The fight against corruption in Africa has been slow and arduous. So, when the African Union marked the first African Anti-Corruption Day on 11 July 2017, declaring its commitment to fighting corruption, it is no surprise that not many were excited about the declaration. Linus Unah looks at the attempts by various countries to combat corruption to figure out if these governments are serious.
The $8,000 paid to Ugandan lawmakers has been returned to the Parliament accounts office by members of the opposition party who referred to it as a bribe. The money was said to help lawmakers consult with their constituents over the removal of the age limit in the constitution.
The continent is facing major problems, from corruption, unemployment, lack of access to quality education and decent health care. The public health systems of many Africa countries are in shambles, in desperate need of financial investment but leaders travel to European and Asian nations to seek medical care. In August South Africa’s Health Minister Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said African leaders should be “ashamed” of the practice, and “We must promote our own,” public health systems. Corruption on the continent has also remained a major problem affecting social and economic development. This lack of political will and willingness to fight corruption has been fuelling the scourge on the continent, preventing millions of people from escaping the cycle of extreme poverty.
Recently, the picture of the Prime Minister of Netherlands Mark Rutte riding a bicycle going to work circulated online. The reaction from many of those on the continent was shock, admiration and awe, raising the question, “which leader of an African country could ride a bicycle to work?”
In this exclusive excerpt from an interview with Valentine Iwenwanne, Femi talks about his life, music, Fela and, of course, political and social issues.
President Jacob Zuma unveiled the Groot Marico Heritage Site Groot Marico, North West Province, South Africa in his honour. The heritage site captures the story of Zuma and 45 other activists who were intercepted by Apartheid security police at Groot Marico, leading to them serve prison terms on Robben Island. However, the monument is unlikely going to sanitize Zuma’s current tarnished image and neither will it secure his legacy.
The South African arm of the international auditing firm KPMG has been exposed for its role in supporting the Gupta-Zuma state capture project.
Using an unaccountable police force to enforce hardship on the poor and protect the corrupt has created a situation that is not only deadly for citizens but fatal for South Africa’s democracy.
Like its counterparts all over the world, Africa’s elite political class desires power not so much to serve the people but to access the privileges of public office demonstrating the moral bankruptcy that exists in our leadership.
Kalakutta’s President Fela Anikulapo Kuti has been proclaimed as one of the greatest icons to come out of Africa. The proclamation is undisputed. The king of Afrobeat music was a constant thorn in the flesh of the Nigerian government and till today, everything Fela sang about remains relevant. Tell us what you think of the legendary musician and his music in relation to Nigeria.
OPINION
LIFESTYLE
