Nomad_Africa_Edition12

Welcome 

TO AFRICA! 

aconcept was born from a passionate 

desire to dispel the negative 

perceptions, which the 

world has held of the African 

continent, and to replace them 

with a positive focus. That concept 

took form in the launch of the Nomad Africa 

project in 2012. The project involves using several 

media platforms to promote and celebrate the 

African continent. 

Nomad Africa celebrates life on the African continent 

and promotes its vibrant pulse through our 

Pan-Africanist ideology, to encourage the solidarity 

of Africans worldwide. It aims to foster a strong interest 

in the continent's cultural heritage, unique 

tourist attractions and countless business development 

and investment opportunities, with the millions 

of people living in, investigating or visiting 

Africa. 

Nomad Africa inspires and breeds a conscious, 

knowledgeable generation of visionaries among 

our own, and influences positive perceptions and 

appreciation for the true worth of Africa worldwide. 

The Nomad Africa project has created a unique advertising 

platform for clients wishing to promote 

business, investments and awareness of their services 

and products in Africa. 

Nomad Africa magazine, the print platform of the 

project, is an elegant, luxury magazine targeting the 

tourism, travel, social, political, cultural and business 

fields prevailing in Africa and is circulated across the 

African continent. 

Made available in most VIP lounges of international 

airports, business class sections of selected airlines, 

four- and five-star hotels, spas and casinos as well 

as luxury cruise liners that service the African coastline. 

Present distribution outlets across Africa are 

South Africa (Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban & 

Port Elizabeth), Nigeria (Lagos), Ghana (Accra), Zimbabwe 

(Harare), Zambia (Lusaka), Namibia (Windhoek), 

Rwanda (Kigali) and Mauritius, Kenya and 

Seychelles to be added in the coming months. Distribution 

is continuously monitored by Media Support 

(PTY) Limited. 

Nomad Africa magazine retails exclusively in Woolworths, 

Checkers and CNA outlets. Retail distribution 

is monitored by On The Dot - the biggest multichannel 

media logistics company in Africa. 

The Nomad Africa e-zine, which is published digitally, 

is available on digital newsstand platforms like 

PressReader, Zinio, Magzter and on Android, iPhone 

and Windows app stores. The magazine is made 

available digitally to a worldwide combined audience 

of over 300 million and an extensive network 

of sponsored hotspots, which allows the magazine 

to be viewed and downloaded in more than 6,000 

hotels worldwide and over 16,000 libraries, universities, 

cruise ships, airlines, government and corporate 

offices, hospitals, and cafes around the globe. 

The Nomad Africa bi-monthly newsletter is sent to 

more than 65,000 subscribers internationally, with 

the number constantly growing. 

NomadTV is the online digital television division of 

the Nomad Africa project. It regularly features interviews 

with representatives of government and 

tourism boards across the continent of Africa and 

helps showcase their unique offerings and destinations. 

NomadTV is popularly employed to create advertorials 

for our distribution partners and advertisers. 

All our productions are showcased on our website 

and the NomadTV Youtube channel. 

For more details, how you can partner with us, or invest 

in this unparalleled project, please e-mail us at: 

thepublisher@nomadafricamag.com or call +27 11 

052 4597. 

Issue 12 | ...Celebrating the world’s richest continent | www.nomadafricamag.com | 5

10 | www.nomadafricamag.com | ...Celebrating the world’s richest continent | Issue 12

Africa’s Long Walk to Freedom 

Since Biblical times, all the great nations and empires that arose and prospered 

were those that were founded on and preserved the history of their founding fathers 

and mothers, in particular, the revolutionary moral values that inspired their 

struggles for national liberation, freedom, equality and justice for all. 

The Long Walk to Freedom was also Africa's story. The indignation that once permeated 

our continent has been replaced by inspiration. The undercurrent of pessimism 

resulting from the onslaught of maladies – wars, coup d’etats, disease, 

poverty and oppression – has given way to a steadily increasing sense of possibility. 

It wasn't only Nelson Mandela who was transformed during those years of 

his imprisonment. We all were. And Africa is all the better because of that. 

The thing about heroes is that their acts are righteous only when nurtured by their 

nation and people, to intervene for the interests of such nation and people. Some 

even say that the assassination of Patrice Lumumba was the most important political 

assassination in the 20th century. This special freedom edition of Nomad 

Africa magazine presents us with an opportunity to celebrate the lives and times 

of the heroes of our national liberation struggles, an opportunity to reflect upon 

and reaffirm the intrinsic roots of our nation and the continuing relevance for nation 

building and social cohesion. 

In this edition, Christine Siamanta Kinori invites our readers to meet the Turkana 

tribe – one of the 42 tribes in East Africa that has managed to stick to their undiluted 

way of life. The tribe have survived natural calamities, modernization and 

have still remained strong (see page 42). In another special feature, the population 

in African cities have been predicted to double by year 2015 (page 46). 

Tourism is a major source of income globally especially for smaller countries that 

have a rich diversity of offerings for international travellers, yet current issues of 

climate change, sustainability and digitalisation together with super rapid 

progress in the data and information technology sectors are exerting a profound 

impact on tourism worldwide. Our media crew attended the first International 

Conference on Digitalization and Sustainable Tourism in Mauritius hosted by the 

Mauritius Ministry of Tourism. Read more about this two day high profile event 

on Page 82. On the second day of the same event, Mauritius boosted environmental 

awareness by inviting guests to witness a coral planting (Page 94). 

As we celebrate Nelson Mandela’s 100 years anniversary with this special edition, 

we believe that if we apply Nelson’s humility, tact and penchant for dialogue, we 

can face the challenges that threaten Africa as a continent. 


AFRICA'S TOP TEN 

AIRPORTS 

Africa has for the most part neglected its airport infrastructure 

for decades, but the trend is changing. National governments across the 

continent increasingly recognise the need for facilities that meet international 

standards and are up to handling expected increases in passenger numbers, cargo 

volume and aircraft. There are number of airports that are worth mentioning when you 

consider the top ten best airports in Africa. Here is our list… 

Words: EMEKA CHIGOZIE 

Kenya Airways planes are seen parked at the 

Jomo Kenyatta International airport near Kenya's 

capital Nairobi. 

Picture: Thomas Mukoya/Reuters 


Top 10 

the number of airports in 

Africa is growing as the continent 

awakens to engage in 

international travel. Air transport 

has dramatically increased 

on the continent 

over the past ten years and 

this has led to upgrade and 

improvements of existing international 

airports as well as the construction 

of new ones. Here is a list of Africa’s top 

10 international airports. 

O.R. Tambo International Airport 

This is a major international airport in Kempton 

Park, Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, South Africa, 

near the city of Johannesburg. It serves as 

the primary airport for domestic and international 

travel to/from South Africa and is 

Africa’s busiest airport with a capacity to 

handle up to 28 million passengers annually. 

It serves all continents except Antarctica (the 

only other airports on earth doing likewise 

are ATL, DOH, AUH, LHR, SYD, DXB and Paris 

Charles de Gaulle CDG). The airport is the 

hub of South Africa’s largest international 

and domestic carrier, South African Airways 

(SAA), and a number of smaller local airlines. 

The airport handled a total of 18 million passengers 

in 2014. 

It was formerly officially known as Johannesburg 

International Airport and before that as 

Jan Smuts International Airport (hence the 

airport’s former ICAO code, “FAJS”) after 

South Africa’s internationally renowned 

statesman by that name. The first renaming 

was done in 1994 when the newly established 

South African government implemented 

a national policy of not naming 

airports after politicians. The policy, however, 

was reversed later, and the airport renamed 

again on 27 October 2006 after 

Oliver Tambo, a former President of the 

African National Congress. 

Cape Town International Airport 

Cape Town International Airport is the primary 

airport serving the city of Cape Town, 

and is the second busiest airport in South 

Africa and third busiest in Africa. Located approximately 

20 kilometres (12 mi) from the 

city centre, the airport was opened in 1954 

to replace Cape Town’s previous airport, 

Wingfield Aerodrome. Cape Town International 

Airport is the only airport in the Cape 

Town metropolitan area that offers scheduled 

passenger services. The airport has domestic 

and international terminals, linked by 

a common central terminal. 

The airport has direct flights from South 

Africa’s other two main urban areas, Johannesburg 

and Durban, as well as flights to 

smaller centres in South Africa. Internationally, 

it has direct flights to several destinations 

in Africa, Asia and Europe. The air route 

between Cape Town and Johannesburg 

was the world’s ninth busiest air route in 2011 

with an estimated 4.5 million passengers. 

King Shaka International Airport 

Abbreviated KSIA, is the primary airport 

serving Durban, South Africa. Located in La 

Mercy, KwaZulu-Natal, approximately 35 km 

(22 mi) north of the city centre of Durban, it 

opened its doors to passengers on 1 May 

2010, just over a month before the start of 

the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It replaced Durban 

International Airport (ICAO: FADN) and uses 

the same IATA airport code. The airport was 

designed by Osmond Lange Architects and 

Planners and cost R6.8 billion (about US$900 

million). On 27 January 2014, the world’s 

largest passenger aircraft, an Airbus A380- 

800 of British Airways landed at KSIA, becoming 

the first A380 to do so. The aircraft 

was being used for training, and operated 

many flights in and out of the airport until 4 

February 2014. The aircraft also returned for 

further pilot training between August 29 and 

September 1 of the same year. 

Cairo International Airport 

This airport is the mainstay of EgyptAir, as 

well as being the busiest Egyptian Airport. 

Cairo Airport is located towards the northeastern 

part of the city and about 15 kilometres 

from the heart of the city’s business 

area. 

It is administered together with other airport 

facilities by EHCAAN or the Egyptian Holding 

Company for Airports and Air Navigation. 

Management is through contractual 

arrangements, currently held by Fraport AG. 

Started as a naval base, it was after World 

War II that Cairo Airport started to take 

shape. After the American Forces commanding 

the base had left after the end of 

the war, it was taken over by the Civil Aviation 

Authority for global civil aviation purposes. 

It was in 1963 that Cairo International 

Airport earned its title after replacing Heliopolis, 

the old airport, located along the 

Hike-Step region in the eastern part of Cairo. 

By 2009, Cairo Airport was able to serve 

about 14.4 million passengers, a sizeable 

percentage increase from the previous year. 

It also handled about 143,000 movements of 

aircrafts in the same year, also a strategic increase 

from the previous year. The tonnage 

of airfreight passing through the airport was 

about 275,000. Amidst this statistics, Cairo 

Airport still comes second in Africa in terms 

of busy airport activity. 

There are more than 65 airlines using the airport, 

as well as nine cargo and charter airlines. 

EgyptAir has the largest chunk of 

operations in the airport taking up to 61 percent 

of all departure slots. After EgypAir was 

assimilated into the lucrative Star Alliance 

carrier, Cairo Airport has been poised to become 

the chief hub of major destinations 

from Africa, Europe and the Middle East, 

since it has A380 facilities, among other 

major utilities. As the airport continues to 

grow in terms of passenger and air traffic, it 

is in constant development to sustain these 

ever rising needs. 

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International 

Airport 

SSR Airport is the main international airport 

in Mauritius. It is located 26 nautical miles (48 

km) southeast of the capital city of Port 

Louis. The airport was previously known as 


Marrakesh Menara Airport. 

the Plaisance Airport. It was renamed in 

memory of Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam. 

The airport, set to become a regional hub, 

has direct flights to several destinations in 

Africa, Asia, Europe and is home to the country’s 

national airline Air Mauritius. Airports of 

Mauritius Co. Ltd (AML) is the owner and operator 

of the airport, the Government of 

Mauritius is the major shareholder of AML. 

Airport Terminal Operations Ltd (ATOL) is responsible 

for the design, building and operation 

of the new terminal building. 

East London Airport 

This airport is serving East London, a city in 

the Eastern Cape province on the southeast 

coast of South Africa. 

East London’s airport is a small but bustling 

one that plays an important role in the growing 

economy of the Eastern Cape. Every day, 

it welcomes between 20 and 30 flights – 

which bring 346,000 people to East London 

each year. Of these, about 140,000 are holidaymakers, 

mostly local, and about 15% are 

foreign tourists. In 2013, the airport served 

658,363 passengers. 

Addis Ababa Bole International Airport 

Serves the city of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It is 

located in the Bole area, 6 km (3.7 mi) southeast 

of the city centre and 65 km (40 mi) 

north of Debre Zeyit. The airport was formerly 

known as Haile Selassie I International 

Airport. It is the main hub of Ethiopian Airlines, 

the national airline that serves destinations 

in Ethiopia and throughout the African 

continent, as well as nonstop service to Asia, 

Europe, North America and South America. 

The airport is also the base of the Ethiopian 

Aviation Academy. As of 31 July 2013, more 

than 150 flights per day were departing from 

and arriving at the airport. 

Marrakesh Menara Airport 

Marrakesh Menara Airport is an international 

airport serving Marrakesh, the capital city of 

the Marrakesh-Tensift-El Haouz region in Morocco. 

It is an international facility that receives 

several European flights as well as 

flights from Casablanca and some of the 

Arab world nations. The airport served over 

3.3 million passengers in the year 2012. 

Menara Airport (RAK) had formally two passenger 

terminals, but these are more or less 

combined to form one large terminal. A third 

terminal is being built. The existing T1/T2 

offer a space of 42.000 m 2 and has a designed 

capacity of 4.5 million 

passengers/year. The separate freight-terminal 

has 340m 2 covered space The air terminals 

(1 and 2) are 22,000 m 2 (236,806 sq ft) 

and designed to handle 2,500,000 passengers 

per year. 

Seychelles International Airport 

Aéroport de la pointe Larue as it is known 

locally is on the island of Mahé, Seychelles 

near the capital city of Victoria. It forms part 

of the administrative districts of La pointe 


O.R Tambo International Airport, 

Johannesburg, South Africa. 

Cairo International Airport. 

Murtala Muhammed International Airport. 

Adis Ababba Bole International 

Airport. 

Larue (terminal area), Cascade/Providence 

(in the North) and Anse aux pins (in 

the south and military base). 

The airport is 11 km southeast of the capital 

and is accessible by the Victoria-Providence 

Highway. There is frequent service 

from the bus station in Victoria, with taxi 

ranks outside the terminal available to all 

locations on Mahé Island and several tour 

operators’ coach services – namely Creole 

Travel Services and Mason’s travel – 

which also links passengers to the ferry 

terminal at the Old Port (Vieux port) for 

inter-island ferry services and to the New 

Port (Nouveau port) for cruise holidays. 

Murtala Muhammed International 

Originally known as Lagos International 

Airport, it was renamed in the mid 1970s, 

during construction of the new international 

terminal, after a former Nigerian 

military head of state Murtala 

Muhammed. The international terminal 

was modelled after Amsterdam Airport 

Schiphol. The new terminal opened officially 

on 15 March 1979. It is the main 

base for Nigeria’s flag carrier airlines, 

Aero and Arik Air. 

Murtala Muhammed International Airport 

consists of an international and a 

domestic terminal, located about one 

kilometre from each other. Both terminals 

share the same runways. This domestic 

terminal used to be the old Ikeja 

Airport. International operations moved 

to the new international airport when it 

was ready, while domestic operations 

moved to the Ikeja Airport, which became 

the domestic airport. The domestic 

operations were relocated to the old 

Lagos domestic terminal in 2000 after a 

fire. A new domestic privately funded 

terminal known as MMA2 has been constructed 

and was commissioned on 7 

April 2007. In 2009, the airport served 

5,644,572 passengers. 



Gallivant Malawi 

RUNNING OUT OF 

WISHES 

And here I am again, my powdered heart and I – this time in 

Malawi, deposited here by Malawi Air. As the midday Blantyre heat 

slowly defrosts our South African cryogenic state, the dusty, bustling 

road we’re on eventually reveals the magnificent winding mountain pass 

down into the Shire Valley. The green valley lies indolently back into the 

arms of the surrounding mountains like a long-lost lover. 

Words: JO KROMBERG 


muesli and fruit concoction, I stare at the 

river in stupefied wonder. Jenna joins me 

and says there is a lot here to keep families 

busy – playing in the pool, game drives, 

walks and river cruises. En-route to the river 

for the cruise later that day, we encounter 

eland, warthog and a white bushbuck – 

which is one of the rarest sights ever I’m told 

by Simon. The river cruise itself suspends 

time in totality. We watch as a herd of about 

20 elephants cross the river, silhouetted 

against the setting sun. 

That night, I stare up at an infinite blanket of 

stars. Some fall, most stay… After a poignant 

farewell the next morning, we are off to 

Mvuu Wilderness Lodge. The people of 

Malawi are known for their placid, loving nature. 

They are the most genuine and generi 

have rediscovered pure joy as we 

drive to our first location - Mkulumadzi 

Lodge in the Majete Reserve. 

Located in the south of Malawi, Majete 

is an area of 70 000 hectares and 

part of Africa’s Great Rift Valley. We 

drive for a couple of hours through 

villages, and the sounds of children’s voices 

are carried on the smoky breeze as we 

move closer towards the vermilion setting 

sun. We arrive after dark and walk across a 

suspension bridge. I can hardly see a thing, 

but my senses are filled with the smell of the 

bush and the roar of the mighty Shire River. 

Our hosts, Mark, Jenna and Simon, welcome 

us with a gorgeous dinner. The sight of my 

suite makes me swoon. Each of the eight 

luxury chalets consists of a large bedroom 

and lounge that opens out to a wooden 

deck, plus an en-suite bathroom with a 

sunken bath that overlooks the river. There 

is also an outdoor rain shower, which is 

open to the surrounding bush. The whole 

lodge is solar powered with a back-up generator. 

There is also a two-bedroom family unit, 

cleverly designed so parents live on one 

side of the communal lounge and the kids 

on the other. 

The haunting cry of a fish eagle breaks the 

dawn the next morning and the view makes 

my heart ache. I open the flap door onto my 

deck and for the first time in the pink-grey 

changing colours of dawn, the magnificent 

river reveals itself to me. I amble to breakfast 

and while enjoying the most delicious 


ous of spirit. Everywhere, people are on 

their way somewhere, working and getting 

on with life. As we drive, the country also reveals 

its incredible natural and dramatic 

beauty - rocky outcrops, high mountains 

and breath-taking plateaus. 

After a four-hour drive, we finally get to Liwonde 

National Park. Mvuu Wilderness 

Lodge is a revelation. It is a hidden safari 

camp gem, (yore means old and this was 

built in 1994) with the main lounge building 

set high above the still water and wonderful 

views. This lush and fertile area sports an excellent 

diversity of animals, including elephant 

and sable antelope, impala and 

waterbuck. Mvuu is a true eco-lodge sans 

the self-congratulatory fanfare that usually 

accompanies such a distinction. Built in 1994, 

it runs only on solar power and a limited 

generator. Room service may be obtained 

by banging on a drum inside your tent and 

the amazing staff literally come running… 

Accommodation at Mvuu Wilderness Lodge 

comprises of eight spacious tents for a maximum 

16 guests, each with en-suite bathroom 

facilities and a private viewing 

platform looking out on to the lagoon. Dinner 

is served on the ‘beach’, overlooking the 

dark river. The food is excellent, served by 

lantern and firelight, with the sounds of 

crickets, frogs and hippos filling the expanse 

of the enormous night around us. Later, we 

sit outside on the balcony in the pitch black 

night. I look up. The stars have followed me. 

Only tonight the Milky Way has the texture 

of soft, white velvet and the stars seem to 

have multiplied ten-fold. Some fall. Most 

stay. I watch in suspended reverie. 

The entire bush and river is bathed in a hue 

of ghostly and otherworldly mist the next 

morning as we go on a safari walk with our 

guide, Douwe. There is no sound. No wind. 

The Mopani forest holds its breath and nothing 

moves in the eerie, white gloom. Then 

suddenly, there are elephants. We spot the 

herd very close to us through the fog as 

they forage, completely unaware of our existence. 

I skip the boat ride later to explore the adjacent 

camp, a very affordable haven for families 

with children. You can choose between 

charming self-catering or full-service 

chalets. There are two pools and a kiddie’s 

play area with jungle gyms and swings. 


Combined with a number of games and activities, 

never a dull moment is assured. 

I decide on an early night, drifting off to 

sleep to the eerie and unique cry of the Pel’s 

fishing owl, its undulating echoes piercing 

the dark African night. The day brings me, finally, 

to the glorious and breath-taking Lake 

Malawi! Pumulani Beach Lodge perches 

high above the tranquil, endless blue water 

in opulent, exotic nest against the mountain 

within the Lake Malawi National Park. 

The lodge has an airy, sea-breezy feel to it 

with high ceilings, some nautical decor 

themes and of course, a spectacular view. 

The ten villas are spread out along a lush hillside, 

overlooking the lake. Each has a large 

bedroom, a comfortable sitting area and a 

humungous bathroom with bathtub and 

double shower. And, naturally, private decks 

with views of the lake. The lodge also has a 

family villa that sleeps four (or five with 

smaller children). 

We take one of the wooden walkways 

down to the beach. If you have kids, beware. 

They will never want to leave. Besides 

the pool and the beach, there is water-skiing, 

sailing, diving, wakeboarding, kayaking, 

snorkeling and fishing – and everything is 

safe. The staff on the beach are ready and 

willing to assist with whatever activity you 

choose to participate in, all included in the 

rate apart from scuba diving. After a divine 

dinner, I stretch out on my balcony in the 

balmy night. I see six falling stars in half an 

hour. How many wishes can one person 

have? Mumbo Island awaits us for lunch the 

following day and I have to devote an entire 

book to this pristine and deserted tropical island. 

Mumbo Island has never been populated 

and is still in its natural state with a thick 

covering of miombo woodland and ancient 

fig and baobab trees. 

The tiny island camp, with capacity for only 

fourteen guests, features tastefully furnished 

tents (one is a family tent) with shaded 

decks, hammocks, hot bucket showers and 

‘eco-loos’. The small waves lap the tiny 

beach with butterfly kisses and we kayak for 

hours on the calm crystal blue lake in this secluded 

slice of heaven. Back at Pumulani, a 

treat awaits after dinner. Chris, the manager, 

sets up the lodge’s very fancy telescope for 

us to get a close-up of the constellations and 

planets. It is a very surreal feeling to see Saturn 

in real life with its rings, just as it appears 

in drawings. 

A tiny four-seater plane takes us aboard the 

next day for the hour’s flight to Mfuwe South 

Luangwa National Park in Zambia. On arrival, 

we are met by our ranger, Freddie, who 

takes us to our final haven – Nkwali. The rustic, 

yet luxurious, Nkwali Camp accommodates 

fourteen guests, and the beautiful 

rooms are made of woven bamboo, stone 

floors and thatch, each with a view of the 

glittering river. There is one family room, a 

double and a twin, both en-suite and a 

swimming pool. The laid-back, thatched 

Robin’s House caters for groups and families, 

as does the majestic, totally exclusive and 

full-serviced Luangwa House further away 

on the property. 

That afternoon on the game drive, we spot 

a leopard up a tree, lions lazing in the shade, 

hyena, jackals and buffalo. The Lodge also 

offers walking safaris, night drives and boating. 

Dinner was a delightful, traditional ‘braai’ 

(barbeque) in the bush, featuring maize, 

steak, sausage, chicken and salads. 

On our last night, we stayed at the quaint 

Heuglins Guest House – a charming and 

perfect gateway between Zambia, Malawi 

and South Africa with great service and 

great food. 


MOUNT KENYA’S 

EXPERIENCE 

M A G I C A L F O R C E 

Mount Kenya has a magical force, towering over 5100 metres and 

looking down across the plains of laikipia below. Kate Webster takes 

you to the mountain base and discovers the magic of the area. 


Gallivant Kenya 


Kenyan capital of Nairobi will have you landing 

at Nanyuki airstrip in laikipia. There are 

two other airstrips for scheduled safari flights 

into laikipia, loisaba and lewa Downs; however, 

Nanyuki is the main airstrip. 

Upon arrival into laikipia you will notice a 

country feel like non-other in Kenya. Formerly 

a patchwork of large ranches, and still 

an important livestock district, laikipia is now 

where some of Kenya’s most encouraging 

conservation success stories are unfolding. 

To the north-east of the great rift Valley, and 

north-west of snow-capped Mount Kenya, 

the high plains of laikipia are growing more 

popular as one of Kenya’s best safari regions. 

Much of the area here is managed to protect 

the wildlife, promote a personal and smallscale 

approach to adventurous and often 

luxurious safari tourism, and generate an income 

for the local Samburu and ilaikipiak 

and Mokogodo Maasai communities. 

The area is beginning to challenge the Maaclimbing 

to 5,199 metres, 

Mount Kenya is the tallest 

mountain in Kenya and the 

second tallest mountain in 

africa. 

a designated World Heritage 

Site, the scenery surrounding Mount 

Kenya is breath-taking. it is pristine wilderness 

with lakes, tarns, glaciers, dense forest, 

mineral springs and a selection of rare and 

endangered species of animals, high altitude 

adapted plains game and unique montane 

and alpine vegetation. 

Mount Kenya and nearby laikipia is not necessarily 

the first place that comes to mind 

when planning a trip to Kenya. Famous for 

the wildlife safaris and cultural experiences 

of the Mara and beach areas in the north 

such as Watamu, Kenya’s hidden gem of 

laikipia and Mount Kenya are often overlooked. 

a short 35 – 45-minute flight from the 


sai Mara for overall safari experience. a sanctuary for over 80 mammal 

species including black rhino, elephant, lion, leopard, grevy 

Zebra, reticulated giraffe, aardwolf, wild dog and a wealth of 

african game, laikipia’s biodiversity is globally unique. 

after Tsavo, laikipia is Kenya’s most extensive wildlife haven, forming 

part of the much broader 56,000-km2 ewaso ecosystem. all of 

the ‘Big Five’ mammals can be found here, with the ewaso elephant 

population healthy in numbers, half of all the endangered Black rhinos 

found in Kenya in laikipia and as many as 250 lions. 

The ewaso ecosystem hosts the largest populations left on earth of 

various other endangered mammals, including grevy’s Zebra and 

reticulated giraffe, the only remaining viable population of Jackson’s 

Hartebeest, as well as an expanding population of the globally 

endangered african Wild Dog. 

laikipia has a diverse range of tourism facilities for travellers of all 

varieties. There is a choice of small lodges, tented camps, ranch 

houses, community lodges and resorts/hotels. Based in natural 

wildlife areas, they focus on selling wilderness-based tourism. currently, 

there are over 40 accommodation facilities in the laikipia 

area, many of which have been awarded tourism awards both overseas 

and in Kenya. 

There is one property, however, that has long been a part of the 

landscape in laikipia and called Mount Kenya, affectionately known 

as laikipia’s lady, its neighbour. Travelling some 30 minutes by vehicle 

south-east of the airport and you arrive at the famous Fairmont 

Mount Kenya Safari club. it is here where the true value of Mount 

Kenya is discovered. 

Set with the backdrop of magnificent views of majestic Mount 

Kenya, the Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari club resort is set in over 

100 acres of perfectly landscaped gardens. 

Then known as 'Mawingo', the Kiswahili name for 'the clouds' that 

so often skirt the slopes of Mt Kenya, it was born of a love affair, and 

one that had all the ingredients of an epic romance - a stunning 

older woman, a dashing aviator and, for their playground, all of 

africa. 

it started as a home and over the years the property changed hands 

a few times. it wasn’t until 1948 when Mawingo was bought by abraham 

Block that the house was extended and turned into an inn. in 

1959, the film star William Holden stayed there with his friends ray 

ryan and carl Hirschmann. Succumbing to Mawingo's charm, they 

bought the property and turned it into the 'The Mt Kenya Safari 

club'. 

The exclusive retreat has a reputation for relaxed elegance and 

comes with quite the intriguing history. Several to the world's most 

famous names, be they royalty, film stars or merely the rich, have 

graced the walkways at this secluded haven, boasting an appeal of 

safari gear during the day and smart dress for dinner. 

The club opened in 1959 and the list of who joined reads like an international 

''Who's Who'', including Sir Winston churchill, who was 

reputed to have been a founder Member, Prince Berhard of the 

Netherlands, lord louis Mountbatten, author robert ruark, former 

US President lyndon Johnson, conrad Hilton, Bob Hope, Bing 

crosby, and a bevy of celebrities. 

The lustrous allure of the club has never faded, with more recent 

members to include His royal Highness the aga Khan, President el 

Haj omar Bongo of gabon, President gafaar Numeiri of the Sudan, 


Members of the Saudi arabian royal family, 

KrH Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd Bin 

abdul aziz and Mrs anwar Sadat. 

Fairmont Hotels & resorts renovated and 

upgraded the club and its luxury Mount 

Kenya accommodations in 2009; however, 

maintained its rich history and ambiance 

of a hunting club. The prestigious 

main structure reflects the 1950’s colonial 

architectural design with a luxury country 

club feel, complemented with independent 

quaint cottages, including William 

Holden’s original cottage. 

Nestled in the lush foothills of Mount 

Kenya, the Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari 

club’s history is as rich and evocative as 

the surrounding landscape. guests wake 

with the sun rising over Mount Kenya and 

can revel in the glorious mountain 

scenery from the club’s grounds. 

The place holds a certain magic, felt radiating 

down from the mountain. This magical 

force is whispered from the staff who 

work at the club. aptly named the local 

‘Mountain Whisperer’, Fairmont Mount 

Kenya Safari club employee Joseph 

Kanyiri explains "the Mountain says no 

man cries". 

Maybe this is his way of ensuring all 

guests are enjoying their time there, but 

from serving coffees at breakfast and 

wine with your dinner at night, Mr Kanyiri 

will bring the mountain into every conversation 

he has. 

The food the guests eat, blessed by the 

mountain; the glorious sunshine for the 

day, a result of the mountain; the happiness 

in the company of guests, also a gift 

from the mountain, according to Mr 

Kanyiri. 

it is no wonder he feels this way, having 

worked at the Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari 

club and viewing Mount Kenya on a 

regular basis. Mr Kanyiri has a history to 

tell of this mountain, as intriguing as that 

of the very club he works for. 

Mr Kanyiri explains the peaks of Mount 

Kenya, when viewed from a distance resembled 

the black and white plumage of 

the male ostrich. The black and white formations 

were actually rocks and glaciers 

on the peak area, hence it was named the 

mountain “Kirinyaga”, which in translation 

means – “the area of the ostrich”. 

legend has it the ancient Kikuyu and 

Kamba tribesmen used the name 

“Kirinyaga” to derive the term for their 

god – Mwene Nyaga – signifying the 

god who stayed at the top of Mount 

Kenya. The Kikuyu believe that Mount 

Kenya is a sacred place and they turn towards 

the direction of the mountain while 

praying or offering sacrifices. 

The Kambas pronounced it slightly differently, 

calling it “Kinyaa”. as the Kamba’s 

were the first people to encounter the european 

explorers, the europeans used the 

Kamba version to name the mountain, 

calling it Mount Kenya. The country was 

later named after the mountain. 

For those who are not satisfied to merely 

view the magnificent Mount Kenya in all 

her glory from their place at Fairmont 

Mount Kenya Safari club and seek to conquer 

the mountain, they can then embark 

on one of the most scenic treks in africa. 

Known as a climber’s mountain and a 

trekker’s mountain, Mt Kenya is riddled 


Set with the backdrop of 

magnificent views of majestic 

Mount Kenya, the Fairmont 

Mount Kenya Safari Club 

Resort is set in over 100 acres 

of perfectly landscaped 

gardens. 

with pioneering history, with some of the 

most amazing stories in mountaineering to 

date. 

Possibly one of the most famous stories is 

that of ‘No picnic on Mount Kenya’, the 

scene of the famous italian prisoners of war 

who escaped to attempt to summit Point 

Batian in hot pursuit from their capturers. 

Since then, many mountaineering legends 

have come to establish themselves on Mt 

Kenya, including Halford Mackinder, eric 

Shipton and arthur Firmin. Modern day legends 

such as ian Howell and ian allen also 

stake their claim, establishing many of the 

technical routes on Batian (5,199m) and Nelion 

(5,188m). Howell Hut was built by ian 

Howell who solo climbed Point Nelion 13 

times to establish the hut on the summit; 

this hut is still used today by many trekkers. 

Mount Kenya continues to draw travellers 

from near and far to experience her magic 

and generally offers a year-round season 

to visit. The weather remains pleasant at 

any time of year, with the average daytime 

high temperatures range from 68 F (20 c) 

in July and august to 80 F (27 c) degrees in 

January and February. 

after the sunset, temperatures can drop to 

45 F (7 c) to 52 F (11 c) degrees with slightly 

cooler nights during December to February. 

The one climatic condition that has the 

greatest impact on your trip to Mount 

Kenya Park is rainfall. like other locations in 

Kenya, the park experiences two dry seasons 

and two rainy seasons, and the presence 

or absence of rain will influence 

wildlife and activity experiences. 

The long dry season occurs from the end 

of July to october, followed by a short 

rainy season in November and December. 

January through February is the short-dry 

season, and conditions are similar to the 

long dry season with the exception of 

being hotter and more humid months. in 

the last weeks of March, though, the 

weather takes a much more dramatic turn. 

From the end of March until May and most 

parts of June, the rains can fall for a few 

days at a time, but not all day, and the skies 

are mostly overcast with occasional sunshine. 



Gallivant South Africa 

Explore 

CAMPS BAY 

THe croWN JeWel oF caPe ToWN 


author James Thurber said in one of his more famous books 

that “beautiful things don’t ask for attention” - and while i’m sure 

Mr Thurber meant his words in a more anthropological way, the same 

can’t be said for camps Bay, the undeniable crown Jewel of 

cape Town’s atlantic Seaboard. 

Words & Photographs: TRACEY LEE VICTOR 

it’s a beautiful early autumn evening as 

i check in to The Bay Hotel; a camps 

Bay icon, situated in the middle of the 

seaside suburb’s famous Sunset Strip. 

The Bay Hotel has been a stalwart on 

camps Bay’s most famous strip since 

the late 1980s, and it’s easy to see why the 

hotel has stood the test of time. accommodating 

everyone from locals, international 

celebrities and even english royalty. if you 

haven’t been to The Bay Hotel, have you 

even really been to camps Bay? 

The checking-in process is seamless, and i 

already feel welcome after the wonderful 

hotel staff show me to my suite. My suite 

showcases camps Bay in all its glory; 

beachfront views, a view of cape Town’s famous 

lion’s Head and a brightness that can 

only come from relaxing in a luxury hotel 

room after some serious travelling. 

after unpacking (and unwinding with the 

complimentary bottle of Muratie Merlot in 

my hotel room), i find myself taking the first 

of many gasps as i see the sun set over the 

atlantic ocean and the bright, white sand of 

the beach turn a milky beige. 

as i fumble to find my phone - naturally, to 

document the sunset in all its glory - i realise 

why camps Bay beach has been included 

as one of the best beaches in the world on 

several travellers’ websites. i decide then 

and there that after breakfast the next morning, 

i would most certainly take a stroll along 

this world-famous beach. 

Breakfast at The Bay hotel is nothing short 

of a feast. The buffet spread is beautifully 

presented and offers something for every 

palete. as for me, all ideas of possibly sticking 

to a diet fly out the window and into the 

atlantic as i grab my second, perfectly 

baked croissant. 

Feeling (a little) guilty after my croissant-indulgence, 

i make my way to the beach, 

hoping the walk will help balance out the 

carbo-loading i just did. 

camps Bay beach reminds me of a Pinterest 

board; pristine beaches, bright, blue water 

and enviable bikini bodies. i once again 

grab my phone, snapping more shots of my 

surroundings - bikini bods excluded, of 

course. 

as i make my way back to the hotel - a 

stone’s throw away from the beach - i notice 

that the infamous cape Town red Bus 

Tour has a stop right in front of The Bay 

Hotel. 

Being fond of exploration myself, i decide 

to buy a ticket. opting for the ‘classic’ package 

on the open-top bus tour, i was thrilled 

to find out that the r180 package includes 

the constantia Valley Wine Bus, something 

many a girlfriend has recommended. 

With the first departure at 10:50 from the 

red Bus Tour offices, conveniently situated 

in front of The Bay Hotel, i was dressed, 

ready and en route to constantia Nek by 

11:00. 

To join the constantia Valley Wine Bus, you 

have to get off at constantia Nek, after 

which the much talked about Wine Bus will 

pick you up, and take you to three legendary 

wine farms in the constantia Valley: 

Beau constantia, eagle’s Nest and the infamous 

groot constantia - the oldest wine estate 

in South africa. My girlfriends were 

right; the Wine Bus definitely did not disappoint. 

Shortly after lunch time, i hop off at groot 

constantia - wide eyed and ready to try the 

wines and a light lunch (the lingering fullness 

caused by the croissants prohibits me 

from opting for a large lunch!). 

groot constantia wines are fabulous. Without 

sounding too cliché, or like one of the 

ladies who lunch on the Upper east Side of 

Manhattan, enjoying an exceptional glass of 

wine alongside a delicious serving of mussels 

in Masala lentil cream should be the 

way we lunch everyday. life is too short for 

bad wine and bad lunch dates - that much 

i’ve learned! 

after perusing the beautiful terrain of groot 

constantia, spending way too much money 

on Sauvignon Blanc and, once again reflecting 

on my total disregard for diet, i make my 

way down to the pick up stop to wait for 

the bus: Beau constantia here we come! 

Beau constantia, literally meaning ‘beautiful 

constantia’ in French, definitely does its 

name justice. The view, overlooking False 

Bay is to die for, and i find myself planning 

my future wedding in my head. 

The last departure from Beau constantia for 

the red Bus Tour leaves at 17:24, which gives 

me enough time to get back to The Bay 


Hotel and get changed for dinner. By the 

recommendation of many camps Bay locals, 

i decide to head to camps Bay retreat 

for dinner at their famed Von Kamptz 

restaurant. 

as if camps Bay and all its glory has not 

blown me away already, i am in awe of the 

absolutely gorgeous camps Bay retreat. 

camps Bay retreat is a luxury boutique 

hotel, comprising of a gorgeous manor 

house housing four rooms and several 

other rooms and Villa’s sprawled across the 

four-acre property. 

i get there just as the sun bids farewell behind 

the horizon of the atlantic ocean, and, 

just as i felt the day before when witnessing 

the sunset from my room at The Bay Hotel, 

i gasp; once more astonished at the pure 

beauty this view and this seaside suburb offers. 

The Von Kamptz restaurant at camps Bay 

retreat is named after Fredrick ernst Von 

Kamptz, a sailor who frequented the area in 

the 1700s and ended up marrying anna 

Koekemoer - the widow of Johan Wernich, 

who owned the land that we now know as 

camps Bay, and subsequently left the land 

to his widow after his death. after the marriage 

of anna and Von Kamptz, the area became 

known as “Die Baai van Von Kamptz”, 

which is where the name camps Bay came 

in to play. 

i could count myself lucky as i was told that 

camps Bay retreat offers a buffet-style barbecue 

every Wednesday and Saturday 

evening, in addition to their a la carte menu. 

as this was an already amazing Saturday, i 

decided to (once again) put my diet to bed 

and opt for the barbecue buffet. it did not 

disappoint. 

With a selection of salads, warm, baked 

vegetable dishes and your choice of pro- 


Groot Constantia wines are fabulous. Without sounding too 

cliché, or like one of the ladies who lunch on the Upper East Side of 

Manhattan, enjoying an exceptional glass of wine alongside a 

delicious serving of mussels in Masala lentil cream should be the 

way we lunch everyday. Life is too short for bad wine and bad lunch 

dates - that much I’ve learned! 

tein on offer, i could not resist indulging in 

the buffet. The protein, either beef fillet or 

Kingklip fillet, is cooked to your specification, 

on an open fire, while you fill your plate 

with all the lovely side dishes on offer. i decide 

on the Kingklip, as i am on the brink of 

the ocean, after all. 

My plate is full of hearty vegetable dishes, 

fresh, organic salad and a perfectly cooked 

fillet of Kingklip. Paired with a perfect 

chenin Blanc - thanks to the recommendation 

of the highly competent waiter - my 

meal is one i savour, as i once more reach 

for my phone to take pictures, much to the 

dismay of my girlfriends, drooling at their 

phone screens as they tell me how jealous 

they are. 

But alas, the evening’s meal is not done. i 

venture back into the quaint and cosy dining 

room, where a spread of drool-worthy 

desserts have just been laid. chocolate 

mousse, malva pudding and fresh fruit 

adorn the tables and with a deep breath, i 

indulge. 

after gathering myself - and adjusting my 

high-waisted skirt - i retreat back to The Bay 

Hotel, ready to get into some loose fitting 

clothing and into bed. 

as i drift off into a slumber on my wonderfully 

fresh Queen-sized bed, i start to reflect 

on my wonderful stay in camps Bay. Have i 

reached Nirvana? Did i find the crown 

Jewel of cape Town? i think so. and i immediately 

check my calendar to see when i 

can return to this little piece of heaven. 

My final morning in camps Bay arises with 

a sense of intense satisfaction and sorrow, 

as i realise i have to leave this beachfront escape. 

The hotel staff at The Bay Hotel are 

friendly and accommodating, and it makes 

me feel as though i’m saying goodbye to 

old friends. 

as i wait for my Uber to arrive to take me 

home, i once again gasp at my surroundings: 

sitting on the deck at The Bay Hotel, 



The Von Kamptz restaurant at Camps 

Bay Retreat is named after Fredrick 

Ernst Von Kamptz, a sailor who 

frequented the area in the 1700s and 

ended up marrying Anna Koekemoer - 

the widow of Johan Wernich, who 

owned the land that we now know as 

Camps Bay, and subsequently left the 

land to his widow after his death. 

sipping on a gin and tonic, and, with the fast, 

free WiFi the hotel offers, i pull out my laptop 

and start documenting my time in camps Bay. 

i could write about the amazing view, the fantastic 

service i experienced at The Bay Hotel 

and all the other venues i visited in my short 

stay, or the friendly camps Bay locals i encountered 

on my walks on the beach or my 

quick stops at the local supermarket. instead, 

my mind sums up my experience as a whole, 

and i realize that i have found a home away 

from home. 

To call camps Bay the crown Jewel of cape 

Town almost seems like an an exaggeration. 

a typical metaphor that any first-time tourist 

would use to describe this little piece of 

heaven that the Mother city has to offer. 

While i try to refrain from making an analogy 

that would fit firmly in the realm of “cliché traveller 

reviews”, i realise that anything else 

would not do this seaside suburb any justice. 

The views, the atmosphere, the friendly people 

and the Sunset Strip in all its glory, could 

easily transport you to a kind of Wonderland; 

magical, majestic and downright moving. 

With my apologies to Mr Thurber and his 

original quote, i’d like to say that the beauty 

camps Bay has to offer not only asked for my 

attention, but demanded it - and i’m oh-so 

glad it did. 


YOUNG CREATIVE EXPLOSION IN 

DAKAR 

They are young, creative and manage their own businesses. Fashion, 

photography, art, music has made Dakar one of the most explosive cities in 

africa. and with the internet, they don´t have to leave africa to show and 

sell their products. 

Words: URBAN NILMANDER | Photos: CARIN TEGNER 

iThe taxi stops in the sand outside a gray house. "This is it," 

the driver tells us. it´s not. 

"Not one person from Dakar would say; i don´t know. 

They rather take a chance, just to be helpful". 

aissatou Sene laughs when we tell her how many times 

we were "helped" to find different addresses. 

after an extra taxi ride we have finally found her new store, 

Bélya, near the old airport. 

She is one of many young designers in Dakar who started her 

own business and became successful very fast. 

"i started as a model, when i was tinier, and was curious how to 

design clothes. By showing some things i've done on the internet, 

everything took off quickly", says aissatou Sene. 

Today she has specialised in shoes and bags. When we meet, 

she has just sold part of the company to an american investor 


Gallivant Senegal 


In recent years, chaotic Dakar, with Cape Town, have 

become symbols of something new. African designers rooted 

in tradition but creating something new - on their own terms. 

A growing middle class also creates an African market. 

Young proud designers stay and create in their own 

countries. 

and can now invest heavily worldwide. 

"i like to use the amazing prints we have 

in Senegal. But in a new way. i felt that 

slim shoes could work for a larger audience," 

she says. 

From the outset, she wanted everything 

produced locally. But it turned out difficult, 

the local shoemakers could not deliver. 

"if i were to grow, i had to go outside 

Senegal. Here you could make 100 pairs 

of shoes in six months. i found a very 

professional manufacturer in Fes, Morocco, 

who can make 1000 pairs in a 

month", she says. 

all fabrics and production of bags take 

place in Dakar. The interest in stores in 

New york, Paris and other european 

countries means she is constantly on the 

road. 

When we meet she is on her way to indonesia. 

"The internet has changed the lives of 

many africans and especially if you are 

an entrepreneur and want to sell clothes, 

photos, art or music. i see it as a revolution", 

says aissatou Sene. 

in recent years, chaotic Dakar, with cape 

Town, have become symbols of something 

new. african designers rooted in 

tradition but creating something new - 

on their own terms. 

a growing middle class also creates an 

african market. young proud designers 

stay and create in their own countries. 

as rapper Didier awadi says: "cultural activists 

affect more than political activists." 

New taxi ride takes us to a new neighbourhood 

and yet another wrong address. 

But there is always somebody 

who walks with us the last bit. 

in a villa area in ouakam, one of the most 

famous faces of new african design, 

Selly rabe Kane, has her showroom, 

slash home, slash venue, slash workplace. 

She took the world by storm with her 

colourful surrealistic clothes. Famous 

artists Beyonce and rihanna loved it. in 

2019, new products she has created with 

furniture giant iKea will be launched. 

She sees no difference between fashion 

design, art, film or other cultural expressions. 

"To me, fashion became a way of expressing. 

But i'm interested in all kinds of 

media, right now i'm working with virtual 

reality," says Selly rabe Kane. 

Meeting her in her showroom is also 

very Dakarish. 

We have booked time for interview and 

photography, but when we get there, 

the entire place fills with a cNN team. 

The team is making a feature about 

world-famous Dakar hip-hop group 

Daara J Family, a k a Faada Freddy and 

Ndongo D. 

People come and go and of course, you 

have talk to everyone. a clear picture of 

how the creative revolution evolved in 

Dakar. 

Most people know each other and help 

each other to individual success. 

"absolutely. We have all worked together 

in art collectives, i joined one 

called les Petites Pierres, we helped 

each other to move on. To me, the most 

interesting is young people in Dakar now 

express themselves from their deep 

roots in africa.They do not need to move 

to a Western country to be accepted as 

designers and artists," says Selly rabe 

Kane. 

She moved to Paris to become a lawyer. 

But she neither liked France nor the professional 

choice. 

"France was heavy for me. Most people 

i met were so predictable and i wanted 

to develop, so i had to come home 

again. Here in Dakar, everything happens 

by accident and that's how i want to live," 

she says. 

New scary taxi ride home to young photographer 

Sidy Mohamed Kandji. or actually, 

he works as an aD at an 

advertising agency and has photography 

as a hobby. 

"My dream is to be able to live on photography, 

but i also love my work. We'll 

see what happens,” he says. 

everything began when he started taking 

pictures of hip-hop artists. The artists 

loved his pictures and ordered covers for 

cDs and made him a sort of head photographer 

at concerts. 

But Sidy wanted to develop and started 

with fashion photo and landed in documentary 

photo. During violent political 

unrest in 2012, he was amid the masses. 

"i was pretty scared. i´m not a press photographer 

and ran among the protesters 

and it was sometimes violent," he says. 

The pictures later ended in a book and 

allowed him to continue with the documentary 

photo. 

He travelled to ethiopia and followed a 

religious group and for four years he was 

involved in a photo book project about 

a Sufi group in rasta hair called Baye Fall. 

"They live simple lives and differ a lot 

from other Muslim groups. it has been as 

exciting to follow them as to hear everyone 

else's comments about them," he 

says. 

He has also taken many close-ups portraits 

of friends and completely unknown 

people in Dakar. 

"it can be difficult to take pictures of ordinary 

people. Most people think anyone 

taking pictures would sell them for 

big money abroad," says Sidy Mohamed 

Kandji. 

Next stop, we negotiate with taxi drivers 

who are not so excited about driving to 

the district of Hann Maristes. We meet 

young artist and world-citizen Papi, alias 

Mamadou Wane. 

He grew up in Mali, ethiopia, rwanda 


Designer Selly rabe Kane on her exhibition. Selly 

moved to Paris to become a lawyer, but she neither 

liked France nor the professional choice. 


aissatou Sene in a mirror. aissatou is one of many 

young designers in Dakar who started her own 

business and became successful very fast. 


Above: Papi, alias Mamadou Wane with his paintings 

and designed clothes. 

Far Left: one of Selly’s Designs. 

Left: aissatous’ shoe designs. She specializes in 

shoes and bags. aissatous sold part of her company 

to an american investor and can now invest heavily 

worldwide. 

and New york. Dad is from Dakar and mother 

from Mauritania. 

"We always came to Senegal on vacation 

when i was young. But after my art education 

in the United States, i just landed in Dakar before 

deciding where to have my base. after a 

few days and many cool meetings, i decided 

to stay here," he says. 

He saw something big and creative was 

emerging among young people in Dakar. 

"There is a big generation gap here in Senegal. 

But there is definitely something bubbling 

right now. young creative people everywhere 

founding their market on social media, 

says Papi. 

During the recent Dakar Biennale 2016 he did 

Wax-off with rappers and Djs from different 

parts of africa. 

"i did a live painting and there were photographers 

everywhere documenting what happened. 

i'll do something similar this year," he 

says. 

in addition, he has also begun designing 

clothes. 

"i have always seen myself as an entrepreneur. 

i want to paint, but i also want to create 

clothes people like to wear. There is no contradiction 

to me," he says. 

last stop on our designer trip through Dakar 

is with Milcos Badji. His whole family are police 

and military, but he chose iT and became 

a computer programmer. 

For fun, he designed a T-shirt with the text; 

Nio Far, "We're Together" in local language 

Wolof. 

"i put it on Facebook and got many orders. it 

gave me a kick to continue with other ideas i 

had," he says. 

He created the brand Nio Far by Milcos and 

today he has great success with his shoes, all 

in special patterns from a small community in 

Mali. 

"i liked the quality and patterns, but it has been 

a long journey to get them to deliver to me." 

it started with a bag and today he has several 

collections of sneakers that have become 

popular online. 

"Today i have a good team and the best so far 

was the King of Morocco recently bought a 

whole collection from me," says Milcos Badji. 

Next step is launching shoes and bags in a special 

blue colour from the same area in Mali. To 

him, sharing and cooperation are the key to 

the creative explosion in Dakar. 

"There are many doers here in Dakar, young 

people who make wonderful things in fashion, 

music, art and photography. it is a traditional 

society where not much happens so we say; 

we cannot wait for others to do something for 

us," says Milcos Badji. 



Existence: Turkana Tribe 

MEET THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLE OF 

TURKANA 

Kenya is a great country of diversity as it is enriched 

with at least 42 different tribes and cultural ways of life. 

Most communities have embraced the modern way of life 

and are slowly being assimilated into the Western lifestyle. 

The Turkana tribe, however, has managed to stick to their 

undiluted way of life. 

Words: CHRISTINE SIAMANTA KINORI 

they have survived natural 

calamities, modernisation and 

have still remained strong. 

The ‘People of the grey Bull' 

as they refer to themselves inhabit 

the harsh and inhospitable 

terrain of lake Turkana, 

situated in Northern Kenya. 

The Turkana tribe is the second 

largest pastoralist community in Kenya. 

They speak an eastern nilotic language of 

aŋajep a ŋiTurkana. 

ancient history reveals that about 300 years 

ago, the Turkana people dwelled in a mountainous 

region of north-eastern Uganda, 

where caves were copious. i suppose that 

is why their name "Turkana is believed to be 

loosely translated as "the people of the 

caves." 

according to the myth, the Turkana people 

left the hilly north-eastern region of Uganda 

in pursuit of their huge grey bull. The legend 

goes like this: eons ago, a group of youthful 

warriors were herding their long-horned 

Zebu cattle, when a big grey bull set off at a 

quickened trot. The warriors were alarmed 

at this unusual behaviour and decided to 

follow the bull as they were worried that the 

rest of the cows would follow it. 

For days, the warriors pursued the grey bull, 

until they finally caught up with it. They 

found the bull in an abtrusse valley bordered 

by grey mountains and laden with 

berry bushes. in a far-off distance, a vast 

greenish-blue lake sparkled. The warriors 

hurried to rope in the bull but an old shaky 

voice stopped them. 

an old woman by the name of Nayeche, implored 

the warriors to follow her and she 

would show them "a place for harmony and 

prosperity." She also promised to show 

them how to make fire if they went back for 

their maidens. The Turkana warriors were 

impressed by what they saw and moved 

their people to the shores of lake Turkana. 


The marriage ritual is highly revered in the community 

since it is regarded as a continuation of the society. A man is 

allowed to marry at any age as long as he is capable of paying the 

dowry. The dowry is usually comprised of livestock. A Turkana 

wedding normally takes about two to three days because the 

ceremony involves a number of rituals. 

From that moment on they were referred as 

the "People of the grey bull." 

The Turkana considered Nayeche their tribal 

mother and regard her burial site as a holy 

place of prayer. every year, they hold a festival 

at the grave site, but visitors can only be 

accompanied by a local so that the customs 

are not violated even in the slightest. 

The people of Turkana are still defined by 

their pastorolistic way of life and are known 

to be exceptional cattle herders with a fondness 

for berries. Their cattles provide them 

with milk, meat and blood. They also keep 

camels and are talented basket weavers. 

They are also great at honey hunting. 

The Turkana native group is made up of two 

major divisions, each consisting of territorial 

sections. The major divisions are: the Ngimonia, 

divided into Ngissir and non-Ngissir sections; 

and the Ngichoro, divided into 

Ngilukumong, Ngiwoyakwara, Ngigamatak, 

Ngibelai, and Ngibotok. 

The Turkana are very traditional both in religion 

and their social structure. They believe 

in a supreme being known as akuj. They believe 

that he is the creator of the world, the 

controller of rain and blessings of life. They 

also believe in the evil one referred to as 

ekipe who is supposed to be shunned. For 

them, it is imperative to maintain a good relationship 

with akuj everyday, so that he can 

give them blessings of life such as a family, 

food, water and livestock. 

in order to get these blessings, they must 

avoid breaking the traditions (ngitalio). The 

Turkana still believe in ancestors who they 

refer to as ngikaram or ngipean. They offer 

animal sacrifices to the ancestors in a bid to 

appease them. They claim that when the ancestors 

are angered they possess a family 

member and use them as tools for communication. 

They have religious specialists who they 

refer to as ngimurok. a ngimurok acts as an 

intercessor between the living and the living 

dead. They are supposed to speak to the ancestors 

to find solutions to the problems facing 

the people. The most honoured 

ngimurok is elevated to be a "diviner of god" 

or an emuron. 

The emurons or the dreamers are said to be 

able to read akuj's moods. The emurons receive 

direct messages from akuj in their 

dreams and relay them to the people. However, 

the ngimurok is more respected in the 

community and can still be found even 

today in the Turkana territory. They still carry 

out important cultural rituals such as birth 

(akidoun), male and female initiation (asapan 

and akinyonyo), marriage (akuuta), yearly 

blessing sacrifices (apiaret an awi), and the 

death ritual ( akinuuk). even though these rituals 

are overseen by elders, it is of great importance 

for an ngimurok to be in 

attendance. 

The marriage ritual is highly revered in the 

community since it is regarded as a continuation 

of the society. a man is allowed to 

marry at any age as long as he is capable of 

paying the dowry. The dowry is usually 

comprised of livestock. a Turkana wedding 

normally takes about two to three days because 

the ceremony involves a number of 

rituals. 

on the first day, the man is escorted by his 

age mates to deliver the dowry to the 

bride's parents. They are also expected to 

perform the ekimwomwor dance. The marriage 

takes place on the second day. it is a 

ritual-filled day and is taken very seriously. all 

the rituals are performed in accordance to 

the customs and traditions of the community. 

each ritual is believed to have heavy 

consequences if broken. The new bride is 

officially moved to her husband's home on 

the third day. 

The Turkana are polygamous in nature. a 

wife is viewed as a blessing and a sign of 

wealth. They are among the few cultures 

that actually value a girl child more than a 

boy child. a Turkana man can divorce his 

wife or marry another woman for the main 

purpose of siring a girl. a man is allowed to 

marry as many wives as he can afford to pay 

dowry for. a man with a large number of animals 

is expected to have more than one 

wife to help him in herding. according to an 

old Turkana proverb, a man with one wife is 

like a man with one leg. 

The Turkana distinguish between development 

stages, age groups, occasions and status 

of individuals through clothing. This 

explains why they have such an intricate and 

decorative style of clothing. a number of 

Turkana still wear their traditional attires. 

Women put on beaded jewelry such as 

necklaces, earrings and bracelets. They also 

shave their hair and leave just a few strands 

which they attach some beads to. The 

women wear two pieces of rectangular 

woven materials and animal skins. 

The men wear a one piece rectangular cloth 

with one end tied on their right shoulder. 

often, the men carry small knives and a 

small stool known as the ekicholong on their 

waist. The stool is used as a chair or a head 

rest on a hot herding day. The small wrist 

knives are mostly used as a weapon and 

protection measure. They also carry a long 

herding stick to prod the livestock. The men 

also cover part of their hair with mud and 

later dye it blue and decorate it with ostrich 

feathers. 

The Turkana houses are built over a wooden 

structure of domed young trees. leaves of 

the Doulm palm trees, hides and skins are 

thatched on the wooden framework. Their 

houses are big enough to accommodate a 

family of six. During the wet season, the 


houses are elongated and covered by cowdung. 

Their livestock is kept nearby in a 

wooden pen enclosed by thorns. 

The Turkana are semi-nomadic and rely 

heavily on their livestock for survival. The 

rainy seasons have proven to be unreliable, 

thus making farming difficult to pursue. even 

though there are fish in lake Turkana, fishing 

is considered a taboo for some of the 

Turkana clans. other than their animals, they 

also use their weaving and skilled weaponry 

to make a living. They are famous for their 

beyond amazing skills in making head 

dresses and adorning gourds and horns. 

given the harsh terrain of their land and the 

persistent drought the people of Turkana 

have endured, it is a miracle that they have 

been able to survive. Tall, refined with exquisitely 

defined faces, these people are 

born survivors. They have stood the test of 

time and have come out stronger. Perhaps 

it is due to their isolation that they have remained 

almost completely unaffected by 

the Western culture. 

There are a few places on the african continent 

where you can witness such beautiful 

traditional integrity and heritage. The 

Turkana region has a unique richness of culture. 

it is one of the few places, where there 

is an energised cultural wealth of old african 

sayings, stories, songs, crafts and knowledge. 

it is a place that tells the story of 

african survivors at its finest. 


AFRICAN CITIES WILL DOUBLE 

IN POPULATION BY 2050 

africa is not prepared for this urban explosion. By 2025, there will be 

100 african cities with more than one million inhabitants each, according 

to McKinsey. 

Words: ROBERT MUGGAH 

africans are moving to 

the city. already home 

to the world’s 

youngest and fastestgrowing 

population, 

the continent is urbanising 

more rapidly than 

any other part of the planet. africa’s 1.1 billion 

citizens will likely double in number by 2050, 

and more than 80% of that increase will occur 

in cities, especially informal settlements. 

The implications of this turbo-charged growth 

are hard to fathom. consider how lagos - already 

africa’s largest city - is predicted to expand 

by an astonishing 77 people every hour 

between now and 2030. 

africa is not prepared for this urban explosion. 

By 2025, there will be 100 african cities with 

more than one million inhabitants each, according 

to McKinsey. 

That's twice as many as in latin america. runaway 

urbanisation and a growing youth 

bulge, with most young people lacking 

meaningful job prospects, is a time bomb. already 

some 70% of africans are under 30. 

youngsters account for roughly 20% of the 

population, 40% of the workforce and 60% of 

the unemployed. 

africa is suffering from a major urban infrastructure 

gap. annual national public spending 

on infrastructure is exceedingly low: an 

average of 2% of gDP in 2009 - 2015, compared 

to 5.2% in india and 8.8% in china. Not 

surprisingly, african cities often succumb to 

fragility. Sixty percent of all urbanites live in 

over-crowded and under-serviced informal 

settlements. around 25-45% walk to work due 

to lack of affordable transport. With turbo-urbanisation, 

these appalling conditions could 

easily deteriorate. 

another looming problem is that african cities 

are set to expand during a period of unprecedented 

climate stress. africa’s urban areas are 

likely to suffer disproportionately from climate 

change, as the region as a whole is warming 

up 1.5 times faster than the global average. 

The strain on basic services and natural resource 

endowments, as cape Town’s water 

crisis shows, is set to increase. if africa does 

not find a way to build sustainable cities with 

greater access to private capital, then they risk 

becoming both unlivable and indebted. 

Make no mistake - africa’s future is urban. But 

in the next two decades, african cities will 

need to do much more, with much less. While 

national governments will need to step up 

and implement regulations to raise public finance, 

african mayors, city residents and businesses 

cannot afford to wait. a new mindset 

is urgently required. But this first requires facing 

up to the scale of the challenge. 

MIND THE GAPS 

The urban infrastructure deficits are daunting. 

africans need to spend between $130-170 billion 

annually to meet the continent’s basic infrastructure 

needs. yet, the region is already 

facing financing shortfalls of $68-$108 billion. 

roughly two-thirds of the investments in 

urban infrastructure needed by 2050 have yet 

to be made. 

complicating matters, a majority of current financing 

is from the public sector because instability 

and regulatory confusion deter 

private capital. Total capital investment in 

africa between 1980-2011 averaged just 20% 

of gDP (as compared to 40% of gDP in the 

case of east asia during a period of rapid urbanisation). 

closing these gaps could increase 

gDP growth per capita by 2.6% per year. 

it is not just the urban infrastructure gap, but 

the lack of city planning, inefficient land use, 

regulatory blockages and vested interests that 

are holding african cities back. The result is 

sprawling, fragmented and hyper-informal 

cities. Not surprisingly, african cities are remarkably 

expensive to live in. 

according to the World Bank, african cities are 

29% more expensive overall than non-african 

cities with similar income levels. locals pay a 

whopping 100% more for transport, 55% more 

for housing, 42% more for transport and 35% 

more for food. all of this slows down business, 

cutting firm productivity by close to half, while 

dramatically increasing the input costs of consumer 

goods. 


Focus Africa 

africa’s infrastructure gaps are not there by 

accident. a key reason is that municipal governments 

are cash-strapped and struggle to 

generate tax revenue. city authorities often 

lack the political discretion and financial autonomy 

to take action. Take the case of Dakar, 

Senegal, which was prevented by the central 

authorities from selling municipal bonds to investors 

back in 2015, resulting in the loss of 

$40 million of capital. 

Now compare this to US cities that raised 

more than $111 billion worth of municipal 

bonds for infrastructure projects in just two 

months last year. cities in africa raised the 

equivalent of 1% of this amount over the past 

14 years. 

The region’s national and municipal leaders 

have no time to waste. They need to take the 

right steps to attract private investment for 

urban infrastructure. Foreign and domestic investors 

want the same thing: political and 

economic stability, predictable regulatory environments, 

stronger property rights, and 

credible plans and project pipelines. yet, most 

of these basic preconditions are still in short 

supply across africa. Without coordinating 

agents - be they forward-looking firms, large 

investors or third-party agents that de-risk investment 

- cities are unlikely to take off. 

BRIDGE THE GAPS 

The real question is: how will african cities absorb 

double their population, while using just 

half the resources over the next 20 years? and 

how can this be done, while improving the 

overall quality of life? The good news is that 

the solutions are potentially closer at hand 

than many assume. a major part of the answer 

lies in employing new (and homegrown) 

technologies, building smarter 

infrastructure and harnessing the dynamism 

of the informal sector. 

african cities are only just starting to reap the 

dividends of the Fourth industrial revolution. 

Mobile phone penetration is connecting all 

corners of the continent, and data generated 

from hundreds of millions of devices and 

cheap computing power can potentially improve 

urban living. Technological innovations 

such as solar photovoltaic systems, battery 

storage, ioT sensors and even satellites are 

rapidly falling down the cost curve. To wit, 

Kenya just became the first sub-Saharan 

african country to launch a satellite into space. 

Despite their many challenges, or perhaps 

because of them, african cities are dynamic 

and creative. Most urban services - whether 

transport, energy, water, waste management, 

telecoms, housing or public security - are provided 

by informal private providers. consider 

public transit systems: 70-95% of public transit 

rides in african cities are supplied by informal, 

independent operators. 

They provide a vital, albeit sometimes dangerous 

and costly, service to citizens. or consider 

cambridge industries in addis ababa, 

which is presiding over africa’s first waste-toenergy 

facility. Working with china’s cNeec 

and the ethiopian government, they are supplying 

30% of the city’s energy needs from 

80% of its rubbish, most of it deposited by 

local waste collectors. 

Urban informality cannot be construed as a 

problem, but rather an asset and sign of resilience 

and agility. When exploring innovative 

financing solutions, the task for city 

planners and investors is maintaining the 

virtues of informality (demand responsiveness, 

job creation and self-sufficiency), while 

reducing its vices (unsafe conditions, lowquality 

services, unfair labour practices, and 

at times inefficiency and high costs for consumers). 

Here are four ways that african cities might 

start bridging the infrastructure gap: 

Accelerate investment in technology deployment 

for smarter urban infrastructure 

Many compelling solutions are poised for 

scale. a shortlist includes Kenya´s Upande, 

which uses ioT to manage water leakages 

and delivery; South africa’s Where is My Transit, 

which facilitates routing of transit systems 

across african cities; Nigeria’s rensource, 

which provides distributed solar and replaces 

polluting diesel generators in homes across 

lagos; Nairobi’s Taka Taka, which collects 30 

tonnes of waste every day and recycles 

about 90% of it; Uganda´s cSquared, which 

is laying fibre optic cable across Kampala, 

accra and other african cities; and poa! internet, 

which provides affordable public and 

home wiFi across urban slums in Kenya. 

in the US, for example, there are dedicated 

funds committed to scaling urban technology 

such as Urban.us and Urban innovation Fund. 

There are no equivalent players in africa. Despite 

the rapid growth of impact investing in 

africa, most funders shy away from companies 

tackling urban challenges for fear of government 

interference and higher capital 

requirements. 

Develop comprehensive data analytics to 

drive smarter decision-making and investments 

in the future of African cities 

The good news is that there are growing 

reservoirs of structured and unstructured data 

available from satellites, ioT networks and international 

and local agencies. But these data 

are still inaccessible, fragmented and messy. 

Finding a way to weave this information together 

could enable more effective and efficient 

investments, particularly to support the 

urban poor. 

Reframe the debate on urban real estate development 

across Africa 

There are, of course, smart cities popping up 

across the continent: eko atlantic in Nigeria, 

Tatu city in Kenya and Vision city in rwanda, 

to name a few. While offering visions of the 

future, most of them are failing when it comes 

to providing affordable and inclusive options 

for the majority of africa’s urban residents. 

Flagship projects that set a new standard for 

affordability, accountability, economic opportunity 

and sustainability are required. 

Invest in essential cutting-edge research to 

drive this work forward 

The University of cape Town’s african centre 

for cities (acc) is a terrific example of how 

local scholarship is shaping urban planning 

decisions. Donors such as DFiD and the World 

Bank are already supporting research, but 

more is needed. if cities are where the future 

happens first, then africans need to invest 

more in their knowledge capital today. an 

african Urbanisation Fellows programme, attracting 

the best technologists, urban planners 

and policy-makers, would be a good 

way to start. 

an integrated ecosystem approach can help 

convert these proposals into action. it is probably 

time to establish a platform for accelerating 

urban innovation, a kind of Sidewalk 

labs for africa. While Sidewalk and others are 

busily reimagining city life in North america, 

they are not focusing on where tomorrow’s 

urban explosion is taking place. africa needs 

an organisation that can help incubate local 

innovations under one roof - an investment 

vehicle, a data platform, a real estate group 

and a research consortium that partners with 

municipalities to help them reimagine their future. 

By 2050, more than 1.3 billion africans will call 

a city home. if they are to live with dignity and 

seize tomorrow’s opportunities, africa needs 

to assemble the greatest minds in urban planning, 

technology and sustainability today. 

i 

Robert Muggah is the Co-founder, Igarape Institute and 

SecDev Group. This article was republished courtesy of 

the World Economic Forum. 



Africa’s Big Five 

AFRICA’S 

BIG FIVE 

THE PAIN AND VICTORY BEHIND THE STORY 

an exclusive Feature on africa’s greatest Freedom Heroes 

Words: ASHLEY ADDEH 

our heroes' struggle for political independence teaches us of the sacrifice that must 

be made. Their heroism must transcend the struggle for political independence, 

and inspire a new generation of heroes that must sacrifice for the indigenous majority's 

pursuit of indigenisation and economic empowerment. 

The legacies of a hero can only live on and find infinity within the cause of people 

and nation. ghana will always commemorate and lay claim to Kwame Nkurumah, 

however much his heroism may reflect across the rest of africa. 

Patrice lumumba, is the iconic figure who most readily comes to mind when africa is discussed in relation 

to its struggle against imperialism and racism. He lost power, he lost his country, and in the end, 

he lost his life. 

Mr Kenneth David Kaunda of Zambia is one of africa’s greatest politicians and liberators from colonial 

powers. Born on 28 april, 1924 in lubwa, near chinsali, in the then Northern rhodesia and now part of 

Zambia, his father hailed from Malawi, formerly known as Nyasaland, and it was this legacy that would 

later become yet another challenge to Zambia’s first president after Britain had relinquished colonial 

power. 

Jomo Kenyata's heroism for his people's purpose will forever be spoken of within the name of the nation 

and its people, Kenya and Kenyans. However, much of the West will take Nelson Mandela's heroism 

hostage, it is South africa's majority black people that shall weigh his heroism with their present 

struggle, which long ceased to be political and has become economic. 

The continent's leaders have described Nelson Mandela as one of the greatest figures of contemporary 

africa. ghana's President John Dramani Mahama said: "it is no coincidence that in the years since 

Mandela's release, so much of africa has turned toward democracy and the rule of law. His utilization 

of peace as a vehicle of liberation showed africa that if we were to move beyond the divisiveness 

caused by colonisation and the pain of our self-inflicted wounds, compassion and forgiveness must 

play a role in governance." 

Senegal's President Macky Sall said: "We have lost a giant, one of the greatest figures in contemporary 

africa. No man of our time has given so much for the cause of his people, for africa, and for the good 

of mankind. Nelson Mandela taught us courage, strength, forgiveness. He showed us that a human 

being could be better." 



Kwame Nkrumah 

KWAME NKRUMAH: 

AN ICON OF PAN-AFRICANISM 

As midnight struck on March 6, 1957, the formidable Gold Coast became 

the Ghana we know today, Prime Minister Kwame Nkrumah declared: 

'We are going to see that we create our own African personality and identity. 

We again rededicate ourselves in the struggle to emancipate other countries in 

Africa; for our independence is meaningless unless it is linked up with the total 

liberation of the African continent.' 

Words: KRISTIE OMAR 

retail trader for parent, Nkrumah spent nine 

years at a Roman Catholic elementary 

school in the area. 

Dedicated to the institute of education, 

Kwame managed to capture the attention 

of Dr Kwegyir Aggrey, Assistant Vice-Principal 

and the first African member of staff at 

the then Prince of Wales’ College at Achimota, 

securing him as a childhood mentor, 

while looking up to him for inspiration. All 

this happened, as he was pursuing his 

teaching qualification at the school. 

Dr Aggrey was the first African member of 

the college staff and his presence at the 

school did much to spark the flames of nationalism 

in the young Nkrumah. After Aggrey’s 

death in 1929, Nkrumah decided to 

further his education in the United States of 

America. Despite facing five years of financial 

challenges in order to leave, he successfully 

managed to leave and secure a BA 

degree from Lincoln University in 1939. 

He also received an STB (Bachelor of Sacred 

Theology) in 1942, a Master of Science in education 

from the University of Pennsylvania 

in 1942, and a Master of Arts in Philosophy 

the following year. During his lifetime, 

Nkrumah was awarded honorary doctorthe 

anticipation, fear and excitement 

that the then Gold 

Coast citizens had can be felt 

in Kwame Nkrumah’s words 

when he spoke. Ghana was 

free. Free from colonialism, 

ready to take on the world. 

But what of the man who 

had pioneered this country’s 

independence, making it the first African 

country to achieve independence? Who exactly 

was this man commanding the attention 

of millions of Ghanaians on that defining 

day of March 6 1957: 

‘Seeing you in this… It doesn’t matter how 

far my eyes go, I can see that you are here 

in your millions. And my last warning to you 

is that you are to stand firm behind us so that 

we can prove to the world that when the 

African is given a chance, he can show the 

world that he is somebody!’ 

We often hear of pioneers of Pan–Africanism, 

its fathers and originators. It is commonly 

forgotten what the original meaning 

is, and the impact and necessity it has on the 

continent. Pan-Africanist ideals emerged in 

the late nineteenth century in response to 

European colonisation and exploitation of 

the African continent. These destructive beliefs 

in turn gave birth to intensified forms of 

racism, the likes of which Pan-Africanism 

sought to eliminate. 

Minkah Makalani of Rutgers University described 

Pan–Africanism as: 

‘…. actually reflecting a range of political 

views. At a basic level, it is a belief that 

African peoples, both on the African continent 

and in the Diaspora, share not merely 

a common history, but a common destiny. 

This sense of interconnected pasts and futures 

has taken many forms, especially in the 

creation of political institutions.’ 

THE BIRTH OF AN ICON – Kwame Nkrumah 

And one such great political institution that 

was created was that of Ghana. The face behind 

this first of its kind greatness was that 

of Kwame Nkrumah. Every mother hopes 

for greatness when they first hold their child 

in their arms. One tends to wonder what the 

simple retail trader Elizabeth Nyanibah 

(Kwame Nkrumah’s mother) imagined her 

son to be on the 21st of September 1909 

when she gave birth to him. Born Francis 

Nwia Kofi Ngonloma in Nkroful, formely 

Gold Coast (now Ghana) to a goldsmith and 


Kwame Nkrumah in 1957. His first government 

under colonial rule started from 21 March 1952 until 

independence. However, his first independent 

government took office on 6 March 1957. 

With constant imprisonments Nkrumah managed to 

secure the position of Prime Minister of a new independent 

Ghana, after the British government realized there was no 

doing away with him. 

ates by Lincoln University, Moscow State 

University, Cairo University, Jagielloniaan 

University in Krakow, Poland, and Humboldt 

University in former East Germany. 

POLITICAL STRUGGLE 

Dr Nkrumah was invited to serve as the General 

Secretary to the United Gold Coast Convention 

(UGCC) under Dr Joseph Boakye 

Danquah. He returned to Ghana in 1947 to 

take up the position, but split from it in 1949 

to form the Convention People's Party (CPP). 

This was the beginning of the party’s constant 

resistance towards its government. 

In 1948, Nkrumah was arrested along with 

other party members, after the police suspected 

the party’s involvement in the recent 

riots that spurred up in Accra, Kumasi and 

other parts of the then Gold Coast. This happened 

after police fired on a group of 

protesting ex-serviceman. After he was released, 

he started working passionately towards 

the political and social betterment of 

Gold Coast. Many cocoa farmers, trade 

unions and women supported his way of 

thinking. 

In 1949, he formed a new party, The Convention 

People’s Party. Nkrumah’s belief in 

mobilising as many people as possible had 

resulted in the raising of consciousness 

among Ghanaians, many of whom soon 

began to articulate political demands, which 

were ahead of the United Gold Coast Convention 

(UGCC). Whereas the latter’s policy 

was centred on “self-government within the 

shortest possible time”, demands were already 

being made for "self-government 

now". 

After various imprisonments, Nkrumah managed 

to secure the position of Prime Minister 

of a new independent Ghana, after the 

British government relinquished power. On 

March 6 1957, Ghana was declared free by 

the first Prime Minister of Ghana, Kwame 

Nkrumah, as it became the first of Britain’s 

colonies to gain independence. 

Celebrations in Accra were the focus of 

world attention with scores of international 

reporters and photographers covering the 

event. Richard Nixon represented United 

States President Dwight D. Eisenhower at the 

event, while the Duchess of Kent represented 

Queen Elizabeth. Global congratulations 

and offers of assistance poured in from 

across the world, although Ghana was prosperous 

already with cocoa prices high and 

the potential of new resource development. 

Martin Luther King, Jr., and his wife Coretta 

Scott King were some of the notable guests 

that attended Ghana’s independence ceremony. 

King’s voyage was symbolic of a 

growing global alliance of oppressed peoples 

and was strategically well timed; his attendance 

represented an attempt to 

broaden the scope of the civil rights struggle 

in the United States on the heels of the successful 

Montgomery bus boycott. King identified 

with Ghana’s struggle; furthermore, he 

recognised a strong parallel between resistance 

against European colonialism in Africa 

and the struggle against racism in the United 

States. 

With years of hard work and political maneuvering, 

he then declared his plans to 

make Ghana a republic. The presidential 


election and plebiscite on the constitution 

were held in 1960 and the constitution was 

changed, which led to Kwame Nkrumah’s 

election as the President of Ghana. 

ECONOMIC LEGACIES 

The economic legacies of President Nkrumah 

include the building of Tema Township, the 

Accra-Tema Motorway, Komfo Anokye Hospital 

in Kumasi, University of Science and 

Technology, University of Cape Coast, polytechnics 

and second school around the country, 

Akosombo Dam, Adome Bridge and 

many more. 

As a man passionate about education ever 

since President Kwame Nkrumah, no other 

government in Ghana has embarked on such 

a massive infrastructural development. Some 

of the infrastructures listed above still remain 

the main infrastructure in many sectors of 

Ghana. Notwithstanding the above economic 

legacies, it has been suggested that when 

President Nkrumah became the leader of 

Ghana, Ghana had a much more promising 

economy compared to countries such as the 

then Ivory Coast, now C’ôte d’Ivoire. 

No great man comes without faults. President 

Nkrumah based substantial parts of his development 

projects on the socialist model, 

which was usually inferior in quality to the 

Western standards. Thus, some of the factories 

that he established would in the long run 

not be viable. He wasted a lot of money on 

his security, including using foreign personnel 

as part of his secret service. 

He also spent money on his ideological 

school, which trained the young people he 

indoctrinated through his young pioneer 

movement. President Nkrumah gave about 10 

million pounds of Ghanaian money to Guinea 

because they were rebelling against France. 

Consequently, France withdrew its financial 

support to Guinea. This was a very inappropriate 

and reckless decision, which would undoubtedly 

remain the most serious financial 

loss caused to the nation of Ghana. Ten million 

pounds in 1960s translates to more than 

450 million pounds in the value of today's currency, 

assuming the amount had been invested 

and earning an average interest rate 

In 1957, Ghana was declared free by 

their Prime Minister Nkrumah, as it became 

a Commonwealth realm. With 

years of hard work and political manoeuvering, 

he declared his plans to 

make Ghana a republic. 

of 10% per year. 

It appears that the ability of President 

Nkrumah to build numerous infrastructure 

projects in the early 1960s was primarily due 

to the enormous amount of money his government 

inherited from the British and the 

high international price of cocoa at the time. 

However, when the international price of 

cocoa began to plummet, he was unable to 

meet the challenges the economy faced. 

Compounding the economic woes was the 

endemic and rampant corruption among his 

ministers and poor economic planning, which 

also contributed to his economic failure. 

From 1960 onwards, Dr Nkrumah begun to 

suppress all forms of opposition, firstly, by 

outlawing regional-based political parties in 

Ashantiland, the North and the Volta region. 

The opposition parties had no choice but to 

unite. As the opposition parties came together 

under one umbrella, Dr Nkrumah used 

his parliamentary majority to ban all form of 

opposition and declared Ghana a one party 

state, and all forms of constructive criticism 

were totally suppressed. Eventually, the situation 

deteriorated to such a degree that all opponents 

were brutally suppressed, including 

people such as Dr J B Danquah, a prominent 

Ghanaian politician and lawyer, who was arrested 

on 8 January 1964 for allegedly being 

implicated in a plot against the President. He 

consequently suffered a heart attack and 

died, while in detention at Nsawam Medium 

Prison on 4 February 1965. 

EXILE AND DEATH 

In February 1966, soon after inaugurating the 

Volta Dam, Kwame Nkrumah left on a peace 

mission to end the Vietnam War, accompanied 

by senior members of his government. 

However, after years of political suppression, 

the inevitable happened as is so frequently 

the case with African politics - on 24 February 

1966, while Kwame Nkrumah was on his 

peace mission in Vietnam, he was overthrown 

by a military coup. 

A junta of army and police officers, the National 

Liberation Council (NLC) took over 

power and the Convention People’s Party 

(CPP) was subsequently cut off from ordinary 

citizens who had suffered from an increasingly 

bad economic climate in Ghana, perpetuated 

from one government to another. 

After the military coup, Ghana strategically realigned 

itself with other countries internationally 

and also cut its close ties with Guinea and 

the Eastern Bloc, thereby accepting a new alliance 

with the Western Bloc. The government 

also invited the International Monetary 

Fund (IMF) and the World Bank to take a leading 

role in steering the economy. 

Kwame Nkrumah never returned to Ghana 

again and continued to push for his vision of 

African unity. At first, He lived in exile in 

Conakry, Guinea, as the guest of President 

Ahmed Sékou Touré, who made him honorary 

co-president of the country. 

While reading, writing, corresponding and 

entertaining guests and despite retirement 

from public office, he still felt threatened by 

Western intelligence agencies. This caused 

him to live in constant fear of abduction and 

assassination. In 1971 and in frail health, he flew 

to Bucharest, Romania, for medical treatment, 

but he succumbed to prostate cancer in April 

1972 at the age of 62. 

Nkrumah was buried in a tomb in the village 

of his birth, Nkroful, Ghana. While the tomb 

remains in Nkroful, his remains were transferred 

to a large national memorial tomb and 

park in Accra. 

Kwame did leave a legacy for Africans, best 

known politically for his strong commitment 

to and promotion of Pan-Africanism. He was 

inspired by the writings of black intellectuals 

such as Marcus Garvey, W. E. B. Du Bois, and 

George Padmore, and much of his understanding 

and relationship to these men was 

created during his years in America as a student. 

Nkrumah became a passionate advocate of 

the "African Personality", embodied in the slogan 

"Africa for the Africans” viewing political 

independence as a prerequisite for economic 

independence. His dedication to Pan-Africanism 

in action attracted many intellectuals to 

his Ghanaian projects. 

However, some would say Kwame 

Nkrumah's biggest success in Pan-Africanism 

was his significant influence in the founding 

of the then Organisation of African Unity, now 

the Africa Union (AU). 

In his private life, Nkrumah married Fathia 

Ritzk, an Egyptian Coptic bank worker and 

former teacher, bearing him three children: 

Gamal (born 1959), Samia (born 1960), and 

Sekou (born 1963). Gamal is a newspaper 

journalist, while Samia and Sekou are politicians. 

Nkrumah also has another son, Francis 

(born 1962). 

“By far the greatest wrong, which the departing 

colonialists inflicted on us, and which we 

now continue to inflict on ourselves in our 

present state of disunity, was to leave us divided 

into economically unviable States, 

which bear no possibility of real development….we 

must unite for economic viability ”. 

Kwame Nkrumah’s words will forever be 

etched in the minds of Africans and never be 

forgotten. 



Patrice Lumumba 

PATRICE ÉMERY 

LUMUMBA: 

THE GREAT AFRICAN MARTYR 

From its independence from Belgium in 1960, the Democratic Republic of Congo 

(DRC) has been left with an unstable political system as its tribal leaders have had 

more power than the central government. Prevalent on the world’s mind when DRC 

is mentioned are the names such as Kabila, Lumumba, Mobuto and ultimately, the 

first and second Congo war. 


from 1971 to 1997, the country 

was officially the Republic of 

Zaire; a change made by 

then ruler Gen. Mobutu Sese 

Seko to give the country 

what he thought was a more 

authentic African name. 

“Zaire” is a variation of a term 

meaning “Great River” in local Kongo language; 

like the country’s current name, it 

refers to the Congo River, which drains a 

large basin that lies mostly in the republic. 

Unlike Zaire, however, the name Congo has 

origins in the colonial period, when Europeans 

identified the river with the kingdom 

of the Kongo people, who live near its 

mouth. Following the overthrow of Mobutu 

in 1997, the country’s name prior to 1971, the 

Democratic Republic of the Congo, was reinstated. 

Congo subsequently was plunged 

into a devastating civil war; the conflict officially 

ended in 2003, although fighting continued 

in the eastern part of the country. 

A nation as big as Western Europe, the Democratic 

Republic of Congo is a topic for 

most political, social and human rights activists 

for decades. A quarter century of experimentation 

with Marxism was 

abandoned in 1990 and a democratically 

elected government took office in 1992. A 

brief civil war in 1997 restored former Marxist 

President Denis Sassou-Nguesso, and ushered 

in a period of ethnic and political unrest. 

Southern-based rebel groups agreed 

to a final peace accord in March 2003, but 

the calm is tenuous and refugees continue 

to present a humanitarian crisis. 

Has all this fighting made us forget what the 

Republic of Congo offers us as a continent? 

Congo is rich in natural resources. It boasts 

vast deposits of industrial diamonds, cobalt, 

and copper; one of the largest forest reserves 

in Africa; and about half of the hydroelectric 

potential of the continent. And what 

about the Congolese leaders that have defiled 

and defined new political directions in 

the country and hence affected Africa as a 

whole? Perhaps, to this day, the most celebrated 

is Patrice Émery Lumumba. 

THE BIRTH OF A MARTYR 

Born in 1925 during Belgium’s rule of the 

Congo, Patrice Émery Lumumba was 

brought into a world of racial segregation. 

Large numbers of white immigrants, many 

from Belgium, who moved to the Congo 

after the end of World War II, came from 

across the social spectrum, but were 

nonetheless always treated as superior to 

black people. From the tiny village of Onalua 

in northeastern Kasai, a Congolese 

province, at the time of his birth, the Congo 

was still a colony of Belgium. 

As a child, Patrice Lumumba attended 

Protestant and then Catholic schools run by 

white missionaries. At the mission schools, 

Lumumba proved to be a fine student, even 

though the mud-brick house he lived in had 

no electricity and he could not study after 


Patrice Lumumba at city hotel in Montreal, July 29, 1960. 

He became the firstt Prime Minister of the new country. 

dark. In addition, the mission schools were 

poorly equipped, with few textbooks or 

basic school supplies. 

Nevertheless, Lumumba's teachers spotted 

his quick intelligence and loaned him their 

own books, encouraging him to advance. 

Some teachers also found that his intelligence 

caused them problems, feeling he 

asked too many troublesome questions. 

A NOBLE STRUGGLE 

Coming from a home with four brothers and 

two simple farmer parents, Lumumba joined 

the Liberal Party of Belgium, where he 

worked on editing and distributing party literature 

after working odd jobs such as a 

beer salesman and postal clerk. His release 

from serving a twelve month sentence in 

prison for embezzling saw Patrice come 

back to help resurrect the broad-based 

Mouvement National Congolais (MNC) in 

1958. The party was a united front organisation 

dedicated to achieving independence 

and bringing together members from a variety 

of political backgrounds in order to 

achieve independence. 

Lumumba had charisma, the gift of the gab 

and soon galvanised the party into action 

with his oratory skills. However, his rhetoric 

was too radical for some in the party and 

they broke away to form a new party. 

In the year 1959, Lumumba gained recognition 

as the only truly national figure on the 

Congo’s political scene. His persuasive, attractive 

personality dominated the political 

meeting called the Luluabourg Congress in 

April 1959, in which all the political groups 

who favoured a unified form of government 

for the Congo, one that would unite tribes 

and regions into one nation, Lumumba attempted 

to establish a common front. 

Patrice Lumumba famously said at his Independence 

Day speech, “We are proud of 

this struggle, of tears, of fire, and of blood, 

to the depths of our being, for it was a noble 

and just struggle, and indispensable to put 

an end to the humiliating slavery, which was 

imposed upon us by force.” 

However, Lumumba's growing reputation 

and seemingly radical views caused hostility 

among other MNC leaders. 

The result of this disagreement was a split in 

the party in July 1959. Most of the party's 

original founders supported Albert Kalonji as 


We are proud of this struggle, of tears, of fire, and of 

blood, to the depths of our being, for it was a noble and 

just struggle, and indispensable to put an end to the 

humiliating slavery which was imposed upon us by force.” 

their representative, while Lumumba held 

onto the loyalty of most other party members. 

Nevertheless, in the election in May 1960, 

Lumumba's MNC gained a stunning majority, 

in Stanleyville (Kisangani). While the MNC 

did not by any means gain a national majority 

its showing was indicative of substantial 

support for national identification and a rejection 

of ethnicity-based politics. A coalition 

government with the ABAKO party, led 

by Joseph Kasavubu, was formed with the 

MNC accepting Kasavubu as president and 

Lumumba as Prime Minister of the Republic. 

Seemingly a brilliant move at the time, it 

however set in motion a political drama of 

epic proportions. The charismatic nationalist, 

Lumumba led the only party in parliament 

with a nationwide rather than ethnic 

or regional base. Within days, however, 

Congo’s troops mutineered against their allwhite 

officer corps (a holdover from the 

colonial era) and started terrorising the European 

population. 

Belgium responded by sending forces to reoccupy 

the country and helping Congo’s 

richest province, Katanga, to secede. Their 

objective was to secure European interests 

and protect white settlers from the ensuing 

violence. This action however infuriated Lumumba 

privately, but he condoned the intervention 

publicly. However, he sought UN 

intervention and demanded that a neutral 

UN peacekeeping force be deployed rather 

than a partisan Belgium 6000 strong force. 

When Lumumba was not able to induce the 

UN force to invade and capture control of 

Katanga, and having no luck from the United 

States, he called on Soviet aid. Other Congolese 

politicians recognised what the introduction 

of Soviet forces into the Congo 

imbroglio would mean. 

What followed was a chain of events that 

plunged the Congo into a deep political 

crises with dire ramifications that were to be 

endured by the population for decades to 

come. 

When Kasavubu dismissed Lumumba as 

prime minister, it had the opposite effect 

and given Lumumba’s nature, Lumumba 

himself provoked a constitutional crisis by 

attempting to fire Kasavubu in turn and 

when that failed, he attempted to set up an 

alternative government in Stanleyville 

(Kisangani). 

According to historical reports years later, 

what transpired was a quagmire of subterfuge 

that involved Belgium officers, the 

CIA, MI6 the British Intelligence, and the 

Katangan authorities themselves. 

Lumumba was arrested under orders from 

the Belgian Minister of Colonies by and 

forcibly taken to the state of Katanga. He arrived 

in Elizabethville, now Lubumbashi, on 

17 January 1961. It was here, where he was 

tortured and beaten with 2 other politicians, 

Maurice Mpolo and Joseph Okito, and 

eventually assassinated by firing squad in 

the evening by Belgian and Katangan 

forces, while Katangan President Tshombe 

and his cabinet deliberated on what to do 

with Lumumba. 

All three politicians were executed one after 

the other, their bodies eventually buried, 

and then dismembered, dissolved in sulphuric 

acid and vanishing without a trace. 

Declassified documents would later reveal, 

however, that the CIA had plotted to assassinate 

Lumumba, other Congolese leaders 

such as Mobutu Sese Seko and Joseph 

Kasavubu were complicit and received 

money and weapons directly from the CIA. 

The US Government believed that Lumumba 

was a communist and was siding 

with the Soviet Union. 

Yet another report released in 2017 revealed 

that the American role in Lumumba's murder 

was only under consideration by the CIA, 

but the plan was not carried out. 

In Congo, Lumumba's 1961 assassination is 

viewed as the country's original sin. Coming 

less than seven months after independence, 

it was a stumbling block to the ideals of national 

unity, economic independence and 

Pan-African solidarity that Lumumba had 

championed, as well as a shattering blow to 

the hopes of millions of Congolese for freedom 

and material prosperity. 

The assassination took place at a time when 

the country had fallen under four separate 

governments: the central government in 

Kinshasa (then Léopoldville); a rival central 

government by Lumumba's followers in 

Kisangani (then Stanleyville); and the secessionist 

regimes in the mineral-rich provinces 

of Katanga and South Kasai. 

Patrice Lumumba is, next to Nelson Mandela, 

possibly one of the most iconic African 

figures that most readily come to mind 

when Africa is discussed in relation to its 

struggle against imperialism and racism. 

Leaving behind his legacy, Lumumba was 

the first Congolese to espouse views contrary 

to traditional Belgian views of colonisation, 

while highlighting the suffering of the 

indigenous population under European rule. 

He was alone among other leaders by in- 


Patrice Lumumba is, next to Nelson Mandela, the 

iconic figure that most readily comes to mind when Africa 

is discussed in relation to its struggle against imperialism 

and racism. Mandela suffered tremendously. But he won. 

Lumumba, on the other hand, lost - he lost power, he lost 

his country, and in the end, he lost his life. 


Patrice Lumumba speaks at the Senate 

meeting opposing him at Leopoldville, 

Congo on September 10, 1960. 

Patrice Lumumba at the 

United Nations. 

Lumumba in New York. 


“ No brutality mistreatment, or torture has ever forced me 

to ask for grace, for I prefer to die with my head high, my 

faith steadfast, and my confidence profound in the destiny 

of my country, rather than to live in submission and scorn 

of sacred principles.” 

cluding all Congolese people in his rhetoric 

thereby creating a solid base for the birth of 

a national identity and unity. 

Lumumba viewed the state as a necessary 

organ, instrumental for the public welfare 

and intervention within Congolese society to 

ensure equality, justice, and social harmony. 

The ideology doctrine of Lumumba is known 

as Lumumbisme (French for Lumumbism), a 

complex set of fundamental principles consisting 

of nationalism, Pan-Africanism, nonalignment, 

and social progressivism. 

Many Congolese political parties today claim 

Lumumba's political and spiritual heritage 

with his image continuing to serve as an inspiration 

in contemporary Congolese politics. 

In the end, Lumumba lost power, his country, 

and his life. All were forcibly taken from 

him by a combination of forces that were 

very powerful, all deployed against a single 

individual. 

Ludo De Witte, in his book, “The Assassination 

of Patrice Lumumba”, calls Lumumba’s 

murder “the most important political assassination 

in the 20th century”. Despite all this, 

Lumumba never lost his most powerful possession 

and left a legacy for those who 

struggled as an inspiration to all. 

In his last letter to his wife Pauline, Patrice 

Lumumba states; “No brutality, mistreatment, 

or torture has ever forced me to ask 

for grace, for I prefer to die with my head 

high, my faith steadfast, and my confidence 

profound in the destiny of my country, 

rather than to live in submission and scorn 

of sacred principles. History will one day 

have its say, but it will not be the history that 

Brussels, Paris, Washington or the United 

Nations will teach, but that which they will 

teach in the countries emancipated from 

colonialism and its puppets. Africa will write 

its own history, and it will be, to the north 

and to the south of the Sahara, a history of 

glory and dignity”. 


KENNETH 

KAUNDA 

ZAMBIA’S FOUNDING FATHER 

Can you remember those old TV images of that flamboyant 

politician – the person who used to wave a white handkerchief, one of the 

key elements and an essential part of his attire at the time? Yes, it is one of Africa’s 

greatest politicians and liberators from colonial powers – Mr Kenneth 

David Kaunda of Zambia 

Words: DIETER GÖTTERT 

born on 28 April, 1924 in 

Lubwa, near Chinsali, in 

the then Northern 

Rhodesia and now part 

of Zambia, Kaunda’s father 

hailed from 

Malawi, formerly 

known as Nyasaland, 

and it was this legacy 

that would later become yet another challenge 

to Zambia’s first president after Britain 

had relinquished colonial power. 

Being the youngest of eight children, the 

young Kaunda, very much like other Africans 

who attained some form of middle-class status 

in colonial Zambia, went to the Munali 

Training Centre in Lusaka from 1941 – 1943. 

Following in his father’s footsteps, Kaunda 

taught at the Upper Primary School at 

Lubwa, followed by time spent, apart from 

being a teacher, a missionary, choirmaster 

and even leading a Pathfinder Scout Group. 

After 1943 and travelling from colonial Zambia, 

the young Kaunda spent further time as 

a teacher in Tanganyika – present day Tanzania. 

But it was upon his return to Zambia in 

1949 that his roots in politics started to grow 

when he became an interpreter and advisor 

on African affairs to a liberal white immigrant 

and also member of the Northern Rhodesian 

Legislative Council, Sir Stewart Gore- 

Browne. 

As an astute and intelligent person, Kaunda 

acquired a wealth of political knowledge on 

how colonial governments worked, and 

learning vital and necessary skills that would 

bode very well when later that year, he 

joined the first significant anticolonial organisation 

in Northern Rhodesia, the African National 

Congress (ANC). 

Bearing in mind that as one reflects and 

writes about these great sons of Africa years 

later, the trials and tribulations of such men 

were never easy. There were many pitfalls 

and failures that all great leaders encountered, 

for the path of a leader is never an 

easy one, and always requires enormous responsibility, 

sheer guts and determination. 

It is said that Kenneth Kaunda’s fate was 

sealed for the future to become one of 

Africa’s great politicians when he became 

the ANC’s Secretary-General in the 1950s – 

a role that ostensibly thrust him into being 

the chief organising officer of the movement 

and also brought him into close contact with 

rank and file members. This, in hindsight, was 

a key element when he formed a new organisation 

called the Zambia African National 

Congress. 

Perhaps one can argue that this is where 

Zambia’s independence movement really 

started gaining significant momentum in 

terms of Kaunda fighting against the colonial 

powers, setting in motion a chain of events 

that would ultimately lead to Britain inviting 

Kenneth Kaunda and other leaders to the 

seat of colonial power in London for discussions 

on the three central African colonies— 

Southern Rhodesia, Northern Rhodesia, and 

Nyasaland. 

POSITIVE NON-VIOLENT ACTION 

Going back and before those inevitable discussions 

with the British rulers became a reality, 

Kaunda had, as the leader of the new 

Zambia African National Congress, skillfully 

hatched a militant policy against Britain’s 

plan for a federation of the three central 

African colonies, Southern Rhodesia, Northern 

Rhodesia, and Nyasaland. 

With a real fear on the part of many African 


Kenneth Kaunda 



Kaunda was a close friend of Yugoslav President Josip 

Broz Tito. They were so close that Kaunda built a 

house in Lusaka especially for Tito's visits. 

leaders at the time that this federation 

would place the power in the hands of a 

white minority, Kaunda, who had visited 

Martin Luther King Jr. in Atlanta, USA, set into 

motion a campaign, called Cha-cha-cha 

campaign executed through the Zambian 

African National Congress. It was called 

“positive nonviolent action”, a form of civil 

disobedience that was designed to protest 

and voice the objection of Zambian people 

against the idea of a federation on the part 

of the British. 

The civil disobedience campaign produced 

two very important results: the British modified 

the federation policy and eventually 

discarded it altogether, and secondly, it resulted 

in the imprisonment of Kenneth 

Kaunda and other militant leaders, but not 

without consequences. The incarceration 

had as a result that political leaders were elevated 

to a status of national heroes in the 

eyes of ordinary people. 

What followed is the very thing that history 

books are made of. From 1960, the status of 

Zambia’s national independence movements 

were secured, and very importantly, 

so too was Kenneth Kaunda’s dominant political 

position confirmed within UNIP, the 

Kaunda was the second mainland African head of state to 

allow free multiparty elections and to have relinquished power 

when he lost: the first, Mathieu Kérékou of Benin, had done so 

in March of that year. 

United National Independence Party. 

Upon his release from prison by the colonial 

government on January 8 1960, Kaunda was 

elected as president of the United National 

Independence Party (UNIP), which had 

been formed in 1959 by Mainza Chona. 

1960 proved to be a pivotal year in Zambian 

politics, more so for UNIP, which enjoyed 

spectacular growth by claiming well over 

300 000 members by mid 1960. With such a 

widespread and loyal support base, the 

colonial power Britain invited Kaunda and 

several other UNIP leaders for discussions 

on the status of the three colonies to a conference 

in London, with the inevitable result 

of Britain announcing the formal decolonisation 

of Zambia in 1961. 

Under the leadership of Kaunda, UNIP was 

a political steam train gaining the majority of 

seats in the new legislative council when 

Zambia’s first elections were held in 1962. 

Kaunda’s further negotiation skills came to 

the fore when he steered Zambia, through 

UNIP, towards final independence from 

Britain in 1964 – and thus became Zambia’s 

first president. 

Post-independence politics proved to be 

very exciting and challenging. One cannot 

ever forget the negative legacy of a colonial 

power and it was up to Kenneth Kaunda 

and UNIP to steer the Zambian ship on a 

path towards prosperity – no mean feat 

since looming tribal issues were a constant 

feature within the African political landscape 

– Zambia being no exception. 

INTERPARTY POLITICAL VIOLENCE 

1968 marked a year of interparty political vi- 


Away from politics, Dr Kaunda also proved himself to be a great 

humanist. Finally in 1991, since being president of Zambia from 

1964 and having lost the Presidential election, he founded the 

Kenneth Kaunda Peace Foundation, dedicated to the establishment 

of peace and conflict resolution on the continent. 

olence during the next elections with 

Kaunda finally imposing a one-party rule on 

Zambia in 1972 with a final new constitution 

in 1973 that ensured his party’s uncontested 

rule. 

This amendment proved to come in very 

useful when Kaunda was re-elected in a one 

party vote election in 1978, but Zambia had 

deteriorated under his party rule. The result 

of which was the slow but progressive impoverishment 

of Zambia with ill-conceived 

policies such as spending large sums on 

subsidised food, more dependence on exports 

of copper and foreign aid, unemployment, 

declining living standards, education 

and social services. 

Having survived several unsuccessful coup 

attempts in the 1980s and with huge public 

dissatisfaction mounting and a looming 

credible political opposition, Kaunda legalised 

political parties in 1990, setting the 

stage for free multi-party elections with the 

result that Kaunda and UNIP were finally 

beaten at the polls in 1991 by the Movement 

For Multiparty Democracy with a landslide 

victory with history repeating itself, this time 

with Frederick Chiluba at the helm. 

Kaunda left office with the inauguration of 

MMD leader Frederick Chiluba as president 

on 2nd of November 1991. He was the second 

mainland African head of state to allow 

free multi-party elections and to have relinquished 

power when he lost. The first, Mathieu 

Kérékou of Benin, had done so in March 

of that year. 

As is often the case with political rivals and 

the post Kaunda Zambia era being no exception, 

Chiluba’s government frequently 

clashed with the former first president and 

with the tables turned, Kenneth Kaunda was 

arrested on December 25th 1997 on charges 

of inciting an attempted coup, but was released 

six days later, placed under house arrest 

until all charges were eventually 

withdrawn in 1998. 

MALAWIAN LINAGE 

Political skeletons are often found in politics 

with Kaunda’s Malawian lineage coming 

back to haunt him when in March 1999, a 

judge stripped Kaunda of his Zambian citizenship 

because his parents came from 

Malawi. Of course, there is much more to it 

within the context of brutal African politics, 

courtesy of the Zambian government of the 

day. However, not a man to take things lying 

down, the judgment was challenged by 

Kaunda and a year later, his citizenship was 

restored - the ups and downs of African politics 

producing never a dull moment. 

A GREAT HUMANIST 

But away from politics, Dr Kaunda also 

proved himself to be a great humanist. Finally 

in 1991, since being president of Zambia from 

1964 and having lost the Presidential election, 

he founded the Kenneth Kaunda Peace Foundation, 

dedicated to the establishment of 

peace and conflict resolution on the continent. 

After retiring, he has been involved in various 

charitable organisations. One of his most notable 

contributions has been his passion in 

the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS with 

his own son succumbing to the disease in 

1986. In a very bold step he announced his 

personal tragedy to the world at a press conference 

at State House in Lusaka. 

From 2002 to 2004, he was an African President-in-Residence 

at the African Presidential 

Archives and Research Center at Boston University. 

He is the author of various books: Black Government, 

1961; Zambia Shall Be Free, 1962; A 

Humanist in Africa (with Colin Morris), 1966; 

Humanism in Zambia and its Implementation, 

1967; Human in Zambia Part II; Letter to My 

Children, 1977; Kaunda on Violence, 1980. 

Kenneth Kaunda celebrated his 94th birthday 

with many well wishes from around the 

world pouring in. 


MZEE JOMO 

KENYATTA 

THE CARPENTER WHO BECAME A RENOWNED PAN-AFRICANIST 

Mzee Jomo Kenyatta was a pioneer and political giant among his 

countrymen during his time of governance in Kenya. Leading his nation into 

independence from British colonial rule as Kenya’s first Prime Minister and President, 

many will argue that were it not for men such as Kenyatta, Africa’s progress and 

liberation as a continent free from European domination may have come at a much 

slower pace. 


born on October 20, 

1891 at Ichaweri, Jomo 

Kenyatta was also 

known as Johnstone 

Kamau Ngengi as a 

child. When his mother 

died, Kamau moved to 

live with his grandfather, 

Kungu Mangana, 

who was a noted medicine man in the area. 

Around the age of 10, suffering from an infection, 

Kamau was taken to the Church of 

Scotland mission at Thogoto (about 20 kms 

north of Nairobi), where surgery was successfully 

carried out on both feet and one 

leg. Kamau was impressed by his first exposure 

to Europeans, and determined to join 

the mission school. He ran away from home 

to become a resident pupil at the mission, 

studying amongst other subjects, the Bible, 

English, Mathematics, and carpentry. He 

paid the school fees by working as a houseboy 

and cook for a nearby white settler. 

The year 1912 saw Kenyatta complete his 

mission school education and begin his life 

as a young man. He had to first undergo certain 

traditional ceremonies in order to gain 

the respect within society as was expected 

at the time. This began in 1913 by undergoing 

a Kikuyu initiation ceremony (including 

circumcision), which confirmed his standing 

as a young man holding his place firmLY in 

the eyes of Kenyan society. 

In August 1914, Kamau was baptised at the 

Church of Scotland mission, initially taking 

the name John Peter Kamau, but swiftly 

changing it to Johnson Kamau. Looking forward 

to a bright future, he departed from 

the mission to go to Nairobi to seek employment. 

Johnson Kamau managed to secure employment 

as an apprentice carpenter on a 

sisal farm in Thika under the tutelage of John 

Cook, who had been in charge of the building 

programme at Thogoto. Despite his 

seemingly smooth progression in life, forces 

beyond his control began to affect him. 

Word War I was in progress, making Kamau 

a prime candidate for forced recruitment. 

Like many other fellow Kikuyu countrymen, 

he refused to fight for the British. Kamau 

evaded the forced recruitment by moving 

to Narok, a town south of Nairobi, where he 

lived among the Maasai people, finding 

employment as a clerk at a local contractor. 

Although Kenyatta was of the Kikuyu origin, 

he intergrated very well within the Maasai 

community and even adopted some Maasai 

customs including the wearing of a kinyata - 

a beaded traditional belt. 

In 1919, Kenyatta met his first wife Grace 

Wahu. Interestingly, church elders ordered 

Kenyatta to marry her after learning that 

Wahu was pregnant and according to 

Kikuyu traditions, Kenyatta got married in a 

traditional ceremony. 

However, a European magistrate ordered 

him to follow Christian marriage rites. On 20 

November, Peter Muigai, Kenyatta’s first son 

was born, and two years later, Kenyatta finally 

married Grace Wahu in a civil ceremony. 

In the meantime, Kamau had been 

undertaking several jobs including being an 

interpreter for the High Court. 

Kenyatta began working for the Nairobi Municipal 

Council as a water-meter reader and 

store clerk, once again under John Cook 

who was the Water Superintendent. Meter 

reading helped him meet many Kenyan- 

Asians at their homes who would become 

important allies later on. This marked the 

start of his political career. 

Harry Thuku, a respected Kikuyu had formed 

the East African Association (EAA) the previous 

year. The organisation had an objective 

of campaigning for the return of Kikuyu 

lands that had been taken by white settlers 

when Kenya became a British Crown Colony 

in 1920. Kenyatta entered politics after taking 

an interest in the political activities of James 

Beauttah and Joseph Kang'ethe, the leaders 

of the Kikuyu Central Association (KCA). He 

joined KCA in 1924 and rose up in the ranks 

of the association. Eventually, he began to 

edit the movement's Kikuyu newspaper. 

In 1928, he had become the KCA's general 

secretary. May 1928 marked the launch of 

the KCA backed Kikuyu-language magazine, 

Muĩgwithania (roughly translated as "The 


Jomo Kenyatta 


Former Isreali Prime Minister - Levy Eshkol and Jomo 

Kenyatta at the state house in Nairobi, Kenya on 15 June 

1966. 

Like many other fellow Kikuyu countrymen, he refused to 

fight for the British. Kamau evaded the forced recruitment by 

moving to Narok, a town south of Nairobi, where he lived among 

the Maasai people, finding employment as a clerk at a local 

contractor. 

Reconciler" or "The Unifier"), which published 

news, articles with the purpose of 

unifying Kikuyu people and raising funds 

for the KCA. 

With certain concerns about the future of its 

East African territories, the British Government 

began toying with the idea of forming 

a union of Kenya, Uganda and Tanganyika. 

Although this idea was fully supported by 

white settlers in the Central Highlands, it 

would be disastrous to Kikuyu interests as it 

was widely believed that settlers would be 

given self-government, while the rights of 

the Kikuyu would be ignored. 

In February 1929, Kenyatta was dispatched 

to London to represent the KCA in discussions 

with the Colonial Office, but the Secretary 

of State for the Colonies refused to 

meet him. Undeterred, Kenyatta wrote several 

letters to British newspapers, including 

The Times, raising awareness among the 

colonial power. 

Kenyatta returned to Kenya on 24 September 

1930 and despite failing in his mission, he 

had made progress in requesting for the development 

of independent educational institutions 

for Kenyans. 

Kenyatta returned to Britain to represent 

KCA’s grievances. He decided to enroll to 

Quaker College after his efforts were ignored 

by the Colonial Office. He successfully 

completed his studies in 1932, and in August 

the same year, he left for Russia to study at 

Moscow University after receiving an invitation 

from George Padmore who was a radical 

West Indian. 

However, in 1933 Kenyatta was forced to terminate 

his studies and return to Britain after 

Padmore had a disagreement with the Russians. 

He pursued his studies at the University 

College in London and in 1936, he 

managed to break through a police cordon 

to express his solidarity for Emperor Haile 

Selassie from Ethiopia at the London Railway 

station. 

Kenyatta published ‘Facing Mount Kenya,’ 

using the name Jomo Kenyatta; and from 

then henceforth people embraced Jomo 

Kenyatta as his name. Later in October 1945, 

Kenyatta joined Kwame Nkrumah from 

Ghana to organise the fifth Pan African congress. 

In 1944, the Kenya African Union (KAU) came 

into being as the only political outlet for indigenous 

Africans in the colony. In 1947, 

KAU's President James Gichuru stepped 

down, creating an opportunity for Kenyatta 

to be elected as his replacement. 

Proving to be a popular leader and drawing 

large crowds wherever he travelled in 

Kikuyuland, Kikuyu media described him as 

the "Saviour", "Great Elder", and "Hero of Our 

Race". With great insight, Kenyatta knew that 

in order for independence to be achieved, 

KAU as a political party needed the support 

of all Kenyan indigenous tribes and ethnic 

groups. Kenyatta cleverly insisted on intertribal 

representation on the KAU executive, 

thereby ensuring that party business was 


Mzee Jomo Kenyatta’s first cabinet in 1963. 

conducted in Swahili, a widely spoken language. 

Kenyatta subsequently embarked on a huge 

national campaign to sensitise Kenyans on 

the importance of getting their own land 

back and seeking independence from the 

British authorities. 

The British authorities began sensing Kenyatta’s 

popularity and banned the KAU, triggering 

the formidable Mau Mau rebellion – 

a result of years of oppressive colonial rule 

and much aligned to the dispossession of 

rich agricultural lands that were in the hands 

of British settlers. However, the rebellion 

was eventually quelled at great cost to the 

British Government, failing to capture widespread 

public support partly due to the 

British policy of divide and rule as well as the 

protest movement remaining internally divided 

despite attempts to unify its various 

strands. 

The British authorities in Kenya declared a 

state of emergency and Kenyatta, together 

with other 182 African leaders, was arrested. 

Although high-powered attorneys defended 

Kenyatta, he was sentenced to 7 

years indefinite restriction and hard labour 

Kenyatta subsequently embarked on a huge national 

campaign to sensitize Kenyans on the importance of 

getting their own land back and seeking independence 

from the British authorities. The British authorities 

began sensing Kenyatta’s popularity and banned the 

KAU, triggering the formidable Mau Mau rebellion – a 

result of years of oppressive colonial rule and much 

aligned to the dispossession of rich agricultural lands 

that were in the hands of British settlers. 

in 1953, serving his sentence in North Western 

Kenya, at Lokitaung. April 14 1959 marked 

the day Kenyatta was set free after completing 

his sentence, but he was still restricted 

by the authorities to the largest town in 

northwestern Kenya, Lordwar. 

Elections were then held in May 1963, pitting 

Kenyatta's KANU (Kenya African National 

Union), which advocated for Kenya to be a 

unitary state against the KADU (Kenya 

African Democratic Union), which advocated 

for Kenya to be an ethnic federal 

state. 

KANU defeated KADU by winning 83 seats 

out of 124 and on 1 June 1963, Jomo Kenyatta 

became the first Prime Minister of the first 

autonomous Kenyan government. However, 

after independence, Queen Elizabeth 

II still remained as Head of State (after Independence, 

styled as Queen of Kenya), represented 

by a British Governor-General who 

consistently asked white settlers not to leave 

Kenya and supported reconciliation. Kenyatta 

retained the role of Prime Minister after 



Jomo Kenyatta addressing graduates at Nairobi 

University on September 29, 1969. 

independence was declared and this was 

jubilantly celebrated on 12 December 1963. 

In 1964, Kenyatta had Parliament amend the 

Constitution to make Kenya a republic. The 

office of Prime Minister was replaced by a 

President with wide executive and legislative 

powers. Elected by the National Assembly, 

Jomo Kenyatta became head of State, 

head of Government and Commander-in- 

Chief of the armed forces. Under the provisions 

of the amendment, this enabled 

Kenyatta to automatically become President. 

Elected for three consecutive terms, Kenyatta 

enjoyed complete political control of 

his nation, but not without controversy. His 

authoritarian style, characterised by patronage, 

favouritism, tribalism and nepotism 

drew criticism and dissent, setting a bad example 

followed by his successor Daniel 

arap Moi in years to come. 

For instance, Kenyatta amended the Constitution 

radically to expand his powers, 

thereby consolidating executive power. His 

policies are also criticised, which led to a 

large income and development inequality 

gap in the country. Development and resource 

allocation in the country during his 

reign was seen to have favoured some regions 

of the country over others. The resettlement 

of many Kikuyu tribesmen in the 

country's Rift Valley province is widely considered 

to have been done unfairly under 

his government. One of his famous sayings 

is the following: 

“When the Missionaries arrived, the Africans 

had the land and the Missionaries had the 

Bible. They taught how us to pray with our 

eyes closed. When we opened them, they 

had the land and we had the Bible.” 

However, during the 1970s, advancing age 

kept Kenyatta from the day-to-day management 

of government affairs. He intervened 

only when necessary to settle disputed issues 

and this relative isolation resulted in increasing 

domination of Kenya’s affairs by 

well-connected Kikuyu who acquired great 

wealth as a result. His increasingly feeble 

health meant that his inner circle effectively 

ruled the country, and greatly enriched their 

own personal interests in his name. 

Well into his 80s, Jomo Kenyatta suffered a 

massive heart attack. Prophetically on 14 August 

1978, Kenyatta called upon his entire 

family, including his son Peter Muigai Kenyatta 

who flew in from Britain with his family, 

to a reunion in Mombasa. 

However, 22 August 1978 will be remembered 

as the day when President Kenyatta 

died in Mombasa of natural causes due to 

old age. Mzee Jomo Kenyatta was buried 

on 31 August 1978 in Nairobi in a state funeral 

at a mausoleum on Parliament 

grounds. 

Jomo Kenyatta left a substantial large family 

of considerable political influence. His 

fourth wife, the best known due to her role 

as First Lady, was Ngina Kenyatta (née 

Muhoho), also known as Mama Ngina. She 

bore Kenyatta four children: Christine 

Wambui, Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta, Anna 

Nyokabi and Muhoho Kenyatta. Mama 

Ngina lives quietly as a wealthy widow and 

is also one of Kenya’s wealthiest women 

due to her family’s political influence connections. 

Uhuru Kenyatta, Ngina and Jomo Kenyatta's 

son and political heir, unsuccessfully stood 

for the Kenyan presidency as President 

Moi's preferred successor in 2002, but was 

later successfully elected Kenya's fourth 

President in 2013. 

Jomo Kenyatta had much in common with 

the Ghanaian leader Kwame Nkrumah who 

both pioneered the break from colonialism 

and British rule, yet will also be remembered 

for selfish presidential rule, one party 

dictatorship, ethnicity and cronyism. 

Yet ,without such men, African countries 

may have taken much longer to achieve 

self-determination and democracy thereby 

contributing towards propelling Africa into 

the 21st century. 

Jomo Kenyatta ruled in office from 1 June 

1963 until 22 August 1978 when he was succeeded 

by Daniel arap Moi. 



Nelson Mandela 

NELSON MANDELA 

100 YEARS AFTER 

What is it that makes a leader stand out not only among men, 

but also among his peers? Is it their vision or courage? Or perhaps the 

ability of the leader to lead where others fear to tread? 

Words: BRUCE GERMAINE 

RISE OF A REVOLUTIONARY 

Already an independent mind, it was just a 

matter of time before he joined the African 

National Congress in 1942. 

During those early turbulent years in Johannesburg, 

Mandela was introduced to the 

realtor and ANC activist Walter Sisulu, who 

secured him a job as an articled clerk at 

law firm Witkin, Sidelsky and Eidelman. The 

company was run by a liberal Jew, Lazar 

Sidelsky, who was sympathetic to the 

ANC's cause. 

Mandela realised that the ANC’s old tactics 

of polite petitioning were ineffective and 

in 1949, the ANC officially adopted the 

Youth League's methods of boycott, strike, 

civil disobedience and non-co-operation 

with policy goals of full citizenship, redistribution 

of land, trade union rights, and 

free and compulsory education for all chilit 

is all of those qualities and so 

much more that took Nelson Rolihlahla 

Mandela on a life changing 

journey from the a small village of 

Mveso, a rural area of the Transkei 

in the Eastern Cape of South Africa 

to being South Africa’s first democratically 

elected black president 

in 1994. A journey marked by a 

continuous struggle against inequality, 

racism, poor education and poverty despite 

being imprisoned by the South 

African white minority powers in 1963. 

Mandela’s early life took a significant turn 

when Chief Jongintaba Dalindyebo, the 

acting regent of the Thembu people, 

adopted him after his father’s death. He 

was nine years old. Having to relocate 

from the village of Qunu to the more sophisticated 

environment of Mqhekezweni, 

the provincial capital of Thembuland, the 

chief's royal residence, Mandela was destined 

for greater things and given the same 

status and responsibilities as the regent's 

two other children. 

After school, the University College of Fort 

Hare in Eastern Cape, the only residential 

centre of higher learning for black Africans 

in South Africa at the time beckoned, drawing 

scholars from all parts of Sub-Sahara 


In his first year at the university, Mandela 

took the required courses, but focused on 

Roman Dutch law to prepare for a career in 

civil service as an interpreter or clerk—regarded 

as the best profession that a black 

man could obtain at the time, bearing in 

mind that South Africa was a British colony 

at the time ruled by white people. 

But it was in his second year when Mandela 

was elected to the Student Representative 

Council that student politics played 

a major role. For a while, students had 

been unhappy with the food and lack of 

power held by the Student Representative 

Council (SRC). A boycott was launched and 

Mandela resigned from his SRC position. 

This was, according to the authorities, an 

act of insubordination and they demanded 

he serve on the SRC. The regent, head of 

his adopted family, was also furious and 

demanded from Mandela that he recants 

his position and return to Fort Hare. 

Seeing this as an act of insubordination, the 

university's Dr Kerr expelled Mandela for 

the rest of the year and gave him an ultimatum: 

He could return to the school if he 

agreed to serve on the SRC. When Mandela 

returned home, the regent was furious, 

telling him unequivocally that he 

would have to recant his decision and go 

back to school. While back at home, he received 

news that the regent had arranged 

a marriage for him as was custom, but 

shocked by this news and recent events, 

Mandela departed from his family home 

and settled in Johannesburg, working a variety 

of jobs while completing his bachelor's 

degree via correspondence courses 

and eventually enrolling at the University 

of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg to study 

law. 


dren, propelling Mandela to the forefront of 

a political battle that would see him being 

put on trial for treason and sentenced to life 

imprisonment. 

Mandela soon rose quickly through the 

ranks of the ANC and in 1950 was voted President 

of the ANC Youth League (ANCYL) and 

he took a seat on the ANC National Executive. 

After passing qualification exams to become 

a full-fledged attorney, Mandela and Oliver 

Tambo opened their own law firm, Mandela 

and Tambo, in downtown Johannesburg. 

Being the only African-run law firm in the 

country, it soon became popular with aggrieved 

African black people, often dealing 

with cases of police brutality. The firm soon 

got noticed by the South African authorities 

and was forced to relocate to a remote location 

after their office permit was removed 

under the Group Areas Act – a cornerstone 

piece of apartheid legislation. 

Mandela had met many people across the 

political spectrum who were opposed to 

the South African Government and was actively 

involved in mobilising the masses and 

publically protesting against the South 

African authorities such as the Defiance 

Campaign. This led to him and other high 

profile ANC members being arrested and 

put on trial. 

On 5 December 1956, Mandela was arrested 

alongside most of the ANC Executive for 

"high treason" against the state and on 29 

March 1961, after a six-year trial, the judges 

produced a verdict of not guilty, embarrassing 

the government. 

Inspired by Fidel Castro and the Cuban Revolution, 

the armed wing of the ANC 

“Umkhonto we Sizwe” ("Spear of the Nation", 

abbreviated MK) was founded in 1961, 

with Mandela co-founding this wing with the 

long-time leader of the South African Communist 

Party (SACP), Joe Slovo and Walter 

Sisulu. 

Interestingly, MK agreed to acts of sabotage 

to exert pressure on the South African Government, 

by bombing military installations, 

power plants, telephone lines and transport 

links at night, when civilians were not present. 

Mandela stated that they chose sabotage 

not only because it was the least 

harmful action, but also "because it did not 

involve loss of life [and] it offered the best 

hope for reconciliation among the races afterwards." 

Soon after then ANC leader Albert 

Luthuli was awarded the Nobel Peace 

Prize, MK publicly announced its existence 

with 57 bombings on 16 December 1961, followed 

by further attacks on New Year's Eve. 

The South African Government, however, 

kept a close eye on the activities of the ANC 

and MK, and after raiding a property now famously 

known as Liliesleaf Farm in the Johannesburg 

suburb of Rivonia and arresting 

numerous high command figures of the ANC 

including Mandela, it resulted in South 

Africa’s foremost and famous trial starting on 

9 October 1963. 

Mandela gave a now famous three-hour 

speech at the opening of the defence’s proceedings 

and the trial quickly gained international 

attention, with global calls for the 

release of all political prisoners from such institutions 

as the United Nations and World 

Peace Council. The South African Government 

generally deemed Mandela and his 

co-defendants violent communist saboteurs, 

and on 12 June 1964, Justice Quartus de Wet 

found Mandela and two of his co-accused 

guilty on all four charges, sentencing them 

to life imprisonment rather than death, thus 

sealing the fate of his incarceration on 

Robben Island from 1964 until 1982. 

A NEW DAWN 

After spending 18 years in prison on Robben 

Island, off the coast of Cape Town, Mandela 

was transferred to Pollsmoor Prison in Tokai, 

a suburb of Cape Town in 1982 along with 

other senior ANC leaders. This was an attempt 

by the South African Government to 

remove their influence on younger activists. 

However, with mounting international pressure 

and sanctions against South Africa, increased 

MK attacks in South Africa together 

with support from activists from both within 

and outside of South Africa, coupled with 

economic stagnation and a change of leadership 

within the South African Government, 

and significant change was brought about 

when the conservative President P.W. Botha 

stepped down and was replaced by a more 

youthful Frederik Willem de Klerk (F.W de 

Klerk). 

With increasing local and international pressure 

for his release, the government participated 

in several talks between Mandela and 

F.W. de klerk at the helm of government. The 

result was positive in terms of Mandela’s release 

being finally announced - February 11, 

1990 marking a special day in South African 

history when Mandela’s release was announced. 

With it came the unbanning of the 


Nelson Mandela in his Law Office, 1952. 


Nelson Mandela in his cell. 

Photograph: juergen Schadeberg 

ANC and various political groups – a watershed 

moment in the struggle for equality, 

justice and democracy for all races in South 


On the dawn of a new South Africa, Nelson 

Mandela was one of the pivotal figures in 

securing true freedom for people in a 

country that was dominated by a white minority 

for decades dating back 400 years 

when the Dutch seafarer Jan van Riebeek 

landed his ships in the Cape. 

With the first democratic election set for 27 

April 1994, the ANC campaigned on a Reconstruction 

and Development Programme 

(RDP), promising to build a million houses 

in five years, introduce universal free education 

and extend access to water and 

electricity. The party's slogan was "a better 

life for all", and Nelson Mandela devoted 

much time to fundraising for the ANC, touring 

North America, Europe and Asia to 

meet wealthy donors, including former 

supporters of the apartheid regime. 

The African majority voted overwhelmingly 

in favour of the ANC in a sweeping victory, 

and the newly elected National Assembly’s 

first act was to elect a new president – Nelson 

Mandela himself. 

The inauguration of South Africa’s first black 

president and democratic South Africa in itself 

was a global event with leaders from 

all over world from the opposite ends of 

political spectrum attending. 

But Mandela had no easy task ahead of him 

– the new democratic administration inherited 

a country with a huge disparity in 

wealth and services between white and 

black communities. 

Such was the greatness of the man who 

would leave a legacy for generations to 

come that Mandela had the vision and 

foresight to preside over the transition from 

apartheid minority rule to a multicultural 

democracy. He made national reconciliation 

a primary task of his presidency, having 

seen other post-colonial African 

economies damaged by the departure of 

white elites, and he sought to calm the 

fears of whites within the country by reassuring 

South Africa's white population that 

they were protected and represented in 

"the Rainbow Nation", even incorporating 

opposition members into a coalition government. 

“Courageous people do not fear forgiving 

for the sake of peace” – became a very relevant 

saying by Mandela when he personally 

met with senior figures of the apartheid 

regime, emphasising personal forgiveness 

and reconciliation. 

He encouraged black South Africans to get 

behind the previously hated national rugby 

team, the Springboks, as South Africa 

hosted the 1995 Rugby World Cup. After 

the Springboks won a celebrated final over 

New Zealand, Mandela presented the tro- 


On the dawn of a new South Africa, it 

can be fairly said that Nelson Mandela was 

one of the pivotal figures in securing true 

freedom for people in a country that was 

dominated by a white minority for decades 

dating back 400 years when the Dutch 

seafarer Jan van Riebeek landed his ships 

in Cape. 

Nelson Mandela, with his wife, Winnie, walks to 

freedom after 27 years in prison on Feb. 11, 1990, in 

Cape Town. 

Former South African president FW de Klerk shakes 

hands on Nelson Mandela in April 1990. 

He made national reconciliation a primary task of his presidency, having 

seen other post-colonial African economies damaged by the departure of 

white elites and he sought to calm the fears of whites within the country by 

reassuring South Africa's white population that they were protected and 

represented in "the Rainbow Nation", even incorporating opposition 

members into a coalition government. 


“Courageous people do not fear forgiving for the sake of 

peace” – became a very relevant saying by Mandela when he 

personally met with senior figures of the apartheid regime, 

emphasising personal forgiveness and reconciliation. 

phy to Captain Francois Pienaar, an 

Afrikaner, wearing a Springbok shirt with 

Pienaar's own number 6 on the back. This 

was widely seen as a major step in the reconciliation 

of white and black South 

Africans winning the hearts of millions of 

white rugby fans." 

MILESTONES 

There are so many milestones in Mandela’s 

life, from his autobiography of “Long Walk 

to Freedom” to his acceptance of the 

Nobel Peace Prize. 

December 1997 saw Mandela stepping 

down as president and the ANC elected 

President Thabo Mbeki to take the lead. 

Mandela retired in June 1999, seeking a 

quiet family life and dividing his time between 

Johannesburg and his home village 

Qunu, but soon he reverted back to a busy 

public life with a daily programme of tasks, 

meeting with world leaders and celebrities, 

and working with the Nelson Mandela 

Foundation, founded in 1999, to focus on 

rural development, school construction, 

and combating HIV/AIDS. 

INDELIBLE LEGACY AND CONTRIBUTION TO 

MANKIND 

From 2011 onwards, Mandela’s failing 

health attracted international attention, but 

even after a successful medical procedure 

in early March 2013, his lung infection recurred 

and worsened, and he was re-hospitalised 

in Pretoria in a serious condition. 

On 1 September 2013, Mandela was discharged 

from hospital, although his condition 

remained unstable. After suffering 

from a prolonged respiratory infection, 

Nelson Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Mandela 

died on 5 December 2013 at the age 

of 95 at his home in Houghton, Johannesburg, 

surrounded by his family and his 

death announced on television by President 

Jacob Zuma. What followed was a 

country in deep mourning, with the world 

participating – such was the profound grief 

felt in the hearts and minds of millions of 

people. 

Mandela was married three times, fathered 

six children, had 17 grandchildren and 

many great-grandchildren. 

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela has come to be 

widely considered "the father of the nation" 

within South Africa, a founding father 

of democracy and national liberator, and it 

is common knowledge that during the last 

years of his life, he came to be regarded 

almost as a living Saint among the people 

of South Africa – his era “a golden age of 

hope and harmony” - such was the greatness 

of the man, leaving an indelible 

legacy and contribution to all mankind. 


MAURITIUS 

HOLDS AFRICA’S FIRST INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 

ON DIGITALISATION AND SUSTAINABLE TOURISM 

The first International Conference on Digitalisation and Sustainable 

Tourism was recently held at the Le Méridien Hotel, Pointe aux Piments, in 

Mauritius. The 2-day high profile event attracted decision-makers and 

stakeholders from all spheres within the tourism industry internationally including a 

number of African countries, and was hosted by the Mauritius Ministry of Tourism with 

well over 400 delegates in attendance. 


tourism is a major source of 

income globally, especially 

for smaller countries that 

have a rich diversity of offerings 

for international travellers, 

yet current issues of 

climate change, sustainability 

and digitalisation together 

with super rapid progress in 

the data and information technology sectors 

are exerting a profound impact on tourism 

worldwide. 

The conference provided an ideal platform 

for invited experts to share their views and 

insight in terms of balancing and paving the 

way forward in a digital age, where all 

global tourism stakeholders will be able to 

harness opportunities, while sustaining the 

tourism industry into the future. 

Officially opened by Mauritian Prime Minster 

Pravind Jugnauth, in the presence of notable 

VIP guests such as President Didier Robert 

of Reunion, Catherine Abelema Afeku - Minister 

of Tourism, Arts & Culture of Ghana, Adil 

Hamid Daglo Mussa of the Republic of 

Sudan; Richard Via of Madagascar, Fekitamoeloa 

Utoikamanu - the United Nations 

Under Secretary-General and High Representative 

of the Least Developed Countries, 

Dr Dirk Glaesser of the UNWTO, Alain 

St.Ange - former Seychelles Minister of 

Tourism, Pascal Viroleau - CEO of the Vanilla 

Islands, and the Mauritian Minister of 

Tourism, Mr Anil Gayan. 

The conference offered a very impressive 

line-up of expert speakers, with the first plenary 

session and keynote address by Professor 

Geoffrey Lipman, President of the 

International Coalition of Tourism partners. 

In an exclusive interview with Nomad Africa 

Magazine, Professor Lipman emphasised 

and heeded the call for climate change 

awareness and what needs to be done 

about the these challenges: “ In my presentation, 

I was trying to bring to this audience 

the realities of what climate change means 

for our world. The trends are very clear and 

we have been putting a blanket of carbon 

around the world in simple terms, and the 

consequence of that is that it is changing our 

weather patterns.” 

“We are seeing more hurricanes, more 

flooding, more heat waves. We are actually 

seeing disruption and what is clear is that it 

is going to be more and more intense and 

irregular and the consequence of that is that 

we have problems with water and food production.” 

Professor Lipman also emphasised an urgent 

need for co-operation and adherence to the 

Paris Agreement, which aims to achieve the 

long-term goals of global greenhouse gas 

emissions mitigation, adaptation to hopefully 

curb the increase the global average 

temperature to well below 2°C above of 

pre-industrial levels by significantly reducing 

risks and the impacts of climate change. 

“With all the long-term framework targets in 

place, over time we will be able to moderate 

the reductions of carbon around the 

world – we cannot stop it, but we can moderate 

it. To do that, we have to change our 

patterns of consumption and production. 

We have 30 to 40 years to do it, but we have 

to start now.” 

“What is significant is that between 5 and 8 

% of carbon emissions come from tourism – 

the way that we use energy, the waste we 

produce and the patterns of travel that we 

create.” 

In terms of being sustainable in a digital age, 

what does it mean? 

“We are arguing that there should be a new 

movement called Impact Travel. Until now, 

we have been promoting travel as being 

something that is only doing good, but in 

the last 5-10 years we have come to understand 

the negative side – good impact and 

bad impact.” 

Professor Lipman says, ”It is a disruption because 

destinations are becoming more important 

than travel and travellers themselves 

because when the tourists go home, the 


Tourism Updates 

destinations are still there and they are left 

to deal with the consequences and how 

they affect their lifestyles.” 

According to Professor Lipman, tourism is “a 

growing and substantive part of all 

economies of all countries in the world. 

Every country has the capacity to be an exporter 

of their own product.” 

“We know it’s a particularly good thing for 

small island states and countries, and we 

can make tourism a discipline in schools because 

up until now, tourism is regarded as 

a sub section of geography. Even at universities, 

there is a limited amount of education 

around travel”. 

“Tourism has not been put together in a 

comprehensive fashion and therefore we 

think that there is huge scope around the 

world for bringing the concept of Impact 

Travel into our education systems.” 

Professor Lipman concluded that if the 

tourism industry is to meet the demands of 

the modern world, it has to “prove its sustainability 

and the challenge of carbon 

emissions has to be put on top of the priority 

list.” 

Very insightful words by one of the world’s 

leading experts and a former top executive 

of IATA (International Air Transport Association), 

WTTC (World Travel & Tourism Council), 

WTO (World Trade Organization) and 

current president of ICTP (international 

Council of Tourism Partners) and the Green 

Growth Travelism Institute. 

Nomad Africa Magazine spoke to the Mauritian 

Minister of Tourism, Mr Anil Gayan SC, 

who explained the implications of digitalisation 

and the collecting data in terms of it 

affecting the tourism sector. 

“I personally have learnt a lot, I am sure that 

all those who attended this conference will 

look at digitalisation in a different way, not 

only at what it can do to improve the industry 

and our daily life, but also the dangers 

that digitalisation can bring.” 

“There are a few trends worldwide towards 

digitalisation on a massive scale such as the 

impact of China on the tourism market, 

where millions of bookings for tourism are 

made on a mobile telephone, the enormous 

collection of personal data, as well as 

the implementation of The EU General Data 

Protection Regulation on 25 May 2018.” 

Mr Gayan also emphasised the very important 

need for privacy data protection regulations 

and how this will affect tourists. The 

dissemination of such data is a sensitive 

issue, which stakeholders will need to navigate 

through within the context of digitalisation 

and how they conduct their business. 

“All these are issues that prompted us to 

have this conference so that all stakeholders 

in the industry will be aware of what is involved 

and to prevent any mishaps in the 

handling of personal data. We think that our 

operators need to know all the implications 

of what is happening in the world.” 

“I want to make it very clear that we are very 

concerned that there should be no attempt 

of any kind on the privacy of an individual. 

We need to protect the privacy of the individual, 

but of course, as modern life goes 

on, there will be a lot of personal data that 

will be collected. We cannot get out of the 

system but whether, - we get out of the system 

or not, and since we have no choice 

but to be in the system, we need to have an 

environment, where we can protect personal 

data. If data is going to used, we have 

to make sure it is going to be used with the 

consent of the person and that the person 


Up Above: Mauritian Prime Minster Pravind Jugnauth officially opening 

the conference. 

Left: President of the International Coalition of Tourism partners – 

Professor Geoffrey Lipman, delivering his keynote address at the 

conference. 

Right: At the conference from left to right: Dr Dirk Glaesser – UNWTO, 

President Didier Robert – La Reunion, Mr Anil Gayan, SC – Minister of 

Tourism Mauritius, Alain St.Ange – former Minister of Tourism Seychelles 

Prime Minster Pravind Jugnauth of Mauritius. 

always has control over whatever personal 

data of his or hers is in the custody or under 

the control of an operator in the tourism industry.” 

In terms of Mauritius being technology 

ready, Mr Gayan went on to explain that although 

Mauritius is a small island, internet, 

computer literacy and information technology 

are already implemented at primary 

school level. He said: “We have, as part of 

our government programme, focused on information 

technology as one of the great 

movers of the economy in the years to 

come.” 

“Mauritius has no natural resources, so we 

need to look for services that will bring value 

additions in whatever we do. Our workforce 

leans towards the IT sector, but there are 

things happening globally, which we have 

no control over, and of which we need to 

be aware of so that we can at least catch up 

and take the lead in our part of the world.” 

The conference was also ground breaking 

in terms of providing a platform for those 

countries that still need to get on the digital 

high speed train in a manner of speaking. 

Mrs Gbian Moukaila, Technical Advisor to 

the Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Sport of 

République du Bénin said: “Digitalisation is a 

trend that will become a normal way of 

doing business in tourism. People are shifting 

away from human contact and travel 

agencies.” 


Up Above: L-R; Professor Geoffrey Lipman – Keynote Speaker & President 

of Internation Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP) & Green Growth Travelism 

Institute, Minister of Tourism Mauritius - Mr Anil Gayan and Dr Dirk 

Glaesser – Director of Sustainable Tourism of Tourism programme 

UNWTO. 

Left: Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth speaking to Senegalese Tourism 

Representative Mr Ba Babacar at the conference. 

Right: Mr Julian Mountain – Speaker/ Commercial Director 

Lastminute.com Group. 

Mauritius has no natural resources, so we need to look for services that 

will bring value additions in whatever we do. Our workforce leans towards 

the IT sector, but there are things happening globally, which we have no 

control over, and which we need to be aware of so that we can at least 

catch up and take the lead in our part of the world.” 

- Mr Anil Gayan, SC – Minister of Tourism, Mauritius. 

“Tourism in Bénin is in its infancy, so being 

here at this event gives us a broader perspective 

on the way tourism is progressing 

in the world. We will take everything that we 

have learnt here and implement it in Bénin. 

Not long ago, we obtained the digital code 

for our country and we are one of the few 

countries in West Africa that has this. This will 

enable us to use digitalisation in tourism and 

this is the reason why I have come here, to 

take advantage of the experience of Mauritius 

and all other participants of this conference.” 

“Although tourism is not something new in 

Bénin, government action towards tourism 

has been increased by our new president. 

The authorities do understand that tourism 

can increase our standard of living, our 

economy and the well-being of the population” 

Mrs Moukaila told Nomad Africa Magazine 

that since being elected 2 years ago, Béninese 

President Patrice Talon has been very 

progressive in recognising that the tourism 

sector needs to be expanded. Cultural 

tourism offers historical elements of slavery 

and vodun religious practises, which feature 

very prominently in Béninese society. Roads, 

as well as new infrastructure and museums 

are being built to cater for an expected upsurge 

of tourism in the future. 

The minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture of the 

Republic of Ghana, Catherine Afeku, said the 

conference was “very informative and an 

eye opener. 

“Looking at what they were sharing at the 

conference, and how ICT revolutionised the 

future of tourism, I am walking away with a 

sense of optimism. A new generation is actually 

going to make tourism more robust 

and more exponential. I would like to use 

the word explosive for Africa.” 


Prime Minster Jugnauth (middle) flanked by Tourism 

Minister counterparts Mr Anil Gayan (Mauritius) and Mrs 

Catherine Afeku (Ghana) during tea time mingling . 

Ms Aradhana Khowala – Speaker/ 

CEO: Aptamind Partners. 

Catherine Afeku – Minster of Tourism, Arts & Culture of 

Republic of Ghana on right chatting to guests. 


The beautiful island of Mauritius is a safe year round 

destination with beautiful beaches, warm sunshine and 

outstanding service. 

Tourism in Bénin is in its infancy, so being here at this event gives us a 

broader perspective on the way tourism is progressing in the world. We will take 

everything that we have learnt here and implement it in Bénin. Not long ago, we 

obtained the digital code for our country and we are one of the few countries in 

West Africa that has this. This will enable us to use digitalisation in tourism and 

this is the reason why I have come here, to take advantage of the experience of 

Mauritius and all other participants of this conference.” 

- Mrs Gbian Moukaila, Technical Advisor to the Ministry of Tourism, 

Culture & Sport of the République du Bénin 

The minister said this is all the more relevant 

since Ghana is emerging as a tourist destination. 

“The new government that has come 

into office has seen the potential of tourism 

as a tangible product that will outlive recession. 

With the younger generation and middle 

income spending power that is coming 

into the continent (Africa), we see tourism as 

a viable economic growth curve and if we 

put resources into it, it can and it is already 

generating jobs. It is a policy and a sector 

with a lot of focus now by the current government.” 

Addressing digitalisation, the conference 

achieved various objectives, specifically also 

launching an appeal to create a Working 

Group on Digital Platforms aimed at “identifying, 

analysing and proposing a balanced 

approach, exchanging best practices and 

helping in developing regulatory framework 

and policies to create a level playing 

field for tourism service suppliers”. 

What this means is that digitalisation will be 

key in how the tourism industry conducts itself, 

insofar that all stakeholders will have to 

eventually transition themselves into a digital 

environment. It is not a question of if, but 

of how best can this be achieved within a 

new gigantic digital matrix that needs to be 

carefully managed and steered well into the 

future by all. 

It was also very significant and notable that 

the conference resolved “to ensure compliance 

with the General Data Protection Regulation 

of the European Union” and that the 

“Travel and Tourism Industry shall take 

proper steps in collecting consumers’ data 

with their explicit consent and protecting 

same during any transfer from Europe to any 

countries”. 

This is seen as being very important in abiding 

and supporting the trends that were already 

investigated and adopted a while ago 

by the EU whose countries are now having 

to co-operate on a grand scale digitally with 

regard to servicing the tourism industry. 

The Mauritius conference on Digitalisation 

and Sustainable Tourism certainly has paved 

the way forward in a very positive and optimistic 

manner for international delegates and 

specifically African countries to go back to 

their countries and lay the groundwork and 

plug-in mechanisms that will ultimately secure 

their own tourism sectors into the future. 


ZIMBABWE 

WOOS CHINESE TOURISTS WITH 

VISA RELAXATION 

The Zimbabwean government will be relaxing visa restrictions for 

Chinese tourists entering the country as of July 1, in an effort to boost 

inbound tourism. 

Words: KERRY HAYES 

the new visa regime will see 

China migrating from a Category 

C in Zimbabwe’s migration 

management system, to a 

Category B – in effect, moving 

visa requirements from ‘prior 

to travel’, to required only at 

port of entry. Category A 

refers to countries whose nationals 

are exempt from visa requirements; 

Category B to those required to obtain visas at 

the port of entry (on arrival); and Category C 

to those required to apply for visas prior to 

travel. 

Zimbabwe’s Permanent Secretary of Tourism 

and Hospitality, Thokozile Chitepo, says “the 

relaxation is set to increase tourism arrivals, as 

many tourists can easily obtain visas. It will also 

increase the convenience to the travelling 

public, especially for those that will get visas at 

the port of entry, as they will not have to go 

through a lengthy visa application process. In 

addition, people can decide, at short notice, 

to visit Zimbabwe – particularly when already 

visiting the region. Subsequently, that will lead 

to increased tourism receipts and other benefits 

to the economy”. 

CEO of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), 

Karigoga Kaseke, concurs. “Tourism thrives in 

a more open, accessible and friendly environment, 

and the visa regime plays a pivotal role 

in pushing for tourism growth. Easing the visa 

policy for the Chinese markets will make destination 

Zimbabwe more competitive and attractive, 

especially as it competes in the global 

marketplace. The Chinese market is the world's 

fastest-growing source market, posting more 

than 135 million Chinese outbound travellers 

(2016), and topping the world's international 

tourism spending on $258b (€222.6b) 

(UNWTO – 2017). From that, Zimbabwe only 

enjoys a fraction of fewer than 15 000 arrivals 

(2017). The relaxation will result in more travel 

from China, as currently the visa process for the 

Chinese tourists was still conditional (Category 

B) for tourists recommended by a tour operator. 

Now, there are no conditions to the travelling 

tourists who now cover business, as they 

will all get visas at the port of entry. Thus, the 

relaxation presents an opportunity not only to 

tourism growth, but other consequent economic 

benefits that come with it”. 

Gavin Rennie, Director of local tour operator 

Off2Africa adds: “China is a massive source 


“Easy access to any 

destination 

is a major determinant 

to travel by tourists worldwide. Most 

destinations are even going a step 

further by becoming visa free, in 

order to increase tourists travelling 

to their destinations; hence this move 

by Zimbabwe is a step in the right 

direction to promote increased travel 

from China and other countries into 

Zimbabwe, increasing the country’s 

destination competitiveness. It is also 

encouraging that this relaxation is 

not only limited to China, but [extends] 

to 36 other countries 

announced, including Equatorial 

Guinea, Iran, Algeria, Turkey and 

Cuba, among others.” 

market for all levels of tourism, group and highend 

FIT, that Zimbabwe can attract and benefit 

from. Zimbabwe has a number of outstanding 

tourist attractions like Victoria Falls, Great Zimbabwe 

and many wonderful national parks that 

are abundant with wildlife, and a broad range 

of accommodation options in each destination 

to cater for the Chinese traveller.” 

The announcement was made during a handover 

of furniture and equipment to the Department 

of Immigration and the Zimbabwe 

Republic Police in Harare recently. 

“Easy access to any destination is a major determinant 

to travel by tourists worldwide. Most 

destinations are even going a step further by 

becoming visa free, in order to increase tourists 

travelling to their destinations; hence this move 

by Zimbabwe is a step in the right direction to 

promote increased travel from China and other 

countries into Zimbabwe, increasing the country’s 

destination competitiveness. It is also encouraging 

that this relaxation is not only limited 

to China, but [extends] to 36 other countries announced, 

including Equatorial Guinea, Iran, Algeria, 

Turkey and Cuba, among others,” says 

Kaseke. 

The change in the visa regime becomes effective 

on July 1, “although it has already been implemented 

on the business delegation that 

visited Zimbabwe for the Zimbabwe-China Investment 

Forum,” says Kaseke. “All were issued 

visas hassle-free at the port of entry. The facility 

is open for business and leisure travellers.” 

Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Huang 

Ping, said this decision was made by the Cabinet 

and announced by President Emmerson 

Mnangagwa in his talks with his counterpart, 

President Xi Jinping. “This is one of the significant 

outcomes of President Mnangagwa’s state 

visit to China early this year,” said Ping. “This policy, 

upon implementation, will certainly attract 

more Chinese tourists and investors to Zimbabwe, 

injecting new impetus to its development. 

As more Chinese come, there will be a 

growing demand for better service and management 

of them in terms of the visa, working 

and residence permits and other security-related 

issues arising from there.” 

Rennie says: “Now that China has Category B 

status for visas, Zimbabwe is a far easier destination 

for Chinese to travel to. Furthermore, air 

access from China to southern Africa is improving 

all the time with new carriers connecting 

the two.” 

“According to the World Economic Forum 

Competitiveness reports, Zimbabwe is ranked 

number one in the region in terms of safety,” 

said Chitepo. “Your readers need to take advantage 

of this peace dividend and send their 

tourists to Zimbabwe, as they will have memorable 

experiences,” she says. “This applies to 

both leisure and business travellers.” 

The Secretary concluded: “Following the coming 

in of the new dispensation, my message is: 

Zimbabwe is open for business, in line with 

what our President, His Excellency Emmerson 

D. Mnangagwa has enunciated. I have been to 

most of the marketing platforms, (FITUR – Spain, 

ITB – Berlin, Africa’s Travel Indaba – Durban, We 

are Africa – Cape Town, and Arabian Travel 

Market, to mention a few), since I took office in 

December 2017, and this has been my message 

to the travel industry. Zimbabwe is ready to receive 

visitors, and we have put everything in 

place to ensure that travel is facilitated. I am 

pleased to say that the response has been encouraging 

as we have witnessed a phenomenal 

48% growth in arrivals during the first 

quarter of 2018 compared to the same period 

in 2017. This is attributable to the fact that Zimbabwe 

is a safe and peaceful destination apart 

from being extremely attractive.” 

i 

Source: www.tourismupdate.co.za. 


FLYDUBAI 

MARKS AFRICA EXPANSION WITH 

KINSHASA INAUGURAL 

(Régie des Voies Aériennes). 

Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer of 

flydubai, said on the launch of flights to Kinshasa: 

“As one of the largest and most populous 

cities in Africa, Kinshasa is a key hub for 

travel and trade. Africa is one of the UAE’s 

emerging trade partners and with the opening 

of this new route to one of the busiest 

airports in the Democratic Republic of the 

Congo, there will be further opportunities to 

strengthen commercial ties across a neighbouring 

continent with vast natural resources.” 

The fast-growing economies of the counflydubai 

is the first national 

carrier for the UAE to create 

direct air links to the Congolese 

capital, Kinshasa and 

with the start of the service 

sees its comprehensive network 

in Africa grow to 13 

destinations in 10 countries. 

With the start of flights to 

Kinshasa another gateway is opened up for 

passengers from the GCC, Russia and the Indian 

Subcontinent into Central Africa. Passengers 

from Kinshasa, have access to more 

than 90 destinations on the flydubai network 

and, through its codeshare partnership with 

Emirates (Emirates.com) can connect easily 

and conveniently to Emirates’ destinations 

spanning six continents in over 80 countries. 

The inaugural flight touched down at 14:20 

(local time) and on board was a delegation 

led by Sudhir Sreedharan, Senior Vice President, 

Commercial Operations (UAE, GCC, Indian 

Subcontinent & Africa) for flydubai. The 

delegation was met on arrival by Mr Tshiumba 

Pmunga Jean, Director General, Civil 

Aviation Authority, Mr Kufula Makila Rex, 

Cabinet Director, Minister of Transport and 

Mr Bilenge Abdala – General Director RVA- 


Africa has been an important market for flydubai since the airline’s 

launch in 2009. We continue to see strong demand for direct airlinks 

and last year flydubai contributed 13% of the total growth at Dubai 

Airports for the African market. I am pleased to see our network in 

Africa grow to 13 destinations in 10 countries with the launch today of 

flights to Kinshasa. With the start of the daily service from Dubai’s 

aviation hub to one of the largest countries in Africa, passengers will 

have access to increased connectivity.” 

- Sudhir Sreedharan, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations (UAE, 

GCC, Indian Subcontinent and Africa), flydubai. 

tries of Africa are important trading markets for 

the UAE and their increasing prosperity will ensure 

that their contribution of visitor numbers 

to Dubai will similarly grow strongly. 

Sudhir Sreedharan, Senior Vice President, 

Commercial Operations (UAE, GCC, Indian 

Subcontinent and Africa) at flydubai, who led 

the inaugural delegation, added: “Africa has 

been an important market for flydubai since 

the airline’s launch in 2009. We continue to see 

strong demand for direct airlinks and last year 

flydubai contributed 13% of the total growth at 

Dubai Airports for the African market. I am 

pleased to see our network in Africa grow to 

13 destinations in 10 countries with the launch 

today of flights to Kinshasa. With the start of the 

daily service from Dubai’s aviation hub to one 

of the largest countries in Africa, passengers 

will have access to increased connectivity.” 

All flights to and from Kinshasa will offer travellers 

flydubai’s onboard experience, whether 

opting for priority services and more space 

and privacy in Business Class, or enjoying flexibility 

and convenience as a passenger in 

Economy Class. 

flydubai will codeshare this route with Emirates. 

With the partnership, passengers can connect 

easily and conveniently to over 90 of flydubai’s 

destinations, which complement the Emirates 

route network, spanning six continents in over 

80 countries. 

For bookings under the codeshare, Emirates 

passengers receive complimentary meals and 

the Emirates checked baggage allowance on 

flights operated by flydubai in Business and 

Economy classes. 

In under 10 years, flydubai has grown an extensive 

network across Africa and currently offers 

flights to Addis Ababa, Alexandria, Asmara, Djibouti, 

Entebbe, Hargeisa, Juba, Khartoum and 

Port Sudan as well as Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro 

and Zanzibar. 


MARRIOTT HOTELS 

DEBUT IN WEST AFRICA 

Marriott Hotels, part of Marriott International, recently announced its debut in 

West Africa, with the highly anticipated opening of Accra Marriott Hotel. 

Owned by African Hospitality Limited, the hotel is strategically located opposite 

the Kotoka International Airport, making it the perfect “Gateway to West Africa”. 


set in the heart of Airport City, 

a burgeoning urban development, 

the Accra Marriott 

Hotel is just a few kilometres 

outside of the central business 

district, providing easy 

access to major corporate businesses, 

government entities and well known city 

landmarks. 

“We are thrilled to open the Accra Marriott 

Hotel, a highly anticipated addition to our 

Africa portfolio and a significant milestone 

in our journey,” said Alex Kyriakidis, President 

and Managing Director, Middle East 

and Africa, Marriott International. “Accra is 

the heartbeat of Ghana, a dynamic city 

bustling with energy. A commercial, manufacturing, 

and communications centre 

with great shopping and excellent 

nightlife, it makes an interesting travel destination 

both for business and for leisure. 

The Accra Marriott Hotel will add to the 

city’s maturing hospitality scene, inspiring 

guests with more forward-thinking experiences 

and aesthetically inspiring spaces 

that speak to their inventive nature.” 

With 208 well-appointed rooms, three enticing 

dining venues, 800 square metres of 

meeting space, a pool and a fully 

equipped fitness centre, Accra Marriott 

Hotel offers state-of-the-art business facilities. 

Contemporary design and local 

touches blend to create a distinct and vibrant 

aesthetic. Amenity-filled guest 

rooms, progressive dining, cutting edge 

technology, flexible and exemplary meeting 

facilities and a brand new social event 

experience make every guest stay special, 

while innovative spaces, such as The Greatroom, 

allow guests to seamlessly blend 

work and play. Modern and sophisticated 

in its approach, providing experiences that 


We are thrilled to open the Accra Marriott Hotel, a 

highly anticipated addition to our Africa portfolio and a 

significant milestone in our journey.” 

- Alex Kyriakidis, President and Managing Director, 

Middle East and Africa, Marriott International. 

keep the mind balanced, sharp and inspired, 

the hotel is the ideal starting point 

for travellers to do their business or discover 

the bustling city of Accra. 

Boldly transforming itself for mobile and 

global travellers, Marriott Hotels inspires 

brilliance, leading the industry with innovations. 

At Marriott Accra Hotel, guests 

can experience the ease of mobile 

check-in and enjoy an elevated guest experience 

through Mobile Guest Services, 

seamlessly delivered with the globally 

renowned Marriott Hotels service. 

With over 500 hotels and resorts in 59 

countries and territories around the 

world, Marriott Hotels is evolving travel 

through every aspect of the guest's stay, 

enabling the next generation to Travel 

Brilliantly. Boldly transforming itself for 

mobile and global travellers who blend 

work and play, Marriott leads the industry 

with innovations, including the Greatroom 

lobby and Mobile Guest Services 

that elevate style & design and technology. 

Marriott International, Inc. is based in 

Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses 

a portfolio of more than 6,500 

properties in 30 leading hotel brands, 

spanning 127 countries and territories. 

Marriott International operates and franchises 

hotels and licenses vacation ownership 

resorts all around the world. 


MAURITIUS 

BOOSTS ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS WITH CORAL PLANTING 

The first International Conference on Digitalisation and 

Sustainable Tourism was recently held at the Le Méridien Hotel, 

Pointe aux Piments, in Mauritius. On the 2nd day of the conference on 

Digitalisation and Sustainable Tourism, guests were invited to witness a coral 

planting event organised by the Ministry of Tourism. 

Words: DIETER GOTTERT 


Nature+Wildlife 

t 

Issue 

he two day high profile 

event attracted decisionmakers 

and stakeholders 

from all spheres within the 

tourism industry internationally, 

including a number of 

African countries, and was 

hosted by the Mauritius 

Ministry of Tourism with well over 400 

delegates in attendance. 

On the 2nd day of the conference on Digitalisation 

and Sustainable Tourism, guests 

were invited to witness a coral planting 

event organised by the Ministry of 

Tourism. 

VIP’s were taken to the exclusive Trou aux 

Up Above: Mauritius Tourism Minster Anil 

Gayan, assisting with the coral planting. 

Left: Divers invite Ghainain Minister of Tourism, 

Arts & culture, Catherine Afeku, to tie a fresh 

young coral to the nylon rope. 

Above: Divers explain to guests the procedure 

of attaching the freshly cultivated corals to the 

ropes. 

Biches hotel resort and among leisure 

water sports and magnificent white 

beaches that Mauritius has to offer, four 

small boats were launched from the hotel 

12 | ...Celebrating the world’s richest continent | www.nomadafricamag.com | 95

“We are very keen in preserving what we have, this why 

we have marine parks set up in various parts of the island. We 

are doing a lot to give back to nature what we took from nature and 

we hope that what we are giving back to nature is going to be 

an improvement”. 


Up Above: The corals are planted underwater by divers meticulously on a steel grid in horizontal 

lines with each coral firmly placed at intervals on the nylon ropes. 

Above Left: Samples of the corals in basket placed in a bowl. 

Above Right: Lesotho’s Minister of Tourism, Environment & Culture Motlohi Maliehe and Nomad Africa 

Magazine’s Pumzile Mlungwana sharing a moment. 

beach pier to take guests on a glass bottom boat tour off the 

island to witness the coral planting. 

Coral farming is the process of planting fragments of corals 

that were cultivated in a nursery, which are then re-planted 

back into the ocean on empty new spots. 

Mauritius has ideal conditions in order for corals to flourish – 

warm temperature water, which is clean and a shallow ocean 

floor, where corals will be able to grow consistently. 

Mr Anil Gayan SC, Mauritian Minister of Tourism said: “We are 

very keen in preserving what we have, this why we have marine 

parks set up in various parts of the island. We are doing a 

lot to give back to nature what we took from nature and we 

hope that what we are giving back to nature is going to be an 

improvement”. 

“If the coral reefs get destroyed, then the habitat for the fish 

will also. We don’t want that to happen,” he added. 

The event coincided perfectly with the conference with most 

guests never having experienced coral planting – a most opportune 

exercise boosting awareness of the environment and 

letting guests participate. 


Back Seat 

LIVING IN THE LAP OF 

LUXURY 

AT THE PALACE 

Even after 25 years, the Palace of the Lost City is no less glorious than 

the day she was built. Boasting marble floors, huge sculptured granite 

columns and opulent handcrafted details that extend from the carpeted 

floors right up to the painted ceilings and across to the tapestries 

that drape the walls, she is a sight to behold. So when I was invited to 

spend a night in this gorgeous hotel in South Africa’s Sun City Resort, I 

jumped at the opportunity. 

aWords: JANINE AVERY 

rriving at the Palace, 

the first thing that 

grabbed my attention 

was the magnificent 

statue at her entrance. 

Cheetahs are suspended 

in action as they leap to catch 

jumping impala in mid-air. It’s an optical illusion 

and a magnificent piece of art by 

Danie De Jager who left no stone unturned 

in its creation. He meticulously 

studied photographs, videos and even 

dissected the carcasses of cheetahs and 

impala to examine their muscle structure 

before creating the piece. 

Once I had managed to draw my eyes 

away from the elegance of the statue, I 

was greeted by the bowed heads of 

giant sable and ornately carved wooden 

doors that had to be the largest I had ever 

seen. The Palace is built to give the impression 

that it was once the home of a 

stately King that ruled a long lost civilisation 

that lived in these parts and she does 

not disappoint. Step inside her grand entrance 

hall and the ceiling is handpainted, 

the intricate mosaic floors hand 

laid and the colourful tapestries hand 

woven. 

However, it was the palm-frond chandelier 

that drew me through to the Crystal 

Court area. Surrounded by gigantic pillars 

and floor to second-storey glass doors, 

the grand dining area is a feat of engineering. 

The chords of a grand piano filled the 

space and immediately transported me to 

another world. With just one day in this 

epic location, however, I had no time to 

stop and enjoy the music before I was off 

to explore Sun City’s famous Valley of the 

Waves. 

Having recently added two new mindboggling 

slides to this amazing waterpark, 

the Valley of the Waves provides an adventure 

playground like no other. With an 

amazing constructed beach with rolling 

waves, a leisurely lazy river and a host of 

water slides, each one seemingly more 

terrifying than the next, I enjoyed an afternoon 

in the water, unleashing the child 

within me! After trying to find my way out 

of the labyrinth that is the new Maze of the 

Lost City and indulging quite delightedly 

in the craft beer tasting that awaited me 

at the end, it was back to my opulent 

abode at the Palace and a night well 

spent. 

In the morning, a breakfast of kings 

awaited me and I struggled to choose 

from the elaborate affair on offer. Roast, 

sushi, pancakes, waffles, cheeses, pastries, 

an omelette station and all the usual 

breakfast trimmings were lined up before 

me and I try as I did, I couldn’t taste it all. 

Happy as can be and as stuffed as a turkey 

on Thanksgiving Day, I packed my things 

and bid farewell to the perfection that is 

the Palace – knowing what it feels like to 

be Queen, even if just for one day!

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