“Africa is rarely considered by global historians, anthropologists, political scientists and scholars of postcolonial studies when considering factors that shaped the 20th century world. The battles for social justice and civil equality are viewed from a western context. My research demonstrates that the global movement for African independence changed the sociopolitical landscape.” says Sobers.

“African independence movements tried to break down white supremacy and predatory capitalism to create a new global order,” says Sobers. “Opponents to the movements worried that self-government on the African continent would undermine global stability.

“While it is easy now to dismiss the decolonization moment in Africa, the historical record demonstrates that powerful states were sincerely frightened of what this new world would look like. This helps to explain the disappointments of Third World solidarity movements — challenges from within and from without.”

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The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the necessity to rethink the existing economic model informed by capitalist logics of exploitation and profit-making. In many instances, the desire for profit trumps consideration for welfare and the environment.

In many African countries, exploitation of minerals without beneficiation, or value addition, has . This compromises people’s health and ability to cope with the outbreak of a pandemic of the magnitude of COVID-19.

What emerged poignantly from coping with COVID-19 is the urgent need to think about the welfare of the many, rather than profits and consumerism. An economy of welfare considers the workers, women and other vulnerable groups in the society.

Capitalism, which extols profit maximisation, needs to make way for social capitalism. This would give living wages for workers and care for the environment are given higher priority. Failure to rethink the current model will accentuate poverty and inequality. This, in turn, will make people more vulnerable to global shocks that may result from future pandemics.

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Beyond SDG 5: African Women Innovation and the Future

• When: May 18, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM
• Where: , Room 270-274, �Ӱ�ԭ�� University ()
• Cost: Free, but you must register
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