The Torch Archives - Page 3 of 4

Religion in Africa and That Bunch of Irony

January 29, 2018

| Culture, East Africa, Featured, Illustrations, Lifestyle, News, North Africa, South Africa, The Torch, West Africa, World

Africa is a continent of irony; religious practices are, indeed not far from this social reality. They are often simply entangled in the web of deceit and sarcasm. While the Western world brought Christianity to Africa, Africans are far more fanatical, zealous – and ironically, rigid – about religion than their Western counterparts. In most cases, African religious leaders interpret religious texts in such a shallow way that they do not give one a room for an alternative interpretation….

African Social Problems and the Religion Business

January 27, 2018

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| Business, Culture, East Africa, Illustrations, Lifestyle, News, North Africa, Politics, South Africa, The Torch, West Africa, World

When Karl Marx, the German philosopher, and respected economist described religion as “the opium of the masses” in his book A Contribution to the Critique of Hegel’s Philosophy of Right, published in 1843, he meant that religion had certain practical functions in society similar to the function of opium administered to a sick or injured person. The opium helps to minimize the immediate pain and suffering of the patient and provides them with pleasant illusions. At the same time,…

Zimbabwe: New Wine in an Old Bottle and Old Wine in a New Bottle

January 7, 2018

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| Illustrations, News, Politics, South Africa, The Torch, World

The political metamorphosis in Zimbabwe took place unexpectedly. No single bullet was fired. No loss of life. Zimbabweans who had got used to, and for that matter, lived to accept the 37 years of the former President Robert Mugabe’s near-absolute rule, woke up to a new political reality. Robert Mugabe had been shown the political backdoor. On the other hand, his former Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who was forced into an exile in South Africa emerged as the new President…

Angola’s New President Shakes the dos Santos’ Dynasty

January 5, 2018

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| Illustrations, News, Politics, South Africa, The Torch

If the recent political moves by Angola’s new President, João Lourenço are anything to go by, they clearly show that the new President is, in fact, not a puppet as many had believed. Single-handedly hand-picked by the former President Eduardo dos Santos, after 38 years in near absolute power, however, just five months after taking over the mantle of leadership from former President dos Santos, the actions of President João Lourenço have caused fear amongst the once untouchable Angolans,…

Consequences of Making a Wrong Diagnosis of African Problems

January 3, 2018

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| East Africa, Illustrations, News, North Africa, Politics, South Africa, The Torch, West Africa, World

Still on migration problems. While we all must commend African leaders for taking the initiative – after much pressure from the Western countries, although – to bring back home, stranded African migrants from the slave camps in Libya, the worrisome question still remains. Is that initiative the best decision? Perhaps, it might be the best decision for now; but is it really the solution to the current migration crises, which has clearly led to a modern-day slavery? Many people…

2018: The Year For Good Governance

January 1, 2018

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| East Africa, Economy, Illustrations, News, North Africa, Politics, South Africa, The Torch, West Africa

As an African, look around you. Reflect on your past. Ask yourself two simple but straightforward questions. Are you satisfied with your life? Did your government fulfill even just two of your ten expectations in the year 2017? Regardless of what your answers to those questions are, all Africans must aspire towards one thing: good governance. Good governance does not come on a platter of gold. You must fight for it. Africans must demand nothing less than good governance…

The Gist of The Year

December 30, 2017

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| Culture, Illustrations, News, Politics, South Africa, The Torch

The year 2017 is coming to an end. It is not a year without surprises. From the shocking loss and shattering of Hilary Clinton’s political ambition to the unexpected ascension of President Donald Trump to the White House. Back to Africa, the unthinkable happened in Angola and Zimbabwe. Yes, they happened unexpectedly and fast. Without a single bullet fired or life lost. Former President José Eduardo dos Santos finally listened to his health warnings and handed over to his…

The Torch – The Weah Magic?

December 29, 2017

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| Illustrations, Politics, The Torch

Africa: One Man’s Pain is Another Man’s Gain

December 27, 2017

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| Illustrations, News, Politics, South Africa, The Torch

Despite some good-hearted Africans out there, the continent still has a bunch of fastidious, sagacious, heartless leaders, who are not only morally bankrupt but would not have any moral distress, capitalizing on the pains of others to achieve their selfish goals. Yes, they would not stop at anything to get rich quickly. Absolutely, even if it means milking on the miseries of the poor or affected ones. What do you expect in a culture, where what matters most is one’s riches…

Sierra Leone: The Aftermath of the Mudslide and Flood Disaster

December 25, 2017

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| News, Politics, The Torch, West Africa

After the devastating twin tragic mudslide and flood disaster in Sierra Leone in August, the victims have been left miserably frustrated and disappointed as a result of the failure of the government to honour her promise and provide an “exit package” for the affected citizens. Worse still, while the victims and other concerned Sierra Leoneans are bitterly complaining about the government’s unacceptable behaviour, the Director of Disaster Management at the Office of National Security, John Rogers, who is directly…