It’s 2023 and we’re back in full force celebrating Africa and Africanness. An Africa for all Africans is a series that celebrates innitiatives, voices and organisations that are reshaping Africa in ways that heal and strengthen Africa.
I was recently excited to learn that Africa is the most youthful continent in the world with Sub-Shaharan Africa having 70% of its population below the age of 30. It’s no secret that a lot of change that is needed hinges on moving past the colonial legacy political parties and the cultures have been created. Sure, we shouldn’t forget the past, but we must also actively work on moving forward. A lot of the old parties are full of people who are keen on sticking to the old glory of the immediate, post colonial days. This has left nation’s sociopolitical scenes ruined by families hording resources and having the voices and opinions that are primarily catered to. All this as a result of the selfish goals of being the “first Black…,” “the only Black….” or the “best Black…,” titles which, while they are worthy of celebration in terms of post-colonial milestones, are gradually losing their meaning when achieved at the detriment of other Black people. In the new age of Africa, where the youth lead, these accolades are presented in a non-antagonistic spirit, one which is about collaboratively uplifting movements and shifting narratives.
Enough of that mini rant, this article is here to celebrate the makers of the new Africa that is rising. Part of that involves creating a community that accommodates the various and diverse members of the society that make up the community at large, one which operates with the full realization of the harms caused by shaping an identity around adopted religious and cultural views. I say this specifically with gender and sexually diverse persons in mind. In a very crucial point of African history, in December of 2022 Namibia had the first ever Spectrum Awards, an award ceremony to celebrate and honour the LGBTQ+ community in Namibia, becoming the first of its kind in Namibia and as far as I know, the fourth in Africa following the Feather awards in South Africa, Butterfly Awards in Botswana and Freedom Awards in Nigeria (of course we will talk about these on another day). An event which has historically contributed to dismissing the flimsy arguments that are often used to justify acts of violence, like the ever conservative argument that sexual and gender diversity are unAfrican and Western ideals.
The event was planned with key consideration for the safety of individuals alongside appreciating preciousness of all the people in attendance, which was fully captured by the theme of the event, “Shine Bright Like a Diamond,” after all, unique and valuable gems must always shimmer while still being protected. The event was hosted and attended by individuals who are in the profession of holding safe spaces and a result of that was a warm sense of familiarity and acceptance that was there. Like a big family reunion where the priority of the day was the momentous nature of the the occasion that brought everyone together.
And momentous it most definitely was. In the short span of one year, the same team that established the Pride Pop Up as well as Kings of Nam was able to create more history, through this platform. Not only was the public able to vote for and celebrate the various LGBTQ+ people and organisations that have been making strides in Namibia, but the voting process inadvertently created a sort of information hub where people could discover more of the skilled LGBTQ+ individuals in Namibia. The safe space only widened through this, and it is important that a widened sphere of solidarity be used to make the world less terrifying for those who have been subject to violence.
In a brilliant act of corporate solidarity, Gondwana Collection was amongst the sponsors of the event. A great accomplishment for the movement. Celebrating queer voices in corporate spaces is one thing (which we celebrate) and having the backing of a corporate giant on this is a huge feat for the movement as it contributes positively in the steps towards a more inclusive Africa and we love to see it. Corporate leaders such as these play a huge role in the socioeconomic and political spheres by gradually changing the rhetoric through acceptance.
All in all, for the first of its kind in Namibia , the awards show was executed spectacularly and we look forward to seeing more from this team. Hillary Shiimi and Mason S.G are doing an awesome job at creating safe spaces through these platforms and spaces, we see you and we appreciate you.
There was some criticism around some delays in the start time and some upsetness because MTC was the primary voting platform. We won’t hold it against them here because the good that came out of it totally outweighs the unexpected hiccups and we are grateful for anyone who is keen to create an Africa for all Africans.
Disclaimer: the information in the article is solely based on my opinions and the phrase ‘All Africans’ is mainly targeted at the disproportionately and unjustly treated.
ZENZE 