Joramu Nkumbi: Let the African Continent Not Lose the Entire Century
Joramu Nkumbi, Tanzanian leadership coach and author
Mmerikani’s Substack consists of sourced, edifying quotes in a dual-language format (Swahili & English). I am a Quaker, runner, and was formally trained in Swahili.
[Scroll down for the English]
KISWAHILI
“Yanonekana kama tumeshakwenda ubenibeni [bara la Afrika], tumekwenda mvange na tumeshapoteza miaka hamsini kama bara la Afrika basi tusiende arijojo tena na kupoteza karne hii [kabisa]. Waama tuende kwa kukumbatia maazimio kuntu na matamanio ajwadi ya wazee wetu….
“Kitabu hiki…kuelezea fahari na utajiri wa Tanzania na Afrika kwa ujumla, changamoto zinazotukabili na namna ya kuzitatua ili kusonga mbele kama watu majabari, watu shupavu.
“Sisi ni akina nani, tofauti yetu iko wapi katika dunia ya leo? Je, tukumbatie lipi tusinonekane wajinga mithili ya mtu akumbatiavyo maji kwa kiganja cha mkono? Wapi tushikilie kidinindi na wapi tuachilie…?”
- Joramu Nkumbi, kocha wa uongozi, mwandishi, na mzungumzajia wa hamasa wa Tanzania
ENGLISH TRANSLATION
“It seems like we [African continent] have already gone astray—we have gone off the path. We have already lost fifty years as the continent of Africa…let us not continue flailing about and lose this [entire] century. Assuredly, let us embrace the distinguished declarations and exemplary aspirations of our ancestors….
“This book…describes the pride and abundant resources of Tanzania—and Africa as a collective—the challenges we face and how to disentangle ourselves from them in order to progress as a brave people, a courageous people.
“Who are we as a people and what is our distinction in today’s world? What should we embrace so that we don't appear like a fool who tries to hold water in his hand? What should we firmly hold on to and what should we let go…?”
- Joramu Nkumbi, leadership coach, author, and motivational speaker from Tanzania
Chanzo (source): Nkumbi, Joramu. Ulumbi na Walumbi: Mchango wa Tanzania Barani Afrika. Dar es Salaam: JAMANA Publishers, Ltd., 2023, pages xv-xvi.