China's venture into "The Motherland"

"Since independence Africa has been working at its recolonization"

Perhaps a little too cynical, but yet this one statement by the French anthropologist Stephen Smith has inspired my writing today.

For too many countries, free and fair elections are nothing more than a myth. The anger and resentment against the colonial hand of the western world resonates in far too many minds of the ruling elite in Africa. In their attempt to sever the ties with the west, many African countries have chosen to board the ship caught in tempestuous weather, only to find themselves shipwrecked. The few who survive awaken only to discover they have been washed to the shores of neocolonialism.


When the Chinese came first came to Africa, they saw potential. It is this same potential that Africa needs to see in itself in order to progress and claim its rightful seat in the world.

Nii Akutetteh (Africa Policy Analyst) puts forward a good argument and I agree with him on several points. It is not that I am against China's presence in Africa, I just believe we need some form of body that monitors the activities of the Chinese businessmen and holds them accountable for their actions. In the 1990s Chinese trade with Africa increased by 700%. What is it that the Chinese want so much from Africa?




It is difficult to believe that a nation which has been questioned for years about its form of government and its approach on human rights, has embarked on some benevolent journey to Africa. Many African countries are still trying to establish democracy or atleast some form of a stable institution which will be able to properly deal with the Chinese presence. Without these, like Akuetteh, I too worry!

As the presidnet of Senegal, Abdoulaye Wade, put it,Countries don't have friends, they have interests

By enmeshing ourselves in this clearly unequal relationship, I can only wander what the future holds for Africa. The book I recommend for those who have the same concerns I do is by Serge Michel and Michel Beuret called 'China Safari'

Why drug Dealers live with their Moms

Great title I must say. When I saw this article I knew I had to read it. I had always asked why this was the case for many people. I had encountered a few people in my life who were saying they were "making some mad paper" (making a lot of money dealing in drugs), but yet when I looked at their lifestyles there wasn't any significant change or any incentive to me that was worth losing my sense of morals or risk time behind bars.



The pyramid structure that the drug world actually is, according to Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner, does not allow those at the bottom to benefit from the system. It reminds me of the indentured servant in the way that these "foot soldiers" do all the dangerous work while the boss and his immediate crew members reap most of the rewards. The foot soldiers are driven by the idea of one day being recruited into the main circle-- for a job that dictates that there is a 1 in every 4chance of being killed, it baffles me that anyone would still want to risk it.

In fact once all the numbers and calculations are done, they found that the average foot soldier selling hard drugs earns a paltry $3.30 an hour salary.
Ladies and gentlemen $3.30 for a job that is unofficially the most dangerous job in the world (next to timber cutters who risk a 1 in 200 chance of being killed) why on earth would anyone want to risk it.

Zimbabweans doing great things

You know that tingly feeling of pride you get when you hear of Zimbabweans doing well at home and in the Diaspora? Well in case you are like many who are unaware of the more than impressive things our fellow countrymen are achieving, you happen to be at the right place at the right time. This is the place where you can take a break from all the negative publicity that has blanketed our beautiful nation for more than a decade now. We are here to show you that there are many bright lights in this place wrongfully labeled ‘the dark continent.’ We can only highlight a few of our torch bearers so feel free to contact us about anything in particular that you feel should be added to the list.



This week what caught my eye is Shingai Shoniwa who is part of the British trio band called ‘The Noisettes’….



click to watch video

I just really love her style. She maintains her afro centric background in the diva-like hair and her African inspired outfit. The genre of their music is Indie rock. I challenge anyone with an eclectic taste in music to take a moment to listen to this song. Well produced and great quality you can tell she is not trying to just follow mainstream and I would say well executed. Look her up on youtube or use the link I have provided.

Introduction

I thought it would make more sense if I atleast lay out an idea of some of the things I will be blogging about. I have so many things to say and ideas that come into my mind sometimes that I have decided to share them with those who may take an interest in some of the things as well as those who may mistankingly bump into my page. I will include those things that I am passionate about, interesting topics I may come across in newspapers/magazines/t.v/internet. I hope you enjoy some of the things that catch my eye and see the world from my perspective.