From the womb, we inherit a curse rooted in the theosophy of our ancestors. This curse is tied to our bloodline, an unchosen legacy that binds us to the past. Seeking escape from this cycle is a quest for wisdom, yet it means challenging the deeply ingrained beliefs passed down through generations. By doing so, we risk sinning against the sacred oaths sworn by our forebears, whose ancient power and wisdom still reign supreme.
Our African ancestors lived life on their own terms, without our input, yet we are their representatives today. Despite their foresight in considering future generations, most of their possessions were ephemeral, lacking the lasting impact they had envisioned. Without modern institutions like banks or foundations to preserve wealth, their tried-and-true methods were severely disrupted during the Scramble for Africa. Today, we inherit the land, the bloodline, and the enduring legacy of our ancestors. However, the rapid changes unfolding around us were unforeseen by them, leaving us to navigate the challenges of building a winning legacy in the face of colonialism and its ongoing impact.
Many of these ancestral rituals took place in secluded locations, known only to a select few family leaders. These sacred covenants obligated descendants to reside within designated territories, as stipulated by their elders. Similarly, these ancient practices can be likened to modern-day agreements, where both parties have obligations and any breach of contract would require compensation or restitution.
The rapid pace of modernization has led to the violation of many ancestral covenants. As settlers expanded their presence, our ancestors were forcibly displaced from their ancestral lands and coerced into adopting new economic systems. With the introduction of industrialization, the settlers' demand for a standardized currency left our ancestors with limited options, forcing them to exchange their labor for survival. Consequently, many were relegated to working on settlers' plantations, mines, and eventually, their residential areas.
The African resistance was short-lived, as European colonizers wielded superior weaponry and imposed new trade systems that disrupted traditional African ways of life. The centralized governance structure eroded tribal autonomy, leading to a loss of control over their cultural morals and values. Forced to adapt to living in compounds and urban centers, Africans had to conform to a new legal framework imposed by the Roman-Dutch Law, which further undermined their indigenous systems of governance and justice.
The conversion of our elders to Christianity led to a shift away from traditional practices, as they sought to appease their colonial masters. Many ancient rituals, once performed in secret caves, remain unrevoked and unfulfilled. Today, we continue to violate the sacred agreements between our ancestors and their ancestral spirits, disregarding the very beliefs that once defined us.
Your transgressions stem from two fundamental realities: you carry the blood of your ancestors, making you a direct beneficiary of their legacy, yet you remain unaware of the sacred commitments they made on behalf of your lineage. This ignorance only exacerbates the issue. Ironically, you invest time and effort in studying the culture and ways of the European colonizers, emulating their practices, despite having no ancestral ties to them.
Altering a course set in motion before our birth requires profound wisdom. The African practices that once defined us were maligned as evil, while modern methods were aggressively commercialized, pressuring us to renounce our ancestral ways. Some African traditions were even criminalized. For instance, brewing beer, a practice steeped in cultural significance and spiritual belief, now carries a jail term for those found guilty.
In the modern era, some Africans continue to observe ancient traditions, but with heightened secrecy. People now clandestinely consult traditional healers under the cover of darkness, hesitant to share their experiences even with family members. Any breach of these clandestine covenants has far-reaching consequences, affecting entire bloodlines. The initiators, bound by secrecy, never reveal the terms of their agreements. As a result, inexplicable misfortunes often beset these families, leaving them bewildered and unaware of the underlying causes.
An African child is born with inherent obligations to ancestral beliefs and practices, despite having no knowledge of or faith in them. The modern world, however, demands logic, entrepreneurship, and formal education. As you acquire skills through academic and vocational training, preparing to engage with the global economy, you unknowingly violate ancient covenants that bind you to traditional village life. This collision of worlds leaves you navigating unintended consequences, caught between the expectations of your ancestors and the demands of modern society.
Africans have yet to unite and collectively determine how to navigate the new world order while honoring their ancestral heritage. We haven't revisited the sacred sites – the caves, shrines, or Madzimbahwe – to renegotiate or update the vows our ancestors made on our behalf. When our country gained independence in 1980, our leaders took oaths on the Bible – could this be considered a new covenant? I firmly believe that, as tribes, we needed to take additional steps to reconcile our past and present. Instead, we've adopted the colonizer's mindset and practices. But have we truly cleansed our bloodlines of the sins arising from the agreements our ancestors made without our consent?
The European colonizers and their descendants face no identity crisis, as their pursuit of wealth and knowledge has been well-documented and institutionalized. Their ancestors transferred sacred agreements from caves to libraries and archives, making it easy for subsequent generations to access and understand their heritage. Institutions were established to teach their children about their identity, culture, and history. Commerce and industry are ingrained in their culture, as they have mastered the art of value addition, transforming raw materials into finished products. Their governance is defined by politics, with clear systems and structures in place. All these aspects of their society are well-documented, which is why European children spend years studying at universities.
The African son is torn, his identity lost. Despite mastering the skills and standards of the European colonizers, he feels an unshakeable void. His blood, though enriched with knowledge, wealth, and integrity in the eyes of the Western world, remains burdened by the sins of his ancestors. Has there been a reciprocal exchange of knowledge with the ancestral spirits that once guided our forebears in distinguishing poison from nourishment? Have these guardians also succumbed to the dominance of the European colonizers? If so, why must the African son continue to suffer?
The European colonizer is clear about his intentions in Africa, but the African son often denies or ignores the true nature of his interactions with the White Man. In contrast, our ancestors demonstrated resilience and resistance to the European colonizers' methods, recognizing the devastating costs of submission. Their awareness and defiance are a testament to their wisdom and foresight.
Do not misconstrue my words as racist, but it's imperative we reconnect with our ancestral heritage. In African tradition, land is a birthright, not a commodity to be bought and sold with title deeds. Every child born should inherently receive a national identity and a plot of land. Our governance systems should be rooted in the timeless wisdom of our ancestors, rather than driven by popularity, seniority, or tribal affiliations. Let us revive our indigenous methods and integrate the beneficial aspects of Western knowledge to empower ourselves. Africa must honor its ancestral roots and avoid betraying its own heritage.
Researching our identity should be a proud and open endeavor, not a secretive or shameful act. It's essential that we learn about our own tribes and heritage, unencumbered by colonial narratives. This knowledge will empower us to forge new treaties and agreements that honor our ancestors' legacy while addressing the needs of our modern era. As we assert our right to live and thrive, we must advocate for what is rightfully ours, just as our ancestors did in their time.
Written by Fred Farai Nyakudanga fredfarai@gmail.com, +263773101411,
All the content above reflects the writer's opinion.
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