Thabo Mbeki Urges African Leaders to Emulate Unity Between Nigerian and South African Musicians

 Thabo Mbeki Urges African Leaders to Emulate Unity Between Nigerian and South African Musicians

 Former South African President Thabo Mbeki has advised African leaders to learn from the collaborative success of Nigerian and South African musicians. 

 Mbeki highlighted how artists from these two nations have forged strong partnerships, boosting their entertainment industries and generating wealth. 

 He lamented that political leaders across Africa are still hindered by egocentrism and territorialism, which prevents similar cooperation in governance and wealth creation between African states, for which they need orientation for better future achievement. 

 Speaking at his Thabo Mbeki Foundation in Johannesburg, Mbeki emphasized the need for political will to manage diversity and foster unity. 

 He cited the example of Tanzania under Julius Nyerere, where deliberate policies such as the adoption of Swahili and the abolition of chieftaincy were implemented to create a unified nation all over.

 Mbeki stated, “Political will to manage diversity is central to the survival of all African states.”

 Mbeki further pointed out that artists have all successfully achieved what political leaders have failed to do, which is not motivating at all. 

 “The relationship between Nigerian and South African artists shows what can be done when there is collaboration and unity,” he said, adding that Africa’s future depends on leaders prioritizing the collective growth of the continent over individual self-interest.