BOAF 10 000 Points of Light – Hall of Fame Inductees Unapologetic About Their Resolve to Make Africa Shine Again

Brian Kazungu, 19/05/2021

Banking on Africa’s Future – 10 000 Points of Light – Hall of Fame inductees who were honoured at The Royal India Restaurant yesterday for their contribution in re-igniting the flame of Africa’s glory expressed their unapologetic resolve to make the African continent a global economic giant.

One of the youngest inductees, a South African neuro-psychologist and entrepreneur Makhotso Michelle Maiko, who studied in Europe, including in countries such as Turkey and the United Kingdom said that it is now important for Africans to become unapologetic about their development.

Her conviction about Africa’s potential is anchored on her vast experiences in the realities of life across the continent and her exposure to other economies which are comparatively performing better across the world.

“I am proudly South African, Turkey speaking, lived in Lagos, and grew up in the dust streets of Cameroon and Ivory Coast as well. I really-really epitomise the African diaspora.” She said

Makhotso who revealed that she lives and breathes Pan Africanism also highlighted that the African continent already has all the social capital that it needs for it to rise as long as there is a systemised and integrated ecosystem to help in the pursuit of such an objective.

“What is important is really creating a systemised and integrated ecosystem for Africa. I like calling it the capital triad which is a combination of social, economic and intellectual capital. I think we have got all the resources which but they are very fragmented, and so, I think, Banking on Africa’s Future (BOAF) is an incredible initiative.” Makhotso added.

Her fellow inductee, the Cuban trained Lesotho born Pharmacist, Dr Ntseliseng Bohloko, who is also a member of a charity organisation, Mercy Foundation, said that this is the time for Africans to utilise the knowledge that they have towards adding value to God’s given natural resources.

“We as Africans need to take hold of what we have in our own countries. Africa is rich but all the resources are being moved from Africa to the so-as developed countries for improvement and they come back to us as finished products.

Africa has resources, Africa has educated its own children in the developed countries. It is time for us the present generation to make use of the knowledge that we acquired in the developed countries and use it to develop and improve on the natural resources that we have as Africans.

I suggest and I am very happy to say that we need to guard Africa and incubate Africa so that we can export the finished products to developed countries and bring back the GDP that was God given to Africa. Dr Bohloko recommended

Mr. Fakir Hassen, a veteran retired media practitioner and a renowned author who under the Mandela administration was part of the South African team to be commissioned to UNESCO in the United States of America said that Africa is his home.

The 68 year old Hassen of Indian ancestry, expressed that even though he is proud of his rich Indian cultural heritage, he is a South African and an African because since father and himself were all born in and bred in South Africa following the arrival of his grandparents into the country in the early 1900s as endangered labourers.

In describing the Africa he wants to see, he heighted that as inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela, he dreams for an Africa which is not stereotypical and where there is education for all and an Africa where poverty, hunger and corruption is eliminated.

He encouraged the sharing of knowledge especially through literature citing that information which is not shared has less value.

Kenyan born Corporate Executive, Mr.  Shayless Panchmatia who was also inducted expressed his willingness to help people in the mining industry especially the diamond sector to fully benefit from their engagement when it comes to this precious mineral rather than to be exploited in their own continent.

While speaking at the same event during his induction, wine specialist, Ronald Mkize, from the world renowned South African wine company, Graham Beck, expressed his excitement on the fact people were drinking the locally produced Graham Beck wine at the event.

“What makes me happy is that everyone here tonight understands the idea of Banking on Africa’s Future because I have seen people drinking a locally produced product here.” Ronald said

In expressing the power and potential of Africa as a giant, Ronald who has vast experience in the wine business, highlighted that Graham Beck is a South African brand which is locally and internationally recognised since it was selected for both the Mandela and Obama’s inauguration.

The 10 000 Points of Light – Hall of Fame induction ceremony coincided with another inductee, management consultant, media personality, philanthropist and business woman, Janice Greaver’s birthday, where she turned 30.

Fellow inductee, South African musician of Indian descent, Mr Bushan Dass who sang Janice a birthday song in the Indian language as a show of inclusivity in the rainbow nation was described by BOAF’s Director of Programs, Mr Jagjit Singh as an ornament in the music industry which must be honored.

Mr. Singh who said that now is the right time to remember all the beacons of hope in Africa also added that the Banking on Africa’s Future initiative is premised on the need to ignite the fire of hope and positive action which can inspire others.

The Guest of Honor at the event, Dr Ladislas Agbesi, the President of the Pan Africa Business Forum expressed his excitement over the identification and celebration of people who are recognized as shining stars in the African continent.

Dr Agbesi described the African continent as the most beautiful lady in the world at the moment and encouraged African governments to concentrate on their role of providing state security as well as managing policies and leave the rest to the private sector.

Africa Heritage Society Chairman, Mr Mutumwa Mawere who is spearheading the initiative through the 1873 Network, a non-profit organization established in South Africa for creating innovative ways of problem solving in Africa said that Africa belongs to all those who live in it.

He also expressed gratitude to all the people who are making the 10 000 Points of Light – Hall of Fame initiative a huge success.