Nature Target Initiative’s Post

In the wake of Mandela's ongoing legacy, South Africa stands as a beacon, guiding humanity's conscience through its principled actions on the global stage. The nation is currently spearheading a vital discourse on morality and justice at the International Court of Justice (#ICJ), shedding light on the ongoing catastrophe in Gaza. The global community's impartiality in the face of such threatening circumstances is being unmasked by South Africa, emphasizing the need for accountability and fairness.   The appreciation expressed in the phrase "Thank you, #South_Africa_the_pulse_of_global_south" underscores gratitude for the nation's unwavering commitment to justice and moral principles. It serves as a recognition that South Africa, as a representative of the global south, plays a pivotal role in amplifying the voices of the oppressed and challenging injustices.  It calls attention to the importance of unity and collective efforts in addressing global injustices, highlighting the ongoing pursuit of justice for all oppressed and colonized peoples. 

My contributions during the session; 🌄 Supporting Aspiration 1 (1) on Well educated citizens with skills, means we should also participate in Curriculum Reviews that ensures quality education in support of African Union policies. 🌄 Supporting Aspiration 2 on World Class Infrastructure provides an avenue to look into African Architecture including Fractal Architecture which is in tune with Maths and Nature. Identifying key work areas and team/state responsibilities will be crucial in the support to an Integrated, Prosperous and Peaceful Africa. #africanunion #summitofthefuture

This presentation deviates slightly from the norm. It still, however, draws a link between effective organisational performance, constitutional values, reconciliation, unity, and justice to all. In this instance, the organisation is the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa (URCSA), of which I am a life-long member. URCSA was formed in 1994, following a divided and marginalised past. I take the view, in this presentation, that the success of the newly formed Government of National Unity (GNU) in South Africa is conditional on effective partnerships with key stakeholders. Civil society is such a strategic stakeholder, of which religious bodies constitute an important role player. This presentation is an attempt at offering a template, based on the 2016-2024 URCSA Strategic Plan, aimed at empowering its church council members to be effective leaders in their respective congregations. Strategic partnership between the GNU and URCSA will require enhanced leadership and human resource capacity building at the congregational (local) level, to deliver effective ‘service and witness in the world’. Enjoy this presentation of a ‘difference’ and stay blessed!

“Despite the noises from extremists, ending Apartheid gave South Africa a chance to come together as a nation and build a peaceful and prosperous future together. The establishment of our constitutional democracy laid a solid basis for peace, progress, and prosperity. Our Constitution as the supreme law of our country affirms the notion of an open and democratic society, underpinned by a set of higher, fundamental values based on human dignity, equality, and freedom. Those who advocate for the scrapping of our Constitution must understand that it is the same Constitution that provides a solid premise upon which a broad-based system of restorative and corrective social justice is to be built. It also serves as a historic bridge between the past of a deeply divided society characterized by strife, conflict, untold suffering, and injustice, and a future founded on the recognition of human rights, democracy, and peaceful co-existence and development opportunities for all South Africans, irrespective of color, race, class, belief or sex’,” Christo van der Rheede notes.

Onward, upward

On March 21st, South Africa commemorates Human Rights Day to honor the brave souls who fought for freedom during the Sharpeville massacre of 1960. 🌟 The Sharpeville Massacre marked a turning point in South Africa’s history. On this tragic day, 69 people lost their lives and 180 were wounded when police opened fire on a crowd protesting against the apartheid regime’s Pass laws. 🙏 🎉 Ways to Celebrate: Educate: Learn about South Africa’s delicate past by visiting museums, monuments, and historical sites. 🏛️ Reflect: Take a moment to appreciate the hard-won human rights we enjoy today. 🤔 Advocate: Raise awareness about human rights issues and support organizations working for justice. ✊ Unity: Join virtual events, discussions, or workshops that promote unity and equality. 🌍 Let’s stand together for justice, equality, and dignity! 🤝

 In the midst of South Africa's struggle against apartheid, Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo forged a lifelong partnership based on mutual respect and shared vision.As young lawyers in the 1950s, Mandela and Tambo faced the daunting task of defending black South Africans against the oppressive apartheid regime. Despite the immense challenges, they remained steadfast in their commitment to justice and equality.Mandela, with his unwavering resolve and charismatic leadership, emerged as a towering figure in the anti-apartheid movement. He never forgot the invaluable support and guidance he received from Tambo. As the founder of the African National Congress Youth League, Tambo played a pivotal role in shaping Mandela's political consciousness and activism.Upon Mandela's release and South Africa's transition to democracy, their partnership took on new significance. Mandela, now President of a free South Africa, leaned on Tambo's diplomatic prowess and strategic insight as he navigated the complexities of post-apartheid governance.Their enduring friendship and collaboration serve as a testament to the transformative power of mentorship in African leadership. In the spirit of Mandela and Tambo, I implore African leaders to embrace the lessons of their predecessors and mentors, recognizing that true progress is forged through unity, solidarity, and collective wisdom. #OneAfrica  #1Africa#Africanleadership

On May 25 many Africans are celebrating Africa Day, an annual commemoration to mark the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), now known as the African Union (AU). The day celebrates African unity and progress and aims to promote greater understanding and solidarity among African nations. Africa has a special meaning for me as a nearly two month trip through five Southern African countries in 1989 had a significant impact on my career choice and my personal future. Never lost interest in the continent in spite of living in Asia since 2001. One beautiful concept I also like to use in my personal facilitation practice is the concept of Ubuntu. Ubuntu is a Southern African philosophy that emphasizes the interconnectedness of people and the importance of community, compassion, and mutual support. It is often summarized by the phrase, "I am because we are," highlighting the belief that an individual's well-being and identity are deeply tied to the well-being and identity of the broader community. In recognition of Africa Day let me highlight a quote of one of the most famous sons of the continent, Archbishop Desmond Tutu from South Africa. Happy belated Africa Day!

In this piece by our #research fellow, Muhammad Sani Kassim, we delve into how healthy local and international philanthropic partnerships in #africa can drive #development. The article critically examines the history, criticisms, and contributions of #foreignaid in the African development context and offers intriguing recommendations for consideration. Here: https://bit.ly/49C6w7d What are your general thoughts on foreign aid in Africa's development? Please share your thoughts with us. #philanthropy #foreignaid #internationalpartnership

It was true in 1960 when Patrice Lumumba said it and it remains true even today. It is precisely for that reason that the scramble for Africa accelerated in the last quarter of 19th century. It is reported that at the time, the colonisers were driven by economic, religious, and "strategic" interests. At the time of the Berlin conference in 1884, a lot of the minerals now found on the African continent had not been discovered. This was true even at the start of the independence of some of the African states in the late 1950s. Where some of minerals may have been known, they may not have been strategic or of huge economic significance. Lumumba's vast country, the DRC has a lot of minerals, including coltan which is used in electronic goods, in the northeast. Is it a coincidence then that the conflict in the DRC is centered around that area? Major economies need those important minerals for modern digital gadgets. It is therefore in the interests of those powers to ensure the central government in the capital Kinshasa is weak. It is weak because it has no control over large parts of the country mainly in the east and northeast. Those regions are only accessible by flight and of course that suits those who are looting the resources there as they fly them out without going via Kinshasa. No revenues flow to the central government. As Lumumba said, those powers will do anything to maintain their hold on the resources of the continent. Initially, the partitioning of Africa was a "divide and rule" scheme. Now the major powers will divide states to enable ruling over their resources. As was the case during enslavement of Africans, there are collaborators and enablers on the continent facilitating this looting. These enablers masquerade as leaders who benefit from the looting. You know where they bank their loot? You guessed right. The proceeds for these leaders are banked in the capitals of the erstwhile colonisers, the same people who are looting the resources today. Slavery was made easier by the African collaborators. The looting today is facilitated by enablers too. Very sad.