Activism and diversity
Article by
Polite Ndhlovu
Polite Ndhlovu
Tolerating diversity and embracing each other as brothers and
sister have been a challenge to the African nations. Each time people have
different views, believes and opinions they turn to violence forcing the other
to submit. The issue of diversity is often neglected despite its far reaching
effects and possible strengths which can be harnessed. Activista Zimbabwe
national chairperson and the team saw it imperative to enlighten each other,
especially young people, over the matter.
Abel Sibanda echoed the same notion that it is very important to
embrace diversity for Africa to prosper. “In a discussion with others we see
how important the issue of diversity is to Africa’s progress however it is
often only understood in the negative in light of xenophobic attacks and ethnic
wars. Yet, the positive side is replete with developmental gains that are less
understood. The nexus between diversity and development is one that must never
be underestimated in the continent in view of how it has influenced positively
some developed economies like the United States of America (USA), Australia,
Sweden, and the United Arab Emirates, among others” said Abel
He also added that political liberalisation seem to have led to an
increased obsession with ethnicity, ‘autochthony’ and the ‘politics of
belonging’ in Africa and elsewhere, thereby creating a crisis of identity. Also
the issue of exclusion and new forms of identity arising from ‘repackaging’,
‘retribalisation’, ‘reconstruction’ and ‘redefinition’ of Africans by Africans for
political purposes is so pervasive and disturbing. Priority is given to those
belonging to a certain group. By so doing they jeopardizing the notion of unity
by ethno-regional jingoism formed and sustained by the ruling elites of the country.
My simplest answer is; some members also argued that there was
need to rewrite African history and delete artificial that were created during
the partition of Africa. This could aid in making people see that despite
diversity we are one people. Even language similarities are not confined to
boarders for example the proto-Bantu linguistics. In Swahili dogs are called
zinja, in Ndebele, Zulu, Swati they are called Izinja. There is also need to
trace the migration trend from way back 1700s like the birth of Monomutapa
State that migrated from DRC landing in Zim, Mapungugwe creating the Rozvi
State and vaVhenda in SA vaVhenda in Zim maKaranga in Masvingo. It is the
movement of Swahili people that created different states in Southern Africa like
Zulu, Xhosa and many more who later migrated to Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi.
Some were of the point that failing to embrace diversity have
robbed Africa of development and Zimbabwe was saved. Indeed the issue of diversity is often neglected yet it has far
reaching effects that lead to development. Taking cognisance of our Zimbabwean
environment, be it in the political space or even in the economic industry, it
is quite difficult for youthful people and the elderly to work together
collaborating and actively engaging with each other. There is usually a
conflict of interest but little do people know that through engagement and
working towards a common goal, there is so much to achieve and excel in because
there will be an influx of ideas
Another major concern was that of xenophobia. It has of major concern for foreigners in
countries like South Africa. The
name Xenophobia has been negatively labeled on locals killing foreigners but
funny enough Lindiwe Sisulu said its crime just two months ago in Durban. When
requested to provide a docket of the criminals she failed. It is hard to live
in any country other than yours in Africa. This is so disheartening taking into
consideration that we are one family.
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