Nomad_Africa_Edition12

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."
Issue 12 | ...Celebrating the world’s richest continent | www.nomadafricamag.com | 49