NDC PRIMARIES AND FALLOUTS

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary election is over. The outcome is a mix bag of surprises and shocks. Whiles some party stalwarts retained their positions, others fell off hard. Some who had tasted parliament for the first time were kicked out.

The primary was a novelty. It was the first time the ruling NDC had expanded their electoral base to include all its members across the 6,000 polling stations in the 275 constituencies nationwide.  Despite some few hitches, the process was largely peaceful.

Surprises And Casualties

Bigwigs such as E.T Mensah (one of the three wise men in the majority side of Parliament), Alfred Agbesi (Deputy Majority Leader), George Loh, Dr. Mustapha Ahmed, Nii Armah Ashietey and Dr. Alhassan Ahmed lost, (un)surprisingly, the primaries to candidates you could describe as ‘novices’.

E.T.Mensah (L) was defeated by Sam George

Political watchers were not greatly surprised with the loss suffered by some incumbent MPs such as Nii Armah Ashietey since the Dr. Zanetor Rawlings attraction was one that could not be ignored. Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr. Mustapha Ahmed’s loss also did not come as a surprise to many within the Ayawaso North constituency.

The biggest upset of the day was at Ningo-Prampram, where the five -time Member of Parliament, Enoch Teye Mensah, was unseated by an overwhelming margin by his very own ‘small boy’, Sam George after a bitter campaign. Sam George won the contest with 4,910 votes to Mr. E.T. Mensah’s 2,861 votes.

Analysts place the defeat of Mr. E.T. Mensah down to two reasons: First, his ‘contribution’ to making Prampram-his hometown- a district capital at the expense of Ningo. Though, this allegation might be erroneous, the people of Ningo felt his ‘development agenda’ was skewed to favour Prampram.

Second, the people felt he had occupied the position for far too long-a total of 25 years-and that a new face was needed going into 2016 General Elections. And in Sam George, a son of Ningo, they saw a befitting successor.

The signs for E.T. Mensah to step down were present if not clear. In 2012, the total votes of E.T. Mensah fell from around 71% in 2008 to 54% in 2012 in Ningo Prampram. The constituency, since 1996 has been an NDC stronghold and seeing the opposition NPP candidate, who hails from Ningo, earn a significant percent of votes in 2012 was enough evidence for him to either sit up or get out on his volition.

The defeat of Alfred Agbesi (Ashaiman), George Loh (North Dayi) and Dr. Alhassan Ahmed (Mion) to young faces such as Ernest Norgbey, Jocelyn Tetteh and Dr. Mu-Awia Zakaria respectively is shocking considering their influence and stature in parliament and government.

MPs Promises and Implications

The penchant of politicians to promise all sort of developmental projects during political campaigns has been identified as one of the primary reasons some fail to get their mandates renewed after their tenure is nearing closure.

Aspiring MPs choose to speak about constructing roads, creating jobs, building schools rather than their constitutionally mandated duty of making laws. MPs play a lobbying role via wooing colleague ministers and government for development projects and using part of their Common Funds to undertake certain projects. But the real job of local development falls within the chest of the various District, Metropolitan and Municipal Assemblies. This I’m-building-this-which means –I’m-working- so- vote- for- me’ syndrome must not be the case but its reality.

Accra based radio station Citi FM organized a Parliamentary debate for contestants in the Ledzokuku-Krowor Constituency a couple of weeks ago and listening to the concerns of the locals, one wonders if the electorates really understand the work of an MP. From why a road hasn’t been constructed to why the MP didn’t visit them when someone passed away showcased a hollow understanding of (an) MPs mandate. But, again can you blame them? They are holding these MPs to what they promised.

For those who failed to secure another tenure, it is simply because the voting public thought them as ‘detached’ from them-that is, they felt their concerns –whether collectively or individually-were not satisfied by their MPs so they had to punish these crop of MPs

Can’t this misinterpretation of the role of MPs by a large section of the electorates, provoke a debate on electing District or Municipal and Metropolitan Chief Executives in the country since they are the real development agents at the local levels?

2016 Election lines Drawn

Now, that the NDC has elected their 2016 parliamentary candidates, the two major parties are ready to slug it out in 2016 for the hearts and thumbs of electorates. Notwithstanding the fact that some of these candidates have an easy stroll into parliament come 2016-for those who find themselves within the confines of each parties ‘World Bank’, the battle would be tough for those who are within a more cosmopolitan and ‘swing’ regions.

These parties would be going full hog, fighting for every thumb within their constituency and the country. Allegations of overt and covert designs from within or outside of respective parties to diminish an opponent’s or parties chances would be rampant because the prize of winning is huge for their respective parties either at the parliamentary and presidential fronts.

With Ghanaians seemingly getting fed up with the (in)actions of the ruling government and the main opposition party, NPP in self-destructive mode and no real third force in sight, the 2016 elections promises to be exciting and competitive. And we all wish it would be peaceful and violent free.

WHO SET THE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION?

Among the many accolades heaped on Ghana by global governance bodies, aside our democratic credentials, peace and stability is a free press. The media has a special place in the Ghanaian democratic space. The Constitution describes the ‘media as the fourth estate of the realm’.

The Constitution bestows on the media a very important responsibility which include the right to educate, entertain and hold public officers accountable for their (in)actions. Part of the media’s educational role is setting the agenda for national conversation. That is, the media has the power to get us talking about the most important issues that impact positively on the collective good of the nation.

But, as time has proven the question of who set and the kind of agenda set is coming up for debate. Obviously, the media does set the agenda, courtesy the stories they cover in the dailies and which many times become the content for the many radio stations especially those who broadcast in local languages.

The media has come under criticism for focusing on sensationalism rather than human and development centred stories (serious news). That is, irrelevance has replaced the quest for relevant contents. That, media houses, it seems, are focused on selling newspapers or attracting large listenership through sensationalism than deep, serious news (stories that will advance the course of the country).

This trend has been observed by broadcaster Nhyira Addo. In the November/December, 2014 edition of Radio/ TV World Magazine under the topic: ‘Are We Fair To Our Audience?’  the co-host of Joy FM’s Super Morning Show writes: ‘Our radio today is replete with over-sensational and tabloid style programming and content. This media subculture has become so pervasive that the media brands that once excelled as objective and edifying sources of out-of-class-room education have been found peddling sensationalism’.

A trend which needs to be mentioned in relation to the above is what I describe as the ‘Hot News Syndrome’, where the media moves to the next ‘hot’ issue because the one under discussion has grown stale. Tune into the morning shows on radio and TV each morning and hear the stories read and discussed. Politics remain topmost. Partisan political arguments, which sometimes add nothing to the lives of the ordinary person except widening the cleavages of political divide and increasing political antagonism, fill the pages of newspapers and radio discussions. Be reminded that the ‘Hot News Syndrome’ mostly thrives between one week and two weeks.

Social, economic and people centered issues are given mention for just a few minutes and the host and panelist sink their teeth in what they consider ‘important’. If you should ask why that is the situation, the popular answer is that they give the listeners what they want: Politics.

Musician Wanlov of the FOKN Bois drums the point on the Hot News Syndrome aptly in an interview with Nkenten Pages, an art focused newsletter ‘We’ve become bad news junkies. As soon as it comes out, we are so interested in the news, and so interested in telling the news to someone else, and then getting angry with each other, talking about it… And then next we want a new high. We have forgotten. We are only using our short term memory. We’re not thinking of the future. We’re just in the moment, getting a new fix each week: what’s the new bad news out there?’

Take for instance the resent issue of flooding and the unfortunate deaths recorded. The discussion run for at most two weeks then got overtaken by this Ebola Vaccine Trial. This Ebola Vaccine controversy will rage on for another week and a new ‘high’ shall emerge. Already, the Dzamefe Commission report on the World Cup Fiasco is bubbling and with time, it shall get us all ‘high’. One can argue that these three outlined stories are human centred and have both social and economic implications. Agreed. However, what remains to be answered is whether we discuss these issues to its logical end or we blow hot air and move on.

For example, why would we spend our time discussing a party which has decided to run the highway of self- implosion when we could have discussed the failing healthcare system or update Ghanaians on the current state of dumsor.

Tied to the above point is the seeming lack of follow ups on major issues that affect us. The media, after expending hours on an issue will leave it and won’t bother to follow up on promises made by government and public officials who are charged to solve our problems.

Except some few media houses who carry out their own investigations on such matters, most don’t. For example, many promises have been made to solve the energy crisis. How much of the promises are being fulfilled? What is the state of the proposed solutions- the gas pipelines, the infrastructure? Will be crisis be over by early 2016 as promised?

However, the birth of social media activism is bridging and redirecting focus on some of the pertinent issues that need addressing and spoken about. Debates, Awareness creation and sharp critiquing of certain developments are providing content for some media houses. For instance, the talk about dumsor on social media led to the organization of Dumsor Vigil which saw international media coverage. Again, the 1^st July, 2014 ‘middle class’ demonstration which gave birth to Occupy Ghana was organized through social media after discussions on corruption, mismanagement and the seeming aloofness of government to tackling and finding solutions to the challenges. Trending serious topics/issues on Twitter and Facebook has attracted the attention of mainstream media.

The media in this century have their work cut out- to impact on the society by the stories they choose to cover. The capitalist business orientations of the country means that profit considerations come first so the media will fancy covering stories that ‘interest’ the audience than one which would not. If the name of the late ace broadcaster, Komla Dumor’s is mentioned today, it is because of his good work during his stint in the profession.

The media has a responsibility to set the agenda. Not just any agenda but one which has a profound impacts on the progress of us all-the people and the country.

RAINS, TEARS AND DEATH- A BLACK WEDNESDAY FOR GHANA

THE 3^RD OF JUNE, 2015 would be remembered for all the wrong reasons. A dark Wednesday where over 150 Ghanaians died and millions in properties lost due to a downpour and a fire disaster at a filling station in the capital city, Accra.

Fire outbreak during the downpour

This unfortunate tragedy has led to the declaration of three (3) days of national mourning by the President. Accusing fingers are being pointed to authorities and individuals as playing a role in this tragedy that has befallen the city of Accra.

This is not the first time such an incident has happened. Every year, since 1959, we have heard news of individual houses submerged in water and life lost during the raining seasons. Each year, we mourn the losses, declared the It- Shall (Should) - Never- Happen- Again pledge yet each year the tragedy occurs with far-reaching effects than the previous year.

So, why do we, as a country experience such perennial tragic event which causes us to shed tears, mourn whenever it rains for more than two hours?

Newspaper report on the 1968 rainfall

The answers are myriad. Some blame the city authorities for taking curative measures than proactive steps. Others blame the citizens for not behaving the way rational beings should. All of us are at fault in contributing to such tragedy.

City Authorities And Law Enforcement

Akua Akyaa Nkrumah (@akyaaN) of Green Ghana- an NGO promoting a clean and green country/city argues that if the city authorities implement and enforce the bye-laws on sanitation and building codes, such tragedies would be curtailed. According to her, the nonchalant actions of the city authorities are a major cause of the irrational behaviors towards promoting a cleaner and safe environment.

It is uncommon to see ordinary citizens dumping rubbish in city centres without recourse to common sense-that they must drop it in litter bins. Others also choose to build structures on waterways with impudence.

If the city authorities choose to enforce the laws and prosecute offenders not only would they have another source of generating funds but also send signals to would be offenders to do the right.

Law enforcement must not be in vacuum. The city authorities must provide bins and also ensure the rubbish is carted at the right time to avoid a spill over. Again, the plan for the city must be followed. Where structures are put up wrongfully, they must be demolished.

It is sad to note that, it is only in Ghana that development precede planning. The net effect is the creation of an urban slum city than a well planned city that we all desire. The promulgation of laws is to cure a certain malady. And until it is enforced or implemented, its effects might not be realized. Citizens will not live by the law unless they are forced to. And this is what the city authorities must note.

Role of Citizens

It is true that for total development to be achieved, the citizens must play a crucial role. As citizens we are expected to abide by the laws of the land. This means that littering the streets deliberately litter without recourse to common sense. It is a known fact that people dump their rubbish into drains for the rains to carry to wherever.

Market centres and lorry stations being turned into dumpsite in the city is nothing strange or new. It is an abnormality that we have come to accept as normality. The city authorities are aware of the developments but are either not bothered or overwhelmed by the filth generated each day at these places.

A few months ago during the cholera outbreak, my friend Efo Dela (@amegaxi) daily posted photos of uncollected rubbish at Kaneshie Market on his social media outlets accompanied by rants. It took Nana Aba Anamoah of TV3, who was tagged in Efo’s photo to announce on air before these rubbishes were cleared.

Goil Filling Station disaster at Circle

Visit The Makola No. 2 Market (Fire Service area) in the Central Business District or the Tema Station and you would be embarrassed by the filth and stench that welcomes you to the premises.Also,Take a tour of La around the Zenith College area and you will see how estate developers have filled up the lagoon which served as a water collection point and a discharge channel to the sea and have build on the path of the lagoon. Greed and penchant to cut cost or corners have resulted in many renting, building or buying homes on waterways and when disaster happens, come to cry for government to bail them out.

The floods and its concomitant effects-loss of lives and properties- is nothing new. What is new is the quantum of destruction it leaves behind. Since 1959 through to 1968 to 1988 through to 1995, 2014 and 2015 (periods of high floods in Ghana) measures to curtail the destructive effect of the rains has been ad hoc. City Authorities embark of demolishing of properties on waterways and drain distillation. Concrete solutions such as implementation of laws, banning plastics and proper waste disposals are slow to implement.

Unless we, the citizens begin to act right and the law enforcement agencies also enforce the laws of the land, the mourning and crying will become an annual event. Let’s all be responsible.

WHY SOME DEY SO?

THIS past Sunday, I went to the neighborhood gas filling station to have my gas cylinder filled. The gas decided to finish on a SUNDAY, when most commercial activities cease because God must be worshipped.

I woke up late with hunger pangs-thanks to eating ‘light’ supper as the doctors have been advising lately-healthy living (that whole light eating concept is something I’ve never understood). To the kitchen I went, put on the stove, and lighted the match but no flame rose. At first, I thought the gas knob was turned off. It wasn’t. I was confused for a moment.

My hood was (and still) experiencing dumsor-4 days straight-so there was no way to use the electric kettle to boil water for breakfast. I had to drink my tea with ordinary cold water. This was torture at play.

I took the gamble of getting to the gas station hoping for a miracle after all it is a Sunday. Luckily, they were operating so I got my cylinder filled. I entered into a conversation with the cab driver whom I met at the gas station to take me home. I would have carried the cylinder on my shoulder and trekked home in my younger years. Now, I won’t dare because man must spend his energies on more important things than carrying a cylinder.

I asked the driver if he operated within my locality to which he replied in the negative. According to him, he works at the gas station and only drives his taxi mostly on Sundays after 4pm and on weekdays if he closes early. He told me it is better to park the taxi for 6 days than give it to some driver to manhandle the car since the last two drivers he hired didn’t handle the car and sales as expected.

This is a very familiar concern; that some of the taxi drivers they employ ‘enjoy’ more than they the owners. They either don’t maintain the car very well or don’t turn in their daily sales. These frustrating encounters had led to many car owners choosing to park their cars than hand it out to a driver to misuse. One car owner told me he had to convert his taxi back to a private car and rent it out to visitors to a particular hotel in his area who wished to drive around.

I sat in a taxi once where I overhead the driver and a passenger (obviously a driver) discuss a colleague who has now lost his job. This now unemployed friend was in the habit of defrauding his ‘master’ by pocketing the money he takes to fix the car even if the car had no fault. He executed his plan in connivance with his mechanic who issued him with receipts.

His master happened to find out about his driver’s cheating ways and took his car. According to them, the daily sales their friend was supposed to tender to his master was the lowest anybody would wish for. He was also given the freedom to ply any route if necessary. In short, the master was a kind and considerate man.

So, the question to ask is: why do some drivers or persons take such actions? To prove they are smart or wise? Or it is part of their being to fail to think far and consequences of their actions?

This behavior is not only peculiar to drivers. Some in other professions do same. They steal from their employers and help in pulling the business down. And when the business collapses or they get fired, they turn to blame unknown enemies, impotent spirits and non-existent witches in their families. They forget how their (in) actions contributed to the overall collapse of the business and their new found status-unemployed person.

There is an Akan adage which translate as ‘do your best for others and others will in turn do same for you’. That should be the lesson in this life. Ironically, many know this but refuse to adhere to it. WHY WE DEY SO?

BURUNDI COUP- A STATE SPONSORED COUP ATTEMPT?

The botched coup in Burundi could be an orchestrated event by the President, his cohorts within the military to ensure his continuous stay in power.

Burundi President Pierre Nkurunziza (photo courtesy Google)

The streets of Bujumbura were filled with joy when a coup was announced by Gen. Godefroid Niyombare on national radio, overthrowing the president Pierre Nkurunziza. However, after two days of skirmishes between the coup plotters and soldiers loyal to the President, Pierre

Nkurunziza, who was on a trip to Tanzania is back in power.

Five of the coup plotters have been arrested with the chief plotter, Gen. Niyombare on the run. President Nkurunziza is expected to make an address to the Burundian people today.

The attempted coup was staged at a time when the opposition parties, civil society organisations and a cross-section of Burundians were protesting against the decision of the president, in April, to run for another term of office-his third- which was seen as a contravention of the Constitution’s Presidential term of office.

But, the president, who has ruled the country for a decade argues he is right to contest, pointing out that he was appointed by Parliament to the position of President in 2005 and not elected. An argument the country’s Constitutional Court upheld.

The coup failed because, the plotters didn’t have the full support of the Burundian Army. According to one of the arrested plotters, there were many within the army who wanted the regime to stay in power.

This botched coup brings up the question of whether the coup was really a coup to unseat Pierre Nkurunziza or a scheme to ensure he continues to stay in power and push his third term agenda thorough?

In my opinion, this attempted coup was staged by the President, his cohorts within the military to ensure his continuous stay in power. The agenda was simple: attempt a coup, throw the country into chaos, the army botch it, President comes to denounce coup makers, declare a State of Emergency until further notice.

Once this happens, he can silence dissenting voices and whip the opposition in line to accept his bid and the outcome of the elections would go in his favour-another five year term for the 51 year old former soldier.

Burundians celebrating the announcement of Nkurunziza's overthrow

President Nkurunziza’s rise to power came at the back of a bitter conflict following the killing of the Hutu President, Melchoir Naadaye.  Nkurunziza was sentenced to death in absentia for laying landmines in 1998 during the Burundian Civil War-a war between Hutus and Tutsis. But he was granted amnesty and was appointed to be the President.

It would be recalled that, the ex-president of Burkina Faso, Blaise Campraore, was forced out of office by his people of Burkina Faso when  Parliament approved a Constitutional Amendment that would have given him a third term in office-something the Constitution barred.

The opposition in Togo is also raising fears that the incumbent President, Faure Gyasingbe, might want to change the presidential terms to ensure he contest for another term.

Dictators and Rebels who assume the presidency of their countries after a conflict most often pretend to be democrats-they go through the periodic elections, grant a few rights to the people and hold tightly to the power. Once they are in-charge, they remain democratic.

Never trust a rebel leader/dictator who profess 2 be a democrat. They are when in power. Once power seems 2 slide away, the real them arises

— UNCLE ALHAJI (@swayekidd) May 15, 2015

Once the power is threatened by another force or they seem it slipping away, the dictatorial tendencies within them-which they had hidden-suddenly comes alive. They perform all schemes to hold on to power. The fear to lose power is something they won’t countenance.

Coups and counter coups, presidents overstaying their stay (in power) when their tenure is up is something that must not be tolerated in 21^st century Africa.  African leaders must realize the presidency is not their birth right or their property. They should rather invest energies in serving their tenure by improving the lives of their countrymen and bow when the applauds is loudest.

WHEN THE GODS CLASH - Priorities Are Defined

Since the #DumsorMustStop (Energy Crisis) campaign was born, there have been what seems to be attempts to crash it even before it grows into a full bodied being. What started as an online venting of frustrations over a 2 year light outs and the perceived ‘promise and fail’ by the government at solving it, has turned into something else. The movement, which is mostly backed by Ghanaian celebrities-foremost voice being actress Yvonne Nelson and rapper Sarkodie- seems to have irked some sympathizers of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) government.

Actress Yvonne Nelson leading the Dumsor Vigil

Since announcing a demonstration- A Vigil- to register their frustrations, some of the vocal celebrities have been lashed at by mostly political apparatchiks of government -from shamelessly calling some leading female voices as ‘prostitutes’; others threatening to burn the movies and CDs of these actresses and rappers to accusing these celebrities of doing the dirty job of the opposition party. 

Other opponents had gone on to ask people to vote against the NDC if they feel peeved.

Makers of such irresponsible and sexist comments have come out to apologize. Whether the apology is one rendered with genuine honesty or an expected gesture to be done after a faux pas is one no one could say. 

Rapper Sarkodie leading voice against Dumsor

The latest ‘obstacle’ to hit ‘Dumsor Vigil’ was the ‘restraining order’ the Ga Traditional Council tried placing on the organizers of the vigil. This comes at the heels of the University of Ghana issuing a presser, stating the University has not been notified by the organizers to use the campus as a convergence point. Again, Total Ghana (Oil Company) came out with a release to say their premises at Legon should not be used by the organizers as a rallying point.

According to the Ga Traditional Council, the vigil will go contrary to the ban on drumming and noise making that precedes the Homowo celebrations (the gods of the land must not be disturbed). This news sparked a debate as to the reasonability of reasons put forward by the Ga Traditional Council. A section read political meanings into the whole affair-that the chiefs are being used by the politicians to thwart the efforts of the organizers. Others argued, the vigil would be an affront to traditions of Ga-land.

Before the day could end, the La Traditional Council had come out to offer support to the organizers of the vigil, stating that the routes that the organizers are thinking of using is under the jurisdiction of the La Traditional Council and not the Ga Traditional Council. And since the La Traditional Council is not yet observing the Homowo rights, they are free to disturb their gods with noise. Interestingly, the Chief Priest of La, Nii Yemo Obroni IV has made his intentions of joining the vigil known.

This confusion raises the question of whether the Ga Traditional Council know the boundaries of lands or areas under their jurisdiction?

This is clearly a war of the gods. A war between gods who want to enjoy 24 hour uninterrupted electricity supply against gods who want to enjoy peace and quiet in the ambiance of darkness.

Now that the green light has been given by the La chiefs and the police have expressed their preparedness to offer the organizers and supporters of the vigil, it seems all is set for the #DumsorMustStop vigil to take off on May 16, 2015.

One thing is clear in all of this: The youth are mostly tagged as apathetic bunch who do not participate vigorously in shaping the political landscape of Ghana. Yet, when these same youths decide to register their displeasure at current political or economic happenings within the country, they are referred to in despicable terms.

The impact of the dumsor is frightening and the earlier solutions are found quickly, the better it would be for all Ghanaians.

WHY THE FALL OF RHODES STATUE IN SOUTH AFRICA IS A MISPLACED ACTION.

Events in the South Africa’s Cape Town University campus last week – the demonstration that caused the pulling down of the statue of Cecil Rhodes- was celebrated by the African students across the ‘Rainbow Nation’ as a sign of good things to come and black emancipation.

The Rhodes Statue being lifted away (Photo The Guardian)

I saw some of my friends who believe in the concept of ‘Black Africa for Black Africa’ raising a fist and punching the air in victory via their tweets and statuses on social media. It signaled a new dawn in the history of South Africa over two decades since the obnoxious Apartheid walls tumbled.

The decision to pull down the Rhodes statue was democratically reached by the student body. They voted on it, which meant the university authorities had no reason to veto the decision –even if they wanted. The majority had spoken in one voice and as the tenets of democracy dictates; it must be heard and complied with.

Cecil Rhodes was undoubtedly a British imperialist- ruthless and stubborn as such. He was also a business man who built his fortune through diamond trade which came from the bowels of South Africa and other Southern states. He founded the diamond conglomerate De Beers. He helped the British crown in her expansionist agenda culminating in him having his name bestowed on a country- Rhodesia (present day Zimbabwe). He played a crucial role in the British-Boer wars, contributing resources to his British compatriots to trounce their enemies. In short, all his activities-economic and political were insidious towards the black race in South(ern) Africa.

The statue of Cecil Rhodes was not built and placed on the campus of Cape Town University by default.  The land on which the University was built was a gift from Rhodes. In fact he financed the founding of the University (which is now one of the famous in Southern Africa). Yes, one can argue that the land was originally for the Azanians (aborigines of South Africa). He also used his wealth to promote education (skewed towards his kinsmen) and other aspects of South African economy.

So, why do I argue that the pulling down of Rhodes Statue is misplaced?

The destruction of a monument is regarded by many as a victory; a case of good triumphing over evil; the ushering in of a new era or phase in a country’s advancement. It is usually a celebration to signal the divorce between a brutal era and a new progressive and hopeful era.

Instances such as the pulling down of the Berlin Wall, the statues of Saddam Hussein and Ghaddafi, Lenin were celebrated by the people of their country.

The argument proffered by the students is: the presence of the statue is an indication of institutional racism and reminder of imperialism; that it is a reminder of the atrocities of the hurtful past; that it is an anathema to present day events in South Africa.

The pulling down of the statue would not do anything to change the present teacher population (black teachers Vs White teachers). At present, the figures paint this picture: UCT boast of 1,500 academics out of which only 100 black academics on its campus.

This won’t change for a long time. Wouldn’t it have been better for these students to invest energy in fighting the rule that makes it more difficult to attract black teachers? What about the curriculum of the school which makes no room for African Studies yet has vast field for what the students’ term ‘Eurocentric’ studies? Maybe that would be their next pre-occupation.

Again, the pulling down of the statue won’t bring about any drastic economic changes in the South African economy and reduce the frightening unemployment rates. At present the statistics read as such: 25.5% in the second quarter of 2014. The unemployment rate rose by 0.3% from a rate of 25.2% in the first quarter of the year as contained in the quarterly labour force survey by Statistics South Africa .

Wouldn’t the impact of the students demonstration better be geared towards the ANC government, the managers of the economy to ensure that the right policies are designed to overcome this challenge of youth unemployment?

These leaders in South Africa are themselves neo-imperialists who continuously indulge in one form of malpractice that plunge the country into the pit of economic wreckage. Allegations of corruption and nepotism have been leveled against some leading government officials. Some in powerful positions are in bed with these ‘imperialists’ to choke the country. Yet nothing is being done to change that tide. A demonstration like that in Hong Kong would have made a larger impact.

Isn’t the action of the students a slap in the face of this whole ‘Rainbow Nation’ agenda propounded by the Nelson Mandela after independence in 1994? Madiba himself championed and institutionalized this concept by inspiring the rugby team of South Africa (Springbok) to win the rugby world cup tournament in 1995?

One can understand the actions of the students of the University of Cape Town. The history of South Africa is brutal and gory episode because it was one of the longest suppressive policies of this century and its freshness has not evaporated from the consciousness of many South Africans. Most of these student protestors witnessed it-either at first hand (victims) or secondary (family relations or neighbours) so one could understand their frustrations and bubbling fury. This notwithstanding the ‘Rainbow Nation’ tag has been marred to a degree.

Cecil Rhodes was a racist, imperialist, a dubious businessman and a murderer (maybe). Having his statue there might have irked some nerves. The statue which had been sitting on the campus and other monuments are a reminder of history; an inclining into the past.

Now, the statue is gone. Victory has been attained. The sad reality is that the colonial legacy of Cecil Rhodes and his cohorts still stands, hands on hips, feet firmly in the ground, staring at South Africa with a little smirk across their faces. 

So I ask the question what next? A demonstration to change all streets and state monuments bearing names of white ‘imperialists’ in South Africa? Well, one can hope this event does not degenerate or inspire other reactions that would turn into a ball of strife and confusion.