Towards an African Renaissance: Some thoughts on the renaissance conference September 28th & 29th 1998 and its future implications

Abstract

Introduction On September 28th and 29th of 1998, an historic conference was held in Johannesburg to critically discuss and debate Thabo Mbeki's heralded Renaissance initiative. The conference is historic not because concept of an Renaissance is new, but because it seeks to spiral South Africa, and hopefully rest of Africa, into new millennium through a re-consolidated effort to liberate, affirm and transform and its peoples. This renewal, it is believed, will ensure Africa's participation and competitiveness in global arena, validating Africa's progress and development in economic, cultural, technological, spiritual, communications and socio-political spheres. This renewal will also legitimise and celebrate Africa's almost forgotten, if not ignored, historical contributions to global development in areas such as civilisation, state formation, communalism, aviation, hunting and tool making, religious worship, math, science, engineering, agriculture, technology, astronomy and communications. Internationally renowned academics, political leaders, cultural activists, church and community leaders, corporate directors and others came together because it was an opportunity to celebrate and to revamp Africa's commitment to full liberation of all its citizens. But more importantly, people came together to debate and discuss implications of a continent-wide Renaissance spearheaded by Thabo Mbeki's memorable parliamentary I am an African speech to Constitutional Assembly on May 8th, 1996. As stated, notion of an Renaissance is certainly not a new one. The word Renaissance originated in Europe meaning a renewal or rebirth. The context was similar--with Europe having been ravaged by war, disease, corruption, socio-political and religious alienation between 14th--17th Century. Europe had to renew itself and embark on a campaign to reclaim and revamp its once powerful status. The liberal arts played a critical role in this process of rebirth as well as role of culture and education. When it comes to Africa's liberation historical movements such as Negritude, Pan Africanism, and Black Consciousness Movement readily come to mind and their profound contributions to a current day Renaissance have to be acknowledged. But more than a quarter of a century ago, 1960 was declared as the Year of Africa due to vibrancy brought about by political independence and ushering of social development decade (Bengu, 1998: 2). Numerous conferences were held aimed at determining Africa's objectives and priorities which were intended to launch continent into social reconstruction and economic affluence (Bengu, 1998:2). This was not thoroughly successful however, and numerous examples can be cited of Africa's failure to realise this call for transformation. Today, in 1998, many countries continue to be ravaged by poverty, disease, failing economies, government corruption, (military) dictatorships and incessant war. One of foremost items for discussion at this Renaissance conference was potential liberatory role of institutions of higher learning in helping learners and educators from all sectors to realise aims of such a call on a variety of levels. As such relationship between education and culture was also significantly highlighted at Renaissance conference, as well as obstacles that systematically prevent success of transformation. Hence, it was noted that culture could not be separated from education and vise versa. Other equally critical areas, which were identified for breakaway sessions, included science and technology, economic transformation, moral Renewal, telecommunications and media, and transport and energy. However, specific focus of this paper is culture, education and issues of race as they impinge on concept of an Renaissance. …