On one hand, South Africa fascinates the minds of other Africans in a largely positive way. Here we have an African country that is a development giant illustrated in its status as a key member of the G20 not merely as Africa’s representative but in its own right as an economic powerhouse. Here we have a new democracy which behaves like an old democracy, changing heads of state as easily and bloodlessly as cutting a toe nail. Here we have a country that is comfortable enough in its multi-ethnicity to have 11 official languages and a national anthem with verses in three languages. A nuclear power, the home of the first open heart surgery, with a gross domestic product (GDP) four times that of its southern African neighbours and comprising around 25% of the entire continent’s GDP. South Africa leads the continent in industrial output (40% of total output) and mineral production (45%) and generates most of Africa’s electricity (over 50%).

On the other hand, you have South Africa’s relationship with the hearts of other Africans. Here too South Africa’s story is largely positive. Here are a people who fought the longest battle for liberation from oppression with apartheid falling only in 1994 meaning that the “born frees” are only 16 years old, not yet of voting age. Despite this South Africans have managed to lift themselves up, decide that their focus is forward not at looking backwards. In addition South Africa is double rugby world cup champion (1995, 2007) and African Nations Cup Champion in 1996 only two years after the fall of apartheid.

However, while South Africa has managed to capture the minds of Africans, it has had a much harder time winning over the hearts of other Africans. No doubt South Africa generates intense respect that comes with a recognition and acceptance of its status as the economic and political leader on the continent. The warmth of brotherhood, which is different from respect, while there, is not as intense.

There are several reasons why this could be the case. The one I have encountered most regularly is the “except South Africa” syndrome. The “except South Africa” syndrome ironically is a direct consequence of South Africa’s huge strides in development. It presents a unique dilemma as the same things about South Africa that fascinate positively African minds are the same ones that push away African hearts by making it appear so apart. For example take Wikipedia’s entry on Sub-Saharan Africa:

Sub-Saharan African countries top the list of countries and territories by fertility rate with 40 of the highest 50, all with TFR greater than 4 in 2008. All are above the world average except South Africa. Figures for life expectancy, malnourishment, infant mortality and HIV/AIDS infections are also dramatic. More than 40% of the population in sub-Saharan countries is younger than 15 years old, as well as in the Sudan with the exception of South Africa.[47]

Sub-Saharan African countries spent an average of just 0.3% of their GDP on S&T(Science and Technology) in 2007. This represents an increase from US$1.8bn in 2002 to US$2.8bn in 2007. This represent an increase of 50% in spending in S&T in Africa. South Africa is the sole exception. South Africa spends 0.87% of GDP on S&T.[85][86]
(emphasis mine)

In so many ways, some positive, some negative, South Africa seems so removed from the rest of Africa. It is almost impossible to get any meaningful statistic on Sub-Saharan Africa that does not exclude South Africa as the inclusion of that data would transform the results completely. I first noticed this during Idris Mohammed’s talk at TEDAfrica in which most of his statistics on the economy of Sub Saharan Africa excluded South Africa. While it is a blessing to be a trailblazer and a honour to be a leader, South Africa has also found that it can be lonely place to be.

This explains South Africa’s obsession with making the world cup not just about celebrating South Africa but about celebrating Africa. This I believe is not so much about selling Africa to the world but about selling South Africa to the rest of Africa. South Africa is tired of being just the cleverest kid in school; South Africa wants to be the most popular kid in school.

MTN, official sponsor of the World Cup, main advertising campaign is centred around urging us to support team “Africa United”. South Africans in particular were urged to make “every African match a home game” by buying tickets to matches involving African teams and (equally important) to go to the stadia and support those teams with the same passion they support Bafana Bafana. MTN also shouts, “Let’s go Africa. Let’s go 2010.”

South Africa is reaching out to the rest of Africa, perhaps “except South Africa” and “accept South Africa” do not have to be mutually exclusive.

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The Deepwater Horizon oil spill of 2010 superimposed over a map of Kenya

If the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico had happened in Nairobi it would now cover an area stretching from Nairobi south to the border with Tanzania, north all the way to Isiolo (covering the whole of Limuru, Naivasha, Thika, Nyeri, Murang’a, Mt. Kenya National Park, Nyanuki, Embu, Meru). Westward it would stretch into the Mau Forest heading towards Kericho, Eastwards it would have past Machakos heading towards Makindu.

Visit If It Was My Home and move the oil slick anywhere you want through a clever mash up using Google Maps. While cool, innovative (and scary) it is also important as descriptions such as “the size of Puerto Rico,” or “the size of Delaware and Rhode Island combined” carry no weight with me as I am not familiar with those areas.

I increasingly believe that context is as equally important as content.

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At 15.00 local time on January 21 2009 the United States Ambassador to Kenya Michael E. Ranneberger hosted a webchat (online discussion) with Kenyan citizens on topics of interest in Kenyan-U.S. relations. Here is the transcript:

Webchat Moderator (Mark): Welcome to today’s webchat! We are glad you are with us. Ambassador Ranneberger will begin answering your questions at the top of the hour.

Webchat Moderator (Mark): We are taking your questions now. Our first question comes from Justus ole Ndutu Narok

Justus ole Ndutu Narok 2: Now that the American people have elected their first ever African-American President, are we likely to see more African-Americans being elected to this office in future?

Ambassador Ranneberger: Yes, I believe we will. The election of Barak Obama demonstrates how far the United States has traveled to build and strengthen democratic institutions. The U.S. presidential election was clearly decided on the basis of the issues, not on the basis of race. President Obama received support from a broad cross- section of American voters. His election also reflects the impact which the civil rights movement has had in transforming the United States. Democracy is, however, always a work in progress and much more remains to be accomplished.

brigid koskei 2: brigid koskei from Kenya. the political party system in America not only favors the majority but also the minoority.it also ensures that political leaders are not only in officeas a result of support from a specific race or tribe but leaders with right qualifications and those who merit those position. Does the Kenyan political party support this? if not what can be done to ensure theres a suitable and fair party system?

Ambassador Ranneberger: You are right about the American political party system. Political parties in the U.S. have developed over a period of more than 200 years. The parties nurture talent and enable individuals to run for office on the basis of merit. Although our political parties are well-developed, there are still a number of issues which must be addressed, including the ways in which parties and candidates finance political campaigns. In Kenya political parties are not as developed. First, there are too many parties (over 100), and many of these are tiny, personality-center “briefcase parties.” Second, corruption has a negative impact on political party development in Kenya. Third, many parties are based on ethnic affiliations rather than on issues. Development of more effective issue-focused political parties is very important to the future of democracy in Kenya. We are working to foster more effective political parties focused on issues. This is part of a broader effort to strengthen democratic institutions.

omweba shadrack- moi university 2: obama says, “…those from largest capital to smallest villages(Kogelo/Nairobi) will feel him…” Through your embassy how will you make Nairobi(Kenya) reform its institutions especially parliament hence feel Obama’s effect as he promised now that you are our big brother? Asks Omweba S.M a Political Science Student from Moi university ( Kenya.)

Ambassador Ranneberger: Even before the inauguration of President Obama, we were working to support reforms. As you know, during the post-election crisis, the U.S. intervened to press for formation of the coalition government. That government committed itself to carry out an agenda for fundamental reform. While there are many reforms, constitutional revision, establishing an independent electoral commission, and formation of the Special Tribunal to try perpetrators of post-election violence, and fighting corruption are among the most important. We have made clear to the leadership of the coalition government that the partnership between the U.S. and Kenya is based on shared democratic values and, therefore, on implementation of the reform agenda. Parliament must play its role to support implementation of the reforms. I also want to emphasize, however, that the Kenyan people have a most important role to play. Although the U.S. helped on formation of the coalition government, it was the fact that the Kenyan people spoke out and insisted on a political solution that was the most important factor in resolving the crisis. The Kenyan people did this directly, and through the media, civil society, religious groups, and the private sector. It is important that the Kenyan people now insist upon implementation of the reform agenda.

Aaron cheruiyot 2: well yesterday president Obama moved from his usual hope speeches to one full of pragmatic demands both for his government and the citizens of the US. For us in kenya, after his inpiration we are faced with the enormous task of getting things rollong in our own country. where do you think is the place for us to start especially the youth?

Ambassador Ranneberger: I believe that the inauguration of President Obama will inspire young people in Kenya to be more active in political life. Despite the fact that there are now many younger Kenyans in Parliament, I do not regard them as really the voice of the young people of Kenya. It seems to be that genuine youth leadership has not really emerged yet. The young people of Kenya has the advantage of being relatively well education. I believe that young people should become more active in forming and participating in civil society organizations, and in speaking out peacefully through the media. Young people should be asking their Members of Parliament and the coalition leadership hard questions about why the reform process has not moved more quickly and about why more is not being done against corruption. Young people should take advantage of new technology, like the internet, to communicate, and to promote activism. Young people can also insist on the reform of political parties so that young people can participate more transparently. We will support these efforts.

Jeremiah – Kenya: Dear Mr Ambassador – I have read your bio about your career with the State department. With the new administration are you going to stay on in Kenya or will you be moving to another position?

Ambassador Ranneberger: It is always up to a new President to determine whether an Ambassador remains in his position. We serve at the pleasure of the President. As a career, professional diplomat, I am non-partisan and strongly committed to advancing the policies of the United States regardless of who is President.

Tuikeny from Nairobi: Bearing in mind that Obama’s ancestral home is kenya, does the America’s Embassy have any plan to encourage, support and boost tourism through initiatives like cultural activities in Kogelo and its neighbourhood?

Ambassador Ranneberger: In the wake of the post-election crisis, the Embassy has been working to boost American tourism to Kenya. We have no specific plans to become involved with Obama’s ancestral home. How that is handled is strictly up to the Obama family members in Kenya. It will be important to respect their privacy and their decisions regarding to what extent they might or might not want to become involved with tourism promotion.

Daudi: Good afternoon Ambassador. There is no mention of Africa on the White House Foreign Policy agenda page: http://www.whitehouse.gov/agenda/foreign_policy/ indicating that perhaps Africa is not a priority for the new Obama administration. Can you share any information you have on the Obama’s administration foreign policy agenda for Africa?

Ambassador Ranneberger: During the political campaign, Obama and his team made clear the importance they attach to U.S. policy in Africa. There has been strong bi-partisan support from Democrats and Republicans for programs like the PEPFAR anti-HIV/AIDS program, for promotion of democracy, for resolution of conflicts, for education, and for other programs as well. I am sure that the new Administration will give appropriate attention and priority to African issues. The U.S. greatly values its partnership and friendship with Kenya and with other countries on the continent. We will continue to support these and remain engaged with the people of Africa to promote their well-being.

Kamene Mutua – Machakos, Kenya: You were instrumental in encouraging power sharing at the begining of last year at the height of post-election violence. What is your take on the coalition government so far?

Ambassador Ranneberger: Thank you for your kind words. I believe that establishment of the coalition government was the best option to end the post-election crisis. I have talked extensively with President Kibaki and Prime Minister Odinga, and they have assured me of their commitment to carry out the reform agenda. I believe that they will do this. We will insist upon this, but the clear message they are hearing from the Kenyan people will also help push the reform agenda forward. At the same time, this will not be an easy process. There are vested interests on both sides who do not want to see the reform agenda fully implemented. It is important that the Kenyan people continue to make clear to the President and Prime Minister the importance of moving forward quickly to implement the reforms (particularly establishment of an independent electoral commission, establishment of the Special Tribunal to try perpetrators of post-election violence, and constitutional reform) and the urgent need to end corruption. The vested interests want reform that will be merely window dressing. President Kibaki and Prime Minister Odinga need the support of the Kenyan people to carry out real reforms that will begin a process of fundamental change. Largely because of the faith I have in the Kenyan people, I remain positive about the coalition government, and am optimistic that Kenya will move ahead to strengthen democratic institutions.

Nekesa: Good Afternoon Mr. Ambassador. As I’m sure you’re well aware the USA under 20 team has qualified for the Junior World Rugby Trophy to be held in Kenya this year. Do you plan to attend this tournament?

Ambassador Ranneberger: Nekesa: Unfortunately, I don’t know much about Rugby, but I am excited by the prospect that a U.S. team may participate in the tournament here. Kenya is well-known for its athletes, yet another dimension of this great country.

Webchat Moderator (Mark): Thanks for joining everyone. We hope you will understand that the Ambassador tried to address as many of your questions as possible during the 60 minutes allotted for today’s webchat. The Q/A portion of today’s webchat is now closed.

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Time: 15.00 Kenya time
Location: This webchat will take place at http://statedept.connectsolutions.com/nairobi.
Procedure: No registration is needed. Simply choose “Enter as a Guest,” type in your preferred screen name and join the discussion.

Press release follows:

The enduring friendship between the United States and Kenya is a testament to the commitment the two countries share to democracy, liberty and free markets.

On Wednesday, January 21, 2009, at 7 a.m. EST (12:00 GMT), U.S. Ambassador to Kenya Michael Ranneberger will host an online discussion with Kenyan citizens on topics of interest in Kenyan-U.S. relations. The ambassador will be available in real time to take comments and answer questions.

Michael E. Ranneberger has had a long and meritorious career with the State Department, spanning more than 20 years. He was sworn in as the new U.S. ambassador to Kenya on July 31, 2006. His previous assignments have been in Sudan and Mali, and he has also served as the Africa Bureau’s principal deputy assistant secretary and as the coordinator for Cuban affairs. He has worked in South America during periods of conflict and has worked to support human rights activists and to develop independent civil societies in South American nations.

This webchat will take place at http://statedept.connectsolutions.com/nairobi. No registration is needed. Simply choose “Enter as a Guest,” type in your preferred screen name and join the discussion.

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Name one thing you would like Barak Obama to do once he is president of the United States of America. This is the question, or variations of it, that I have been asked, mainly by the international media, over and over again these past couple of weeks. They are eager for “the view from the Kenyan street” you see.

As the day when Obama does become president has drawn closer my answer has changed a couple of times. From the philosophical – Obama does not need to do anything more, what he has achieved so far is revolutionary. The vaguely idealist – a deal on trade would be brilliant. To humouring my inner conspiracy theorist – Obama needs to tell us the truth about the American lab where the AIDS virus was invented.

As today, Inauguration Day, got closer my mind kept going back to my good friend and blogger extraordinaire Sami Ben Gharbia and a Twitter update he posted on Oct 9th, 2008. Sami’s Tweet said:

I’m sick of the Obama’s myth of change and of the dream that the US will finally stop its support for “soft” dictators

I agree completely. Soft dictators – those who are convenient allies to the powers that be on the international scene while destroying liberty at home (see Mubarak, H; Zenawi, M; arap Moi, D) are the scourge of the Continent. If Obama’s administration drops the United State’s moral, financial and military support for soft dictators then we’d know the man is serious about change (and I’d be able to convince Sami that having a Kenyan in the White House is a good thing).

Prayer

Barak Obama must be the most prayed for politician ever. Throughout the past two years all over Kenya there have been prayer for Obama. My Nigerian and Ghanaian friends tell me that the same has been happening in their countries. Many African American churches and the wider evangelical movement have had frequent days of prayers for Obama.

When the announcement came through on the international news networks that he had secured enough Electoral College votes to win the US presidency I could hear Christian songs of praise, sung by the West African women who had been having an all night prayer virgil as the results were coming in, flowing from the flat above. Not to be outdone Kenyan MPs decided to hold a prayer meeting in Uhuru Park in the middle of Nairobi.

Even those who do not like Obama very much, for example bitter right wing bloggers, have been busy urging prayers for Obama (although their prayers seem to be of the sour-grapes-he-better-not-mess-up-all-the-good-work-Bush43-has-done variety, but they still count.) When you have Kenyan MPs and bitter rightwing bloggers all praying for you then you are probably the most prayed for politician ever.

The prayers did not stop with electoral victory. Since he ascended from being a candidate for the presidency to President-Elect the prayers – at least in Kenya – seem to have intensified.

Before the election the prayers were for electoral victory, immediately following the election the prayers were of thanksgiving for the victory. The intense prayers that have taken over since then are prayers of safety. Over and over again I hear passionate almost desperate prayers for Obama’s safety. That those who want to physical hurt and even kill him, his wife, their children and extended family do not succeed.

There is a sense of real and immediate danger on behalf of Obama flowing through Africa and when Africans feel danger they pray! Most of the questions I have fielded on issues surrounding Obama in the past few weeks have focused on the Secret Service because people are interested in who is protecting him and how good they are. (Very bleeding good, is my standard reply, I wouldn’t mess around with the USSS if I were you.)

This fear for the safety of Obama is strange in that it seems to have an expiry date. There seems a conviction that once he takes the oath of office he will be fine and no one would be allowed to kill him. But while he is just President-Elect he is still in danger! That is one reason some people have taken the afternoon off today in Kenya today – not just to watch the build up to the inauguration which is at 20.00 local time – but to pray for Obama’s safety in these final moments before he raises his hand and takes that oath.

Asides

Aside 1: If, as rumoured, the Boys Choir of Kenya included Jambo Bwana in their repertoire during International Conservation Caucus Foundation Inauguration Gala as threatened, I will personally cancel all their passports! Please no no no. Not Jambo Bwana. Please! Hopefully it was just a bad rumour!

Aside 2: You would think that with all the Obama parties taking place across Kenya today someone would have hosted one of these, “No Bush Left Behind” bashes somewhere. Instead all we have are boring drinks with “traditional” food (a.k.a Nyam Chom na Tusker). Shave the Date would have been a lot more interesting.

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Instructions:
Go to the chat room select “English” and then press “Next”. We will create other chat rooms for other languages if the opportunity arises.

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Date: Wednesday, December 3rd
Venue: http://www.worknets.org/chat/
Time: 15.00 Nairobi time:
07.00 (New York, EST) – 10.00 (Buenos Aires) – 12.00 (London, GMT) – 14.00 (Cape Town, Beirut) – 15.00 (Nairobi, Moscow) – 17.30 (New Delhi) – 18.00 (Beijing, Manila) – 21.00 (Tokyo) – 23.00 (Sydney)
Login instructions: Login using your name and then select the room you want to join by clicking enter. Once in the room, select a font colour on the left side of the screen, then join the chat.
Chat Facilitators: Serina and Daudi

This weeks chat will start out focusing on two Rising Voices grantee projects, REPACTED in Nakuru, Kenya and AIDS Rights Congo based in Brazzaville. We will learn how both organizations have implemented blogging and video outreach programs to spread awareness about their initiatives in AIDS prevention and advocating for the rights of HIV-positive individuals.

Other discussion topics include: What are the factors to weigh when HIV-positive bloggers go public about their status? How can blogging support networks form online? What about online forums? What are other new media tools, such as mapping mashups, that can be used effectively?

If there are other topics that you would like to discuss during the chat, please respond with your ideas. I hope that as many of you as possible can make it.

David Sasaki of Rising Voices writes:

As a primer to the conversation I encourage you all to take a look at a recent post written by Juliana Rincón on Global Voices about AIDS awareness through video. Especially fascinating is a video podcast produced by QAFBeijing, which interviews South African grand justice Edwin Cameron, the country’s only government official who has gone public about his HIV status.

I will be sending out a reminder email on Tuesday with a link to a video of a fascinating conversation among the members of the Breaking the Silence in Kwa Mashu project about the fear of discussing HIV status in their community.

Check out Global Voices’ World AIDS Day 2008 coverage.

Blogging Positively – see you there Wed 3rd December.

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A US-based Nigerian news blogger is being held without charge by Nigeria’s secret service.

Jonathan Elendu was taken into custody on Saturday when he arrived in the capital, Abuja, on a family visit.

The State Security Service (SSS) has refused to allow his lawyers access to him and denied him a medical visit.

Jonathan writes Elendureports.com.

This is ridiculous. You do not hold people without charge, you do not refuse access to lawyers and you do not withhold medical treatment. Regardless of what you think about Jonathan or Elendureports.com you cannot and should not do that. Especially if you call yourself a leader and want us to treat you as such.

What is it with these heads of states or “big” politicians who act all tough but cannot stand some criticism or dissent? Sending the secret service to round up critics is not tough; it is sad, pathetic and sign of very poor leadership.

Via Afromusing – thanks.

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To the Commissioner of Police and the Government of Kenya:

We demand the unconditional release of our patriotic colleagues in the civil society who were brutally manhandled and arrested this morning as they exercised their constitutional rights to demand the resignation of Amos Kimunya as Finance Minister.

Their right to freedom of peaceable assembly was brutally violated by members of the Kenya Police. We demand their unconditional release for they have committed no crime. The Police officers who directed the assault on Ann Njogu and her colleagues must be subjected to appropriate discipline by the Commissioner of Police.

Kenya is not a Police State and Kenyans will not surrender their constitutional freedoms or their right to complain against wrongdoing, or to speak against grand corruption and impunity.

The arrested members of the civil society must be released.

In any event the man they were protesting against, former Finance Minister Amos Kimunya has resigned his office and stepped aside to facilitate investigations into the subject matter of the protest of civil society. In the spirit of a transparent enquiry into the role played by numerous public officers and institutions in the grand corruption saga that is the Grand Regency Hotel ‘handover’ and sale, it is morally and legally right that no one should be punished for speaking out for the Kenyan people in their time of need.

July 8th 2008 Mwalimu Mati www.marsgroupkenya.org

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