president of the Democratic Republic of Congo. His diplomatic efforts since the death of his father to bring peace to the DRC have been nothing short of astonishing. Granted, some are expressing a certain amount of caution, and rightfully so, but, a tenuous cease fire has held in the recent weeks in the DRC. On the surface, it seems like this may be a prime opportunity to put an end to what has been called Africa’s “World War”.

There is a great deal we can all do to help build the African Renaissance. Our daughter, for example, is a volunteer in a high school in northern Tanzania. We live in a country that is one of the greatest in world. One of the reasons for this is the positive psychological climate that exists, built on the values of compassion, tolerance, and down-to-earth optimism.

We must attempt to recreate this environment when dealing with Africa. This will not be achieved by responding to problems with negative attitudes. It is up to all of us to remain positive and optimistic. After all, lest we forget our own history, the magnificent results of the European Renaissance of the 14th century were also born out of grappling with disease and catastrophe. When we think of how far we have come since, with the technological means now at our disposal, the outlook for Africa must not be anything but optimistic.

By listening to Africans and leaders such as Dr. Magkoba, and working hand-in-hand with them, success will come. Canada and other so-called developed countries have their own huge challenges in meeting the needs of their citizens, and that we can learn much from Africans and their own experiences with key societal institutions such as the family. Our efforts to promote human, social and economic development is a collaborative effort. This effort coupled with an optimistic attitude will ensure that Africa, and its renaissance thrives in the new Millennium. This must be the century of Africa.

Thank you.

 
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