Reflections on how the re-awakening Africans theme was birthed…

Every theme has a purpose and background.

I was browsing the internet in October of 2023, searching for the latest headlines on the continent. I clicked on this link that led me to another link, you know how it goes. I then found myself on a TikTok video of a South Africa woman pleading with South African citizens to rethink emigration. 

She shared a heartfelt video of her experiences living in another country as an African. I reviewed the comments on her post. More expats were sharing their experiences abroad and urging Africans to make more informed decisions regarding emigration. I admired her courage and vulnerability to go on a social media platform to share a different perspective. She went as far as encouraging Africans to exhaust all options before considering emigration. She also stated that although she is faced with challenges she believes her decision to emigrate will be beneficial for her children in the future. 

There the term making headlines ‘reverse immigration that’s what it is referred to’. According to Tax Consulting SA, the migration patterns in 2024 are set to remain “dynamic”, but there are a growing number of South Africans who once left local shores that are now contemplating a “return to their roots”. Property group of Chas Everitt Rory O’ Hagan in an eNCA interview stated that ‘’it could be the case of the grass not always being greener on the other side, or access to more dollars. Expats are returning home in droves’’.

There are many factors that contribute to reverse immigration such as socio-economic factors, supportive infrastructure and lifestyle driven decisions. However, I tapped into my awakening when Rory O’ Hagan emphasised that although South Africa is faced with so many challenges, the issues we encounter are fixable. 

There it was, he whispered ‘possibility’. In the midst of the many challenges that we encounter in South Africa sometimes we tend to forget the beauty, possibility and the hope in our land. We have forgotten the significance of the imprint left by our ancestors on our soil. The life that’s in our soil that gives birth to new beginnings. The humanity that’s in our hearts. The courage that we are birthed with.

Generally, it is natural to forget our capabilities as Africans when adversities such as loadshedding, crime, unemployment and inequalities stare at us daily.  It is disheartening to have to witness business closures to the impact of loadshedding and crime. The growing depression young people are faced with because of unemployment is disheartening. However, also having some expats contemplating their return because of supportive infrastructure is something we cannot take lightly.

With that being said, that is the background and purpose of this year’s theme.

Theme- Re-awakening Africans; A purposeful pursuit to unlocking and breathing life into the African dream

It’s a tribute to Africa and Africans. We want to use storytelling to awaken Africans and the African dream. Sharing insightful information using stories told by Africans to shed light and give a different perspective. We also want to remind Africans that this is home.

We believe as Botlhale Hub Afrika we cannot implement this vision alone and therefore we are open for collaborations or partnerships. 

If you or your organisation align to our vision, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us via email or please DM me directly . 

We are also available for speaking engagement, write-ups and consultations.

We have a rate card with our services.

Read Africa. Write about Africa. Put Africa first!

The hashtag to follow is #africabelongstoUS , #amplifyingvoices and #authenticstories.

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