Mandela’s Widow, Graca Machel Calls For Unity Among African Countries

The widow of late global icon, Nelson Mandela, has spoken out on the need to add value to the quest for more cohesion in Africa as the continent develops.

Speaking at a lecture in Johannesburg on the theme, “For Africa to Live, The Nation Must Die: The Fluidity of African Identity in a Changing Continent”, Ms Graca Machel was of the view that essential leadership was required to steer the people of the continent beyond the thinking and views of its component part to a broader one of oneness, without losing the elements of its diversity.

Mandela’s widow, who spoke on Pan-Africanism and development, said that she disagrees on the view “that for the nation to live, the tribe must die”.

“In Africa, it’s only Tanzania that has a semblance of cohesion despite diversity. Africa is much more than French, Portuguese or English speaking countries. There must be value added in the drive for an African identity”, she said.

She also emphasized that the place, role and mindset of women must also be improved.