Online Reporter
Pastor Sikhumbuzo Dube
AFRICANS should be proud of their beautiful land, a continent blessed with some of the greatest Wonders of the World and a heritage that continues to shape human history. This pride is not misplaced sentiment; it is rooted in truth, achievement and enduring contribution.
They should be proud because civilisation itself began in Africa, long before the modern world learned to name and define progress.
In the early centuries B.C., the Egyptians had already developed hieroglyphics, a sophisticated system of writing that preserved knowledge, culture and governance while much of the world was still grappling with rudimentary communication.
African architecture, too, has consistently stood as some of the most impressive work humanity has ever produced, marrying beauty, symbolism and engineering ingenuity.
Consider Great Zimbabwe, its towering stone walls laid without mortar, standing firm across centuries, or the pyramids of Egypt, monuments so precise and enduring that they continue to confound modern engineers. Before the era of renowned mathematicians and physicists, these structures were built through astonishing calculations, allowing light to enter through carefully designed angles and reflections that reveal an advanced grasp of geometry and astronomy.
Imhotep, an African, designed these pyramids and temples and engineered what were then the longest boats in the world, leaving behind a legacy of brilliance that still commands global admiration. Although there is much debate over who the chief architect was in the construction of St Peter’s Cathedral, it is worth pausing to recognise the contribution of one African-Arab whose influence shaped monumental works far beyond his homeland. Vitruvius was the chief engineer in the building of St Peter’s and the Leaning Tower of Pisa, applying principles that would influence architectural thought for generations. Let us also consider Zimbabwe’s second-largest city, whose design was influenced by King Lobengula’s remarkable architectural vision.
Lobengula’s town was itself a world wonder, designed with the intelligent use of space to prevent intrusion into private property and to protect its inhabitants.
It was almost impenetrable. Lobengula was an architect who practised what can be called “Trinitarian” architecture, because he was the owner, the designer and the builder.
To demonstrate that the king had indeed designed a powerful world wonder, there are compelling points worth noting.
Firstly, when the town was burnt at 8:00 am, news of its destruction appeared in a Belgian newspaper by 3:00 pm, declaring that Bulawayo was no more.
Secondly, when Patrick Fletcher later designed and planned Bulawayo, the City of Kings, he echoed Lobengula’s exquisite layout, adding a Roman influence but clearly borrowing from the original genius of its founder.
I am not speaking about buildings and cities because I am a bricklayer, nor am I speaking about African accomplishments simply because I am African.
All I am trying to say to fellow Africans is this: “You are special!” Some Africans have done it, and you can do it too.
Your skin colour is not the colour of your life.
My fellow gospel minister, Aaron Rusukira, captured this truth powerfully when he said, “Melanin is a black pigmentation not a brain fluid.”
Hats off to true Africans who do not think less of themselves; men like Nigel Chanakira, who has established himself as an entrepreneur, and great writers such as Chinua Achebe, Chenjerai Hove and Phathisa Nyathi.
Hats off as well to motivational writers and speakers like the banker Milton Kamwendo, whose words continue to inspire many.
Nor should we forget Ladysmith Black Mambazo, whose indelible influence has been felt across the globe in the entertainment industry.
Through their unique isicathamiya and imbube music, they have travelled widely, performing to international audiences and carrying African soundscapes to the world.
They have collaborated with artists such as Paul Simon, Josh Groban, Dolly Parton, Ben Harper, Stevie Wonder and many others, proving that African artistry resonates universally.
Consider also the contribution of Hassan Fathy, an Egyptian vernacular architect who lived from 1900 to 1989.
He played a pivotal role in addressing the housing needs of the world’s poor, offering dignity through design.
Though African by birth, he challenged modern architectural models that reserved quality housing only for the wealthy.
Recognising that a third of the world’s population lives in earthen structures, Hassan Fathy encouraged a return to “Trinity Architecture”: Owner, Architect and Craftsman.
In this philosophy, the owner becomes both designer and builder, restoring control and dignity to the people themselves.
In his book Architecture for the Poor, Hassan Fathy argued that it is not enough to copy even the finest buildings from another generation or locality.
He insisted there should be neither fake tradition nor artificial modernity, but rather an architecture that becomes the visible and lasting expression of a community’s character.
Today, many housing challenges are addressed through Fathy’s principles, which allow even the poorest to live in simple yet dignified accommodation.
Countless people across the world owe the shelter they call home to the vision of this African architect.
Why did Fathy encourage the use of materials found within one’s own locality? Because sustainability, dignity and identity begin at home.
Beyond architecture, he was also a gifted planner, poet and environmentalist, deeply attuned to humanity’s relationship with the land.
In 1980, his work was recognised globally when he received the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, the Balzan Prize for Architecture and Urban Planning, and the Right Livelihood Award.
Africa also preserved posterity for the chosen nation, enabling our Saviour to be born in accordance with divine purpose.
Even at His birth, the Lord found refuge in Africa. It was an African who bore the cross of Christ when the weight of humanity’s transgressions overwhelmed the Saviour of the world.
The first drops of Jesus’ blood fell upon African skin. The Ethiopian eunuch searched earnestly for truth at a time when others were blinded to the prophecies pointing to Christ.
All these examples speak clearly to us: Why complain about being African? Do not use skin colour as an excuse for abandoning your dreams.
Grace sees beyond the curse, and Christ looks to the need rather than the fault.
The psalmist proclaims, “Princes shall come out of Egypt, Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God!” (Ps 68:31).
“My scattered people who live in the Sudan, beyond the rivers of Ethiopia, will come with their offerings, asking me to be their God again” (Zeph 3:10).
*Sikhumbuzo Dube is a pastor, chaplain, counsellor and founder of Shunem Care, a ministry serving the involuntarily childless, and has published widely on spiritual care, mental health, chaplaincy and involuntary childlessness.
