Sunday, August 1, 2010

A tangible symbol of African Cooperation

I am still waiting for your essays. Here is an essay I wrote about a concrete and simple strategy to bring sustainable development to Africa. Enjoy!

A tangible symbol of African Cooperation

What do the statue of liberty and the Eifel tower have in common other than that they serve as distinguishing landmarks for the places they stand on? These two features serve as a source of pride for the people of the countries they are in. They represent the determination and hard work of their ancestors. They are also a gift for future generations from their ancestors. Young people can stand at the feet of these majestic creations and feel connected to the dreams and aspirations of their forefathers who stood there to create the monuments to inspire them to realize any of their dreams.

For many people, African cooperation seems like an elusive dream. What if Africans came together to create a majestic structure that would be a tangible symbol of what Africans can achieve if we cooperate? This structure could inspire so many Africans to look forward to a positive future and would be a legacy that will impact future generations.

African cities could bid for the structure to be erected in them. The city with the least crime that shows that they could stand to benefit the most from hosting the structure would win. If many cities are tied, a blind draw could be used to pick one city.

People from across Africa could be invited to design a majestic structure that would be breathtaking. Once a design is chosen, architects from across Africa could meet to plan for the structure and to decide which materials to use which will last a long time. A contractor could then be hired to build the structure with the project being funded by various African governments and from donations by rich and regular Africans.

The structure should be interesting enough to be a source of tourist attraction. Africa can then invite the world to see this structure which would prove that African cooperation is not an unattainable dream. Tourists could pay to visit the structure and the funds could be evenly divided amongst African countries every year. If the structure could be very tall, allow businesses like restaurants to be built inside it, and have elevators to take people to the top to see a great view while inside the structure, this would be ideal. For example, the structure could be a giraffe with a really long and strong neck. This would be the tallest statue of an animal anywhere in the world. People could climb up the statue to see through the eyes of the giraffe more than a thousand feet in the sky. This would be a uniquely African experience that tourists could not get anywhere else.

Instead of Westerners giving us aid for nothing, they could come and visit the structure and leave generous donations. The money could go into a highly secure device only to be opened when it is time to divide the money among African countries in order to avoid embezzlement. Some of the funds could go towards maintaining the structure in good condition.

Every African should want to take their children to the structure to show them that with a little cooperation, they can achieve anything. I would definitely swell up with pride and tears if I lived to see anything like this.

If dreaming is a crime, I am guilty. I hope some of the dreams come true some day.

Dithapelo Medupe