Africa can be a giant, but we must stand up: iLIVE

Africa has the potential to be a prosperous continent. It is common knowledge that Africa is rich in minerals, yet is the most impoverished continent in the world.

Many governments in Africa have failed their people by colluding with ex-colonisers to extract the continent's wealth.

As Africans, we do not have control over our own resources.

Most African countries achieved independence in the 1960s and 1970s, but Africa remains colonised and oppressed.

It is not yet free.

As Africans, we need to decolonise our minds and work towards the renaissance we dream about.

When independence was attained for the first time in Africa, African people thought they would finally have control over their mineral resources. However, often Western countries wield majority shares and African governments might get a mere 30% of all mining profits.

Even though Africa does not have the capital to erect mines, we must not accede to anything less than 50% to avoid a situation where investors have more say than government.

This suffering of people can also be ascribed to greedy African leaders who accept bribes and disregard the people who put them in power.

The reinvention and the rebirth of Africa is crucial .

We cannot sit back, fold our arms and watch when our beloved African continent goes down further when we can do something ourselves, particularly with all the mineral resources we have at our disposal.

If we can successfully reach consensus in relation to conflicts in Africa, and successfully engage on issues of peace and security, then I see nothing preventing us from living the dream of African renaissance.

Africa cannot always depend on hand-outs.

We need to be self-sustaining and highlight the need for our children to learn science, mathematics and technology to produce engineers capable of creating economic growth.

Africa must also develop future leaders who have the desire to change their nations for the better.

While investment in Africa is welcome, we must be wary of the motive. We cannot afford to be colonised again.

Former president Thabo Mbeki is working tirelessly together with other former heads of states and current leaders to realise the dream of an African renaissance.

Let us create a continent free of injustice, dictators and corruption.