Chiedza Vol 4 No 1 Globalization and Social Commitment in Africa

Abstract

This edition of CHIEDZA opens us up to the new economy of meaning and understanding of the linkage between thinking globally and acting locally. CHIEDZA seeks to explore and examine the implications of the philosophy behind globalisation as well as other social commitments for Africa. And this kind of philosophy is a philosophy of action. Its primordial intention and motivation derives from a desire to transform, refigure and transfigure the deplorable image that has been portrayed about the African continent. Professor Nicholas Lash's public lecture at Anupe College a couple of years ago portrays a Catholic University as a place dedicated with a creative commitment to teaching and research. He proffers an insight that universities are places where people try to deepen their understanding of things in order to harvest an abundant wealth of learning and discovery. The frequent reference to the law by African leaders and political activists is striking. Horman Chitonge critically evaluates the sources of law while simultaneously unveiling the difficulties encountered by states as they attempt applying constitutional democracy in Africa. Do people always get the kind of leadership they deserve? Such is an intriguing question that brings us to the new dawn in Africa, a continent where most of its (ageing and ineffective) leaders still think that the future of their countries depend solely on them. Africa is not a hopeless or helpless continent left at the mercy of disease and despair. Africa is a continent of hope and optimism. In a thoughtprovoking article on cultural duality and leadership in Africa, Stanislas Bigirimana delves to unmask the tension between social doctrines of leaders and the political diScourse of average citizens. The "dictatorship of the elected" is a possibility that cannot be ignored. Though some people take globalisation as a new religion, its multidimensional nature and manifold implications raise a forest of meaningful questions on the African continent and elsewhere. CHIEDZA publishes Peter Henriot's incisive paper given at Arrupe College Mini - Philosophical Conference held on 3 lsi March 2001, under the theme "Land and Globalisation in Africa: Challenges for the Continem." The discourse on this interesting subject generates more questions than answers. Philosophy is an activity. On one hand, it opens us to see the aporias of human existence. On the other hand, it brings us to plenitude of understanding and gives us a detour and euporia towards a better future. In Africa, globalisation becomes a meaningful project only within the context of human concern, commitment, Editorial compassion and cooperation. As such, solidarity becomes the sole motif and engine for propelling globalisation to jts goal of progress for the entire human family. Practically, Peter Henriot calls for a "globalisation without marginalisation." In addition, CHIEDZA fully understands that the Church's social teaching, (others have labelled it as our best kepi secret.I), is a way of responding to the economic and social challenges facing humanity. The vast majority of people work. toil and labour, but only a few act. Stephen Rowntree's contribution in this edition shows how the social teaching of the Church discerns these challenges, and the «signs of the times" while seeking to promote the integrity and the dignity of all people. He traces the historical development of the social teaching of the Church and applies it to the "New World Order." The African traditional societies with Lheir purity and homogeneity do not exist anymore. Nowadays Africans are Christians, they read the bible and adore Yahweh. ln our desire to remember our past, understand our present, and to tackle the future with renewed confidence and lucidity, Patrick Madigan reminds us of the context in which Christianity was born. Ignatius Makumborenga shows us how prophets of the Old Testament handled social injustices. Eya Ikechukwu raises the intriguing question about our belief in a "benevolent" God in face of our daily encounter and experience of evil CHIEDZA Editorial Staff would like to ex-press its gratitude towards our generous contributors through whom we have been able to participate in the global intellectual community.

William Midzi, S.J.

Editor-In-Chief