Today we cellebrate Africa day. I live in Africa. I associate with Africa. My paternal bloodline has been in Africa since 1752- that is 266 years of being African. Although my original descend is from Denmark, I have no real remaining roots with the country of my origin. When Bertel Pedersen of Randers stepped from the sunken boat, the Cronprincess of Denmark, the journey of being African has begun.
Yet I have only experienced South Africa, Swaziland, Botswana and Lesotho. I have not experienced Africa in its fullest, Africa in its brightest. Even in South Africa with its continuing racial undertones being white makes me still a foreigner. My mindset is considered to be that of a European. There is some truth in that statement for the Afrikaner has isolated itself so successfully that parts of its original european culture remained and never integrated with or absorbed African culture. Yet we no longer associate with any European country, the Afrikaner has developed its own identity. An identity that is by far not homogeneous but rather an identity that is filled with diversity. There are always a group that consider themselves as the only representatives of being Afrikaner and shun the others as fake. Somehow my own discourse of being African on Africa day revolves around my being an Afrikaner rather than African.
The question is how do I stretch my mind to embrace being African. What does it mean to be African? If I am honest it is a question I struggle to answer since it is such a huge question and my sphere of experience so small. I support a stronger Africa, one where all people can live their dreams. I think Africa is the sleeping giant of the world that has not yet awakened. I support African unity despite its diversity. My future and the future of future generations are irrevocably connected to the future of Africa. As South African I would like to see my country playing a leading role in propelling Africa as a continent forward. I hope that I can still make a contribution, even though it might be small to the rise of Africa. Maybe being African is to believe or dream in something bigger than yourself. It is a firm resolve to become more even when conditions are not in your favour. Africa means hope, Africa means potential…. these are the qualities of Africa that is firmly embodied in me….that is what my forefathers saw and what is still carrying me forward along with other Africans for we all have hope, and we all can tap into the potential of Africa ….its resources, rich diversity and cultural heritage.
zeal4living