By Aydn Parrott
In 2020, I was invited by Raimi Joseph Abidemi of the Let’s Read Initiative to present a webinar hosted by the Nigerian-based organisation on 25 July 2020
My Topic was The Effect of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Government, NGOs and People.
I focused on the concept of “rewriting the African story to build a more resilient continent”
Today, a year and a half later, what I presented is still applicable and if anything there is more acceptance that the world is changing at a ridiculous rate and rather than waiting for it to return to normal, we need to look at how we can start capitalising on the change and identifying ways in which challenges brought on by change can offer an opportunity for innovation in Africa.
Governments have to deal with limited resources that need to be stretched even further. That is as the private sector tightens its belt, and limits its financial support for interventions due to a closed economy.
Governments still needs to provide service delivery while simultaneously offering emergency relief, so overall we sit with a more disgruntled public and private sector
Management thinker Peter Drucker says, “Effective leadership is not about making speeches or being liked; leadership is defined by results not attributes.”
Likewise, young African business leader Tokologo Phetla says, “a results-oriented leader is more dependable in the long run than an enthusiastic, inspirational one – although the latter has the possibility to produce more magic.”
In Africa we need political leadership that is decisive. Political leadership that is willing to make difficult and at times unpopular decisions.
As controversial foreign policy veteran Dr. Henry Kissinger says, “large goals require farsighted policies, not tactical maneuvering”
Decisions need to be made with an eye to long term effects.
Government is arguably felt most tangibly at the local government level, where there is a greater interaction between government and the individual and communities. Often working to pick up where government is really struggling are NGOs and NPOs.
However, NPOs and NGOs are often limited in their ability to operate but also have the existing capacity and organisational infrastructure to carry out effective community relief work.
Many international service clubs like Rotary International and Lions International have adapted their work to the needs of the pandemic.
They have shifted from multiple causes to mainly providing personal protective equipment and other Covid-19 related relief.
Essentials that have become more of a priority, and should become a bigger priority, include food and feminine hygiene products like sanitary pads. Add to this increased depression and anxiety in households.
Amid deaths caused directly by Covid-19, there are also those caused by other illnesses related to lockdown and its effects. Children and families staying together in confined living spaces with a lack of income also means they struggle to afford basic healthcare which leads to increased mortality rates. In some countries lockdown has affected how effective NGOs can be
Finally, the effect on the private sector and government ultimately leads to the effect on people.
People are challenged at home, at work , and in their communities. Working environments have been adapted , but there is still a lot that can be done to adapt working environments to remote and hybrid working models.
Those working from home have had to get used to more friends and family in their space. While working and the challenges of not having the same facilities at home as you would at work comes with its own struggles
This all also leads to an immense sense of uncertainty and powerlessness
In Africa this is compounded by mass unemployment, stagnating growth and little to no job creation
Children are robbed of essential stimulation and interaction.
What effects will Covid-19 and Lockdown have on early childhood and long-term development?
International mediator and writer on conflict Rabbi Marc Gopin says, “it is a noble thing to walk upon this earth knowing that every day you have tried to train yourself to build relationships rather than destroy them.”
Now is the time to look to people around us, to find new ways to connect and support each other.
South African tech leader Michael Jordaan recently tweeted, “What could possibly go right in 2022? “
My first thought was if everything went right there would be no need for innovative solutions, especially in Africa.
Africa needs optimism, results based leadership and adaptability to tackle and survive the pandemic.
According to the Humanitarian Leadership Academy, the work of a humanitarian is to provide emotional support, bring out the best in people, and work in an impartial and neutral manner.
Humanitarians also need to find ways to preserve human dignity.
In this sense, as a storyteller, the work I do is the work of a humanitarian.
I allow and encourage people to share their stories.
Stories that connect with and inspire others.
In the climate of a pandemic, where lots of people are feeling down, it’s good to hear inspiring stories from others.
Hearing that others have had similar experiences and survived creates hope and builds resilience among citizens.
Storytelling is humanitarian in its ability to bring out the good in people and in this way it provides emotional support.
Humanitarians are impartial and neutral; storytelling allows people to voice their differing opinions on the blog.
What is being done to ensure that we are making work and other facilities as well as essential services accessible to those with disabilities?
So the question becomes how do we adapt, survive and tackle these challenges with resilience
Michael Corleone said, “Helping your fellow man is profitable.”
In spite of the challenges and immense odds stacked against us as Africans this crisis presents an opportunity to learn, to innovate and to grow.
We have the chance to reflect on what works, what doesn’t and how we can prepare and build African communities that are adequately prepared for the Africa of tomorrow.
We can look at how to redesign schools, NGOs, government and communities so that they are more resilient and better prepared to tackle more challenges in a way that turns them into opportunities.
As political writer Jan-Jan Joubert says, “we must at all times remain open-minded and not become mere herd animals, mere followers.”
Joubert says, “the ability of the individual to think empirically , to act with empathy and to function proactively is at the core of our liberal way of life.”
So we need to keep abreast of key facts. Question, think critically and challenge our own assumptions.
We need to look at Africa, how things were, how things are, and how things could be.
This is what African Tip will look at and offer insights into.
LinkedIn: Aydn Parrott
Twitter: Aydn Parrott
