The African Way – A Poor Peoples Weapon: An Introduction

The African Way – A Poor Peoples Weapon: An Introduction

My Introduction to SA

As I’ve mentioned in my introduction, I hail from Mogadishu, Somalia, often known as the Land of Punts (Gods) to many and also The Nation of Poets to those that know the traditions of my beautiful country. But as early as a year old, I was torn from my roots due to war, destruction, and corruption to seek refuge in Kenya. My mother often tells me the tale of how long it took for me to make my presence known on this earth. Even as an unborn babe, I was stubborn and gave my mother a hard time. It often makes me wonder if already at that stage, I was unprepared for what the world had already thrust upon us. I’m sure this is an old narrative for many immigrants/refugees of the world, but especially that of my African people. Alxamdulillah (praise God), I’m thankful to still have my family with me under these circumstances. Others aren’t so lucky.


If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years and especially in this course, it’s that we as African’s and the diaspora have to constantly and consciously work on constructive on-going narratives to relieve the scars of the past and divorce the deep seated hurt to allow ourselves to further create deeper and sustainable change. Being here in South Africa has been overwhelming to say the very least. A trending theme I find extremely amazing is that of endurance and the stubborn will to prosper no matter what, seeking freedom of the heart, mind, and spirit. I have also learned that being ‘African’ has a lot to do with not only skin color, but that of a mental attitude (as I have learned from South Africa’s very own, Steve Biko).

One of my favorite experiences here is when we were able to go to the town of Worcester, in the Western Cape to meet the participants of The Institute for Justice and Reconciliation (IJR). This group aims to help the people of South Africa by “building fair, democratic and inclusive societies” by involving the community and discussing matters not only during apartheid, but also the countries current ‘democratic’ policies and trends to share their observation of constrained social positions of the Africans, Coloured, and refugee communities as well as the disabled. I learned of the traditional divides that still exist and how contexts have changed, along with the different elements of community healing that encourages people to work together in action to work towards a common vision.

Something that really struck a cord with me was when Stanley Henkeman (Head of Programme) said, “once conflict is over, people still live together. You can win the war, but lose the peace. There is a need to build and rebuild.” This constant rebuilding leaves me feeling a great sense of pride. Like the sands and grains of earth, we will never disappear. If Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. were still alive, I image he would say – the universe is on the side of the righteous! And Kwame Ture would ask us, are you ready for the revolution? I thank the people of the IJR for sharing their experiences and I am further humbled by the communities’ generosity in being patient and welcoming us without any hesitations. The love of people and its capacity knows no boundaries.

Amina

Most of the pictures are not mine and were found using Google Images (except for the second photo from the top). All copyright reserved to the publisher/photographer(s)
Information on The Institute for Justice and Reconciliation can be found at - http://www.ijr.org.za

May 16, 2013