MOTIV-8 MAGAZINE 4th edition | Page 25

The one concept we should use to salvage our own fate is pan Africanism. This concept vouches for the unity of all who might be of African origin and it implores us to walk away from the 'divide and conquer' mentality plaguing our day to day circumstances that has deeply permeated our psychology. Indeed, every African youngster aspiring to make a difference has to know about this concept because 'the man who does not know his past does not have a future'. This saying could be perceived as pessimistic but the truth of the matter is that having a good sense of identity- where you are from, who you are- gives one a head start on his life's journey. When you know yourself, you live as yourself and appreciate those who are of your kind as well. As insignicant as this may sound, this small step could be the foundation to an African youth, who is empowered, values himself and who would be capable of challenging the status quo and the negative image of Africa and Africans so often portrayed in the Western media. In light of the recent disturbing news of the xenophobic attacks in South Africa, I would like to denounce the wrong precedent it is setting for coming generations with regards to how to solve conicts of social inequality. If we engage ourselves to know our history and to develop love for our own kind, ordeals like these will cease to happen so often. It is our duty as people who are learned and full of discernment to research our African history, embrace our roots, and use the lessons history holds, not to fuel hatred, but to walk towards empowering ourselves and others. Once you know who you are, nothing and nobody can make you doubt your own potential, like Eric Thomas said: “If there is no enemy within, the enemy outside can do us no harm”. 24