🔅 Africa's Unsung Role in the Rise of the West
Tear Gas and Tragedy in Mozambique & Boarding Schools for Toddlers
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Africa's Unsung Role in the Rise of the West
Buckle up, history buffs! Howard French is about to take us on a wild ride through the centuries, revealing the story of how Africa's gold and slave trade laid the foundation for the modern Western world.
In his book "Born in Blackness," French argues that Europe's economic boom was largely fueled by its exploitative relationship with Africa, looooong before the colonial era. It all started with a bit of bling…
The year was 1326, and Mansa Musa, the emperor of Mali, was on a lavish pilgrimage to Mecca. Along the way, he flexed his wealth by distributing tons of gold, causing quite a stir in the Middle East and piquing the interest of Europeans.
Spain and Portugal were like, "Wait, where's all this gold coming from?" And thus began the mad dash to find the source of Africa's riches.
Portugal, the underdog of Europe, was determined to beat Spain in the exploration game. Prince Henry "the Navigator" sent out ships to follow the African coast, inching their way south in search of Mali's gold.
In 1471, they stumbled upon Ghana (not their intended destination) and found the locals dripping in gold jewelry. Jackpot! They set up shop and started trading with the Ghanaians.
The influx of African gold was so significant that Portugal renamed its treasury "Africa House." Spain, not wanting to be left out, decided to invest in exploration too, leading to Christopher Columbus's infamous voyage.
And then… Portugal decided to use the slave trade to finance its search for gold. They traded African slaves to Europe to fund their expeditions, and here’s the thing: it started happening long before the "discovery" of the Americas.
By the 16th century, 10-15% of Lisbon's population was African, all thanks to the slave trade.
As other European powers jumped on the African trade bandwagon, they discovered the horrific profitability of the slave trade. The Portuguese experimented with sugar plantations in Sao Tome, giving rise to the brutal system of chattel slavery.
Slaves were identified by race, and their enslavement was perpetuated through generations. The life expectancy of a slave on these plantations? A mere five years.
French argues that the labor extracted from African slaves was the basis of European growth and the creation of the West. African leaders, unaware of the plantation system and the concept of chattel slavery, were unwittingly complicit in this trade.
So why has Africa's role in the birth of the modern world been largely invisibilized? French suggests that admitting that your rise was largely due to exploitation as severe as the slave trade is a tough pill to swallow.
But as Africa takes center stage in the contemporary world, it's crucial to acknowledge its significant contributions to human history. By confronting the uncomfortable truths of the past, we can better understand our present and shape our future.
Tear Gas and Tragedy: Mozambique's Post-Election Chaos
Venancio Mondlane, a leading opposition politician in Mozambique, was fresh off a hotly contested election, trying to give an interview to reporters. Suddenly, police started firing tear gas in his direction, forcing him and his entourage to scatter. This is the current political climate in Mozambique.
Mondlane, the main challenger to the long-ruling party in the recent presidential election, was speaking to journalists near the spot where his lawyer and a senior opposition party official were tragically killed by unknown assailants just days earlier. The incident, caught on video and shared on Mondlane's Facebook page, shows the politician, his aides, supporters, and journalists running for cover as tear gas canisters rain down around them.
Mondlane had previously called for a nationwide shutdown to protest what he and other parties claim were fraudulent elections. The streets of the capital, Maputo, were largely deserted as many people chose to stay home, either in solidarity or to avoid the unrest.
But Mondlane's troubles didn't end there: He told reporters that police had tried to keep him under house arrest the night before, presumably to prevent him from joining the protests. "I was trying to find other ways to leave the house without being noticed," he said. "I did. I won't say how."
The killings of Mondlane's lawyer and the opposition party spokesperson have heightened tensions in the country, with many viewing the attack as politically motivated. Meanwhile, the ruling party, Frelimo, looks set to extend its 49-year grip on power, with official preliminary results showing their candidate, Daniel Chapo, in the lead. If he wins, Chapo will succeed President Filipe Nyusi, who has served the maximum two terms.
Boarding Schools for Toddlers: Lesotho's Answer to Economic Migration
Lesotho's parents are facing a dilemma: pursue job opportunities abroad or stay home with their little ones.
The solution? Boarding schools for toddlers.
These pint-sized academic institutions have been popping up across the country, offering a more affordable alternative to nannies and relatives for working-class parents who feel like they're stuck between a rock and a hard place.
Mathapelo Phalatse, a teacher at the Child Guidance Center (CGC) in Maseru, is more than just an educator – she's a surrogate mom, physical caregiver, and emotional support system all rolled into one.
CGC is just one of several boarding schools that have sprung up in recent years, catering to kids as young as two years old.
The monthly fees of $144 cover classes, lodging, food, and general care - a package deal that's more feasible for many parents than hiring a live-in nanny.
Bongiwe Zihlangu, a journalist in Maseru, sees boarding school as the best option for her nine-year-old son. "We have seen how live-in maids, nannies, treat kids. You can never be sure that your child is safe with the nanny," she said. Plus, with erratic work hours, having her son in a stable environment brings peace of mind.
But not everyone is on board with the idea of toddlers in boarding school.
Matlheleko Tsatsi, a health and nutrition specialist, warns that the age of zero to five is a fragile time in a child's life. Being away from parents for extended periods can lead to constant illness, homesickness, and even PTSD and anxiety. UNICEF also advises against boarding schools for children under 14, citing the potential damage to their development and family relationships.
But what's a parent to do?
Food for Thought
“The word of the elders becomes sweet the day after.”
— Chewa Proverb, Malawi
Africa is the second largest continent on planet Earth and its history is still dominated by European and Western historians. It's of utmost importance to rewrite the bloody history of slavery, colonization, and ongoing exploitation of valuable ressources.