Donations to make impact where it matters most

In his article, UDSM’s Proffesor Issa Shivji, in The East African, seems to negate what he calls Western values as the basis for the award; his central argument is that this award would be more meaningful, if it went to meet the very basic physical needs of the majority Africans. Professor Shivji specifically mentions South Sudan, where such sums (earned from Africa through Celtel), would have a very big and meaningful impact on the surviving victims of the 25-year conflict! The glamorous awarding ceremony, at which former Mozambique President Chissano was the first recipient, betrayed our skewed leaning towards matters western, despite being at different rungs on the Maslow hierarchy. Footage of grandmas caring for HIV infected and affected orphans amidst stinking poverty in black South African slums, was a very sad contrast to the glamour in the Bibliotheca Alexandria, Egypt, venue of the award. In his speech, Dr Mo Ibrahim stresses the erection of Mandela’s statue in London, as a fitting recognition of the best leader of the 20th century. What if that money went to the thousands of kids under the care of The Mandela Foundation? Any lesson from Oprah Winfrey’s wonder school in South Africa? Yes, we appreciate the big hearts of wakina Mo Ibrahim, but let the donations make real impact where it matters. We cherish good leadership, governance, democracy, but as Birundura says, let’s first get what to eat!! Wazee is blessed with prosperity by any standards, he acquires his happiness from enabling an extra citizen lead a decent life. The last time I checked, his school fees bill covered 617 kids at all levels, besides other charitable initiatives. With his only son owning and managing a similar business empire in the next country, and his only daughter running a prominent law firm in UK. It beats me that this mzee opens at least two companies annually, to “ensure fellow citizens have a decent life!” Kampala

Opinions

Donations to make impact where it matters most