Former president of South Africa Photo/ newzimbabwe.com

Dear Sir,

It gives me great pleasure to address you in this note. I know that this might strike you as unusual since, I guess, it is not every day that you get engaged in conversations by ‘ordinary’ folk like me.

Sir, I admire the passion you have for Africa’s development and prosperity, and I share the faith in this continent – that is why I am writing this to you.

I am responding to a suggestion you made at the World Economic Forum in Cape Town a few days ago  over the establishment of an African school of public policy.

Much as I think that an institution that helps African governments develop and implement homegrown policies would be a great idea, I am afraid it might not amount to much. I am not a policy expert, and neither am I a pessimist, but I am convinced that the bigger problem lies in our lack of discipline.

Our governments are known for lopsided priorities, usually based on whether or not it makes political sense. This is one of the reasons why most of the well-crafted visions and ideas rarely take off and the potential of Africa remains just that – potential.

Not that we have incapable individuals as our leaders; far from it. I guess these are just nice gentlemen and a lady who are victims of circumstance. Sir, you have been in the top seat and I am sure this sounds like a familiar scenario.

Therefore, I submit to you that in itself, an African school of policy might not translate into much for the continent’s development.

However, it is a step in the right direction. It is for this reason that I leave you with the wise words of Lao-Tzu, a Chinese philosopher: “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”.

Yours faithfully,

Proud African