We in Africa have been blessed to have the support of Rotarians around the world for projects that have positively impacted millions of lives; through End Polio Now, through RFHA, through providing wells, and building libraries.

But we as Africans also carry the vision of “The African Century”; the belief or hope that the 21st century will bring peace, prosperity and cultural revival to Africa. Former South African president Thabo Mbeki is passionate about this idea; so too is U2’s frontman Bono.

Can we make this come true?

Many of our friends around the world have heard the word “Ubuntu”, and probably associate it with the free software company which today powers most of the internet. That company’s founder, Mark Shuttleworth, was the first African in space. And he took that word from the Nguni languages spoken by most of southern Africa. It means “humanity” but is often translated as “I am because you are”.

One of Africa’s greatest moral leaders, Archbishop Emeritus Mpilo Desmond Tutu, proffered that “A person with Ubuntu is open and available to others, affirming of others, does not feel threatened that others are able and good, based from a proper self-assurance that comes from knowing that he or she belongs in a greater whole and is diminished when others are humiliated or diminished, when others are tortured or oppressed.”

WE ARE PEOPLE OF ACTION

Council on Resolution

Resolutions from various districts Worldwide were sent to RI and all the Representatives of the Council on Resolutions (COR) as well as Council of Legislation (COL) had to cast their votes online. The results came out recently and can be viewed by going to www.MyRotary.org to the Learning and reference centre section. You can then scroll to Policies and Procedures. When you then click on that, it will take you to Council on Legislation and Resolutions. Or simply click here, which links directly to Councils of Legislation and all the Resolutions.

Resolutions of interest are: 20R – 10; 20R – 11; 20R – 13; 20R – 14; 20R – 25

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