Magashe Titus Mafolo

African Odyssey Vol 3 Magashe Titus Mafolo

There is a cliché the more things change, the more they remain the same. Does this aptly describe the true nature of the African continent?Vol. 1 and 2 of this trilogy take us through epic periods in African Odyssey. In Vol. 3, we finally see the 21st century ushering in optimism and the hope of better things ahead as leaders embarked on programmes of the regeneration of the African continent. The continental body, Organisation of African Unity (OAU) was transformed into the African Union (AU) with institutions and programmes aimed at helping African countries, individually and collectively, to move faster towards regeneration and development. Many countries embraced and applied democratic principles and ethos. Human rights became the rallying mantra for the masses. Economic development and technological advancement remained on the agenda of many countries. An air of renaissance became prevalent across the African continent. And yet, one wonders whether the 2019 headlines, a far cry from the optimism and hope, are a true reflection of a continent that has seem more indecencies of wars, conflicts and rape of resources than any other? Are the headlines a summary of unavoidable pains of birth or rebirth? The author embarked on an effort to capture history, connect the dots and therefore contribute to on-going regeneration efforts of various actors on the African scene. With this detailed and comprehensive scholarly work, the author challenges Africa and Africans to avoid repeating past mistakes. The Swahili adage: Life can be understood backwards, but must be lived forwards, summarises the author's instructive message for Africa, a continent whose might and greatness cannot be denied.