African renaissance and democracy

This title in essence asks the perennial question: Why is Africa unable to rid itself of endless conflict after decades of independence from colonial rule? Why has liberation from colonial oppression not brought internal liberation to the people of Africa? In this philosophical essay the auhtor, a prominent educator, former Vice-Chancellor and Ambassador, argues that South Africa's distinctive political history should place it on a course different from most other African countries, but is it really so? He courageously asks a series of uncomfortable questions, whispered frequently around dinner tables, but rarely debated in public.