"Now that I knew fear, I also knew it was not permanent. As powerful as it was, its grip on me would loosen. It would pass."
With bated breath, the nation awaited the election of the new president and his proposed plans for the country over the next five years. Change was on the horizon, creating a sense of excitement and uncertainty among the people.
During the recent national elections, political parties spared no expense, pouring record amounts of money into ensuring that their campaigns resonated with and persuaded as many potential voters as they could. Mantoa and a number of other independent candidates had to hustle for financial support and appeal for donations to fund their election campaigns. Smaller political parties also struggled to keep up with the financial backing of larger political parties.
Despite Mantoa's unwavering dedication and hard work, she understood the tough reality of facing seasoned political rivals and the slim chances of winning the national elections. Nevertheless, she fearlessly continued to advocate for the realisation of the "Freedom Charter" during her campaigns, echoing the dreams of those who fought and died for economic freedom for her people.
The country's recent elections wrapped up without any political party winning a decisive majority to lead the country for the next five years. The enduring dissatisfaction of the public with the existing government was evident in the voting, signalling a major change in the political scene. Now, it's a whole new ball game.
In light of the governing party's inability to secure a clear majority, the only alternative to retaining governance was to enter into a coalition with other political parties or independent candidates in order to reach the minimum requirement of 51 percent of the seats in parliament necessary to govern the republic. Having governed the country for the past two decades, this was uncharted territory and a humbling experience for a political party that has governed the country since the dawn of democracy.
It turned out to be a mammoth and an impossible task for the governing party to find a coalition partner, given their bad reputation for corruption and financial mismanagement. It would have been morally wrong for progressive parties to get into a coalition with the outgoing government, as many believed that it was a cesspool of corruption, and it drew away from its original mandate to reverse the injustices of the past. An official from one of the progressive parties likened forming an alliance with the outgoing government to embracing a saguaro cactus and trusting not to get pricked.
Extensive bargaining took place among progressive political parties as they aimed to wrap up coalition negotiations, swear in lawmakers, and elect the president within a maximum of 14 days after the election outcome was announced.
As if guided by the spirit of the forefathers of the struggle for liberation, progressive political parties endeavoured to unite and establish a coalition. With sufficient numbers to constitute a coalition government, they managed to reach a consensus after a week of negotiations. The negotiations were largely harmonious, as the progressive parties' policies shared similar objectives: rectifying past injustices and ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens.
Mantoa emerged with a parliamentary seat, surpassing her own hopes and expectations as a newcomer, independent, female candidate in a society fixated on patriarchy and wary of change. She was part of the coalition discussion and subsequent agreements that led to the establishment of the progressive coalition government. She was determined and ready to serve in the coalition government and to improve the lives of the peasants and common people who voted for her.
The rejoicing of progressive parties for finally reaching consensus on how they were going to join hands and govern the country as a coalition was brief when the moment came to address the crucial issue, the next item on the agenda: "Who will be the coalition's nominee for president of the country?". Three parties in the newly established coalition had a higher but equal number of seats, making it challenging for any party to claim rightfulness for the presidential position. All coalition member parties were aware that having their party leader elected and serving as the commander in chief for the next five years would be beneficial for them in the constituency during the subsequent elections in five years. They had to finalise their decision on the presidential nominee before the first parliament session in just two days. An adjournment was proposed considering the time, as it was already late in the evening. It was agreed that the meeting would resume the next day, the eve of the first sitting of parliament.
The adjournment afforded each participating party the time to deliberate on how they were going to tackle the next and final item on the agenda when the meeting resumes.
It was the next day when the public broadcaster announced that they had been invited by the progressive coalition to broadcast live the day's proceedings. This move was to afford the nation transparency at the crucial meeting where a supremely important decision has to be made on the national presidential incumbency. This was a way for the progressive parties to show the nation how transparent the coalition government was intending to be: as the old saying goes, "Nothing changes if nothing changes."
That day held significance, not only for those who participated in the recent national elections but for all citizens of the republic. People were glued to their TVs and radios as if the national soccer team were participating in a Soccer World Cup final. But this day held far greater importance. It marked a crucial juncture in the struggle for the economic emancipation of the previously disadvantaged.
While the past few days have been sombre, that day was particularly significant. It was as if the country was on the verge of a monumental shift, poised to embrace a new beginning. Some called it the calm before the storm.
When you let go, you live intuitively. You are no longer tied to things having to be a specific way, to being a certain person, or to always being correct, therefore everything flows. How nice it is. Ironically, when you feel stuck in any aspect of your life - be it relationships, work, finances, or health - you feel trapped. letting go can seem impossible - You cling on for dear life just when you need to take the leap.
This poetry book is filled with all things sunshine without ignoring the storms. Pain is real. Anxiety is real. Depression is real. Hardships in life are real. I hope when you pick up this book you feel heard and comforted. Even if it doesn't seem like it right now, your sun will rise once again.
Chameleon Aura combines personal anecdotes with insightful advice in a collection of poems centered around the common emotions of love and grief.
In this radical critique of established pre-colonial and colonial history, Mellet centers on land dispossession, the destruction of livelihoods, and the brutality of slavery in South Africa. Drawing on scholarly work and his own experience of searching for identity, Mellet provides a bold new perspective on the loss of land and belonging. Characters such as Autshumao, Krotoa and Doman come to life in the story of the founding of a port at Cape Town over 50 years before Jan van Riebeeck arrived.
Changing the world starts with making your bed. This book is meant to motivate your children and grandchildren to be all that they can be. It's superb, astute, and succinct.
An intriguing anthology that explores the rich fabric of Southern African tradition and culture. Readers will find a wealth of historical narratives presented in the oral storytelling style within its pages, providing insights into the experiences, customs, and beliefs of the region's diverse peoples.
Every tale offers a window into the rich tapestry of Southern African life, from the myths of great warriors to the counsel of ancestors. This collection honors the timeless value of storytelling and extends an invitation to discover Southern Africa's enduring legacy via the craft of narrative.
This compilation showcases 34 potent narratives crafted by the finest emerging and award-winning African writers, offering readers both enlightenment and enjoyment. Furthermore, the anthology includes nine new stories that delve into the enduring struggles stemming from colonialism's legacy, nations ravaged by civil war, and the escalating AIDS crisis.
Virago presents an updated collection of Maya Angelou's works of poetry, collected together for the first time. From her reflections on African American life and hardship in Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water 'fore I Diiie to her revolutionary celebrations of womanhood in Phenomenal Woman and Still I Rise, and her elegant tributes to dignitaries Bill Clinton and Nelson Mandela (On the Pulse of Morning and His Day Is Done, respectively), every inspiring word of Maya Angelou's poetry is included in the pages of this volume.
This collection honors the ageless practice of oral storytelling, which has been handed down through the ages and is infused with ancient wisdom. Readers will travel through the heartlands of West Africa in this anthology, where ancient spirits roam and heroes rise to fulfill their destiny. From the vibrant marketplaces of Nigeria to the verdant forests of Ghana, each tale provides a window into the rich cultural legacy and shared imagination of the area while imparting invaluable moral lessons for day-to-day existence.
"During the South African Boer war an American Colonel John Blake falls in love with a Boer woman and fights for the country and her cause."
Side story: - The current Boer leader adopts Khotso, an orphaned African boy, and raises him to be the only person he can rely on to bury the Kruger Millions.
"During the South African Boer war an American Colonel John Blake falls in love with a Boer woman and fights for the country and her cause."
Side story: - The current Boer leader adopts Khotso, an orphaned African boy, and raises him to be the only person he can rely on to bury the Kruger Millions.
"Ubuntu is very difficult to render into a Western language. It speaks of the very essence of being human. When we want to give high praise to someone we say, "Yu, u nobuntu"; "Hey, so-and-so has ubuntu." Then you are generous, you are hospitable, you are friendly and caring and compassionate. You share what you have. It is to say, "My humanity is caught up, is inextricably bound up, in yours." We belong in a bundle of life. We say, "A person is a person through other persons." It is not, "I think therefore I am." It says rather: "I am human because I belong. I participate, I share." A person with ubuntu is open and available to others, affirming of others, does not feel threatened that others are able and good, for he or she has a proper self-assurance that comes from knowing that he or she belongs in a greater whole and is diminished when others are humiliated or diminished, when others are tortured or oppressed, or treated as if they were less than who they are."
This powerful novel is based on the actual history of 'Farini's Friendly Zulus', men who were brought to Britain and then to America as entertainment. The story starts in 1885 with the main character, Em-Pee, in cold New York, disliking the exaggerated 'savage' performance of 'The Wild Zulu', which is very different from his own true history, not well understood in this foreign land: 'His Zulu colleagues call him Mpi, which has become Em-Pee to the English-speakers.' His real name is not the only thing lost in this distant foreign country, and he is viewed as nothing more than a sideshow act, although at least he is not kept in a cage like the beautiful Dinka Princess, owned by Monsieur Duval, the owner of Duval Ethnological Expositions. And so begins one of Zakes Mda's most powerful stories, a short novel but one that delivers a strong message and will evoke intense emotions in its portrayal of real injustices and indignities while also celebrating the strength and creativity of the human spirit and the transformative power of love.
Immerse yourself in a unique anthology of fantasy and science fiction stories from Africa and the African Diaspora, handpicked by Sheree Renee Thomas, Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki, and Zelda Knight.
The Kingdom of Dahomey, a West African kingdom that ruled for more than 300 years. It's the land of cannibalism, voodoo, brutal kings, beauty, and cruelty. This incredible story is unknown to many of us.
Today's a great day to change a life. Starting with yours.
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Keep it Clean, Respectful and Constructive.
On Love is blind, Layla should have left Raymond immediately after the first incident. Or maybe Raymond used muthi 😃
Interesting reads. I enjoy the games as well
Zdravo, htio sam znati vašu cijenu.
Cheating Koutney, she cheated to her demies. Lessons to be learned. If only she remained loyal to her husband.
Hola, querÃa saber tu precio..
Rayray is a savage.
I enjoyed Love In The Skies. ... I can relate :(
Mzizi wa Kenya
Is it fear, love or stockholm syndrome