I found this letter written by our own Gina Wilson, born and bred in Bulawayo but now of course, living abroad, as are so many of our Countrymen and women. A few alterations as Gina wrote this letter in 2011!!
'When I think of myself, I believe I am an citizen of Africa - rooted in the amazing camaraderie and community that Africa means for so many people across the world. I could probably count, on one hand, people who I know have shunned being an African and who never wish to return. But for that (literal!) handful, there are 55 handfuls of others who, even after spending 30 years on another continent, would move back to Africa tomorrow. You can take the African out of Africa, but you can NEVER take the Africa out of an African.
Recently there has been a migration back to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe of youngsters. People with heart and soul, who see the potential of raising their kids under African skies, who smile at the thought of kikuyu lawn being cried on by African thunderstorms and who love love love the red stains on their feet when the African soil powders your legs! I have such faith that they will make a go of it. They are the lucky one's - who still have citizenship and an entrepreneurial spirit. Some days I envy their vision.
Africa is the holder of my heart - and I am not alone in this. There is no way that Africa doe not move any person who takes their first step on African soil. It is almost as though Africa is the DNA link between those who are and those who are not. It's like chutzpah - you either got it or you don't!
1 - we are admired the world over for our unerring, unshakeable sense of patriotism
2 - we know how to make a plan - for ANYTHING - literally....
3 - the word community extends to your mother's auntie's sister's ex-husband's kids from his first marriage...I jest, but seriously - in Africa you grow up knowing that EVERYONE is always welcome, there is always enough food to feed a 1000 and you often need not ask - just arrive with extra's!
4 - there is always a reason to party and celebrate...we make fireworks with damp squib's (figuratively not literally...that would be impossible!!!!)
5 - there are African's everywhere. I bought a pastry from a Cheese and Wine festival on Friday night on the South Bank. I looked at the man behind the counter. I knew he was from Africa. I cannot tell you how or why - no tell tale signs whats ver. So I have now become totally accustomed to asking people - I am a curious being. And I was right - he was from Kenya!!!!
6 - people are so willing to help - even complete strangers will assist you in a pickle.
7 - someone always knows someone who knows someone who has a spare bed/car/freezer/school uniform/hockey stick/horse to ride, etc etc etc - you get the point!
8 - there is always something to laugh at in Africa - sense of humour abounds and what doesn't make you laugh makes you insane!
9 - lift a rock and underneath it you will find an African. We are everywhere. Like a large, underestimated virtual network. One day I like to think that we will be able to make a drumming circle around the world with all of us so dispersed.
10 - Africans come from a place of inherent goodness. So much suffering for so many reasons on our beloved continent. But always caring, compassion and concern for our fellow human beings.
I am proudly African. I know many of my friends and family are too. Are you If so, why not share some of the reasons why you love Africa with me -
GINA LEE WILSON
ginaleewilson@gmail.com
Yours in passion for our beloved continent xxxx
WATCH DOG