I am an African speech by Thabo Mbeki

In celebration of Africa Day, I share this recital by South African former President, Thabo Mbeki.

My dream for Africa is that it would one day only be known for its beauty and resilience and not for poverty and many social ills. I dream that one day this continent will be a land of abundance and opportunity where dreams will be realised and possibilities would be endless. I dream that all shall live in peace and that there will be acceptance between tribes, cultures, races and religions.

Martin Luther King proclaimed "I have a dream" and his dream became a reality,  such is the power of words. I have many dreams for my Africa and if I continuously proclaim them, they too shall be realised and generations to come will proudly confess that “it feels good to be an African”.

 Nkosi Sikelela I-Africa. God Bless Africa.

CASTING MY VOTE, EXERCISING MY VOICE

Today is the eve of South Africa’s fifth general elections since the end of apartheid in 1994. Significantly, this event takes place in the year that we commemorate 20 years of democracy and freedom.

During this time, we pay tribute to the giants that dedicated and sacrificed their lives in fighting for change. Sadly, this will be the first free elections that we’ll hold in the absence of our first democratic President, Mr Nelson Mandela.

I’m grateful to have caught a glimpse of the apartheid era and to have lived and grown through transformation because I cannot deny the positive change that I have witnessed. I cannot underestimate the power given to me as a South African citizen in casting my vote.

Some say the mood will not be celebratory tomorrow, as political dynamics have changed and many promises remain unfulfilled.

Despite this negativity, I will be rejoicing as I set off to cast my ballot.

I’ll dedicate my vote to my forefathers who were denied a voice and to our fallen heroes that made today possible.  With this vote, I will be committing to playing an active role in bringing about the desired future.

With this I share this poem I wrote in December 2013, after the passing of our beloved Madiba:

Born in Time

I was born into a nation in turmoil

Made to believe that the colour of my skin made me less of a human

Yet I grew to realise the revolution of defiant spirits that refused to be oppressed

Through isolation, blood and tears they soldiered on towards a dream

Life, being their ultimate compromise

I was in time to learn the true meaning of sacrifice

I lived to meet a great man whose name I was once shunned to ever utter

I heard his distinct voice speak to nations, near and far, like it was never silenced

I saw a nation dance to the rhythm of freedom

Madiba dance, a dance that came with a smile that said “Its okay, I have forgiven”

I lived to see a man that commanded respect with no suit and tie

A man clothed in dignity and grace that said “I’m here, you owe to pay attention”

I was born in time to witness the extraordinary

Where a nation rose in peace

I saw flags wave colours of unity

I saw people stand up to be acknowledged

Their voices became their own and their languages became their signature

At this moment I realised I was born at the right time

To witness the bitter and the sweet, the old and the new

To reap the harvest so many great leaders have sown

I was born in time to carry the legacy.

CELEBRATING MY FEET TODAY!

Last night I dreamed I was in hospital and about to have my feet amputated. What a bad dream!  So I woke up and went for a long jog and even opted to use the furthest parking from my office, just so I could optimally use my feet.

This may have been just a silly dream but it reminded me to pay attention and celebrate every part of my body because each one is intricately placed to perform a valuable function.

Did you know that a quarter of the body’s bones is in the feet? There are a whooping 52 bones in each foot! This is why they easily carry your body weight while you do life. It is said that feet endure three times more pressure when running.

Sadly, it has been proven that women suffer more foot problems than men. This is mostly due to wearing uncomfortable shoes. Poor feet!

Thanks to this dream, I’m celebrating my feet today. I’m taking them walking, which by the way, is the best exercise for them and improves general health. I also plan to pamper them with a nice massage after at the end of the day.

When last did you pay attention to your body and taken time to celebrate each part of it? 

Jill Scott - Golden

LIVING LIFE LIKE IT’S GOLDEN IN 2014

A new year always comes with renewed aspirations and bountiful determination. 2014 was no different.  

When this year began, I reflected on previous years and realised that fear was the culprit of most of my shortcomings. So I vowed to make freedom my primary theme for 2014 and Jill Scott’s song “Golden” came to mind.

Lyrics of this song go as follows:

I'm taking my freedom,
Pulling it off the shelf,
Putting it on my chain,
Wear it around my neck,
I'm taking my freedom,
Putting it in my car,
Wherever I choose to go,
It will take me far,

Living my life like it's golden

I'm taking my own freedom
Putting it in my song,
Singing loud and strong,
Grooving all day long,
I'm taking my freedom,
Putting it in my stroll,
I'll be high-steppin' y'all,
Letting the joy unfold,

Living my life like it's golden

 

I'm holding on to my freedom,
Can't take it from me,
I was born into it,
It comes naturally,
I'm strumming my own freedom,
Playing the God in me,
Representing his glory,
Hope he's proud of me,

Livin' my life like it's golden,
It really matters to me, Ohhh

 

These words carry a lot of weight. Freedom lives in all of us, we just sometimes subconsciously shelve it away and allow our minds to be polluted by doubt and fear.

As women we often carry a lot of brokenness. We embrace it and hold it in, allowing it to spread like a cancer. Sometimes we give up our freedom to others, allowing ourselves to be treated unfairly and to be undermined.

These lyrics are a reminder that we were born into freedom and if we claim it as ours, it can take us very far; whether we strive to do better in our studies, careers or relationships.

To me, “putting freedom in my song” means speaking life to everyday circumstances. It’s about realising that words have power and staying positive at all times.

When we demonstrate freedom, we reveal the God in us because a free spirit presents positive traits such as love, joy and peace.  When we hold on to our freedom, we can reach within and gain the power to say “NO” to all that is toxic to us.

A golden life is bright, beautiful, rich, fruitful and peaceful. It’s free of fear and worry. So instead of making a long list of resolutions this year, I decided to claim all of these aspects of this golden life.

With the lyrics of this song as my motto, all things golden will manifest in different areas of my life.

Of course life comes with challenges but I’m certain that this positive mindset will help me overcome and rise above every difficult situation.

I’ll live my life like its golden in 2014 and I invite all the Queens to join me!