So Covid-19 is here amongst us – a lifeless entity invisible to the human eye has brought our world to a stop! Revolutionary almost! The cover story of this issue is celebrating one of Africa’s most renowned revolutionary thinkers and activists: Prof Samir Amin who passed away on 12 August 2018. Amin devoted his life to the study of global capitalism and wrote extensively urging us to refuse the dictatorship of money, to rebuild and extend democracy, to de-link from Euro-centric policies and adopt an overall strategy of ‘self-reliance’, to globalize social struggles … and so much more. We hope that readers will glean some valuable knowledge and insights from this selection of his writings and the reflections.
In March this year we bid farewell to one of Kenya’s best known humanists – Sir Mohinder Dhillon, the world-renowned photographer. Tributes from his closest associates in Nairobi will vouch for the love and esteem he was held in. In March too one of Kenya’s most distinguished nationalists and freedom fighters, Dr FRS de Souza who helped to usher in independence, passed away in London.
Covid-19 has disrupted and impoverished the lives of millions and killed tens of thousands. Africa for the most part has so far been spared the worst but we cannot afford to be complacent because this virus is relatively unknown and very tenacious. We have to adapt to this ‘new normal’, follow the protocols and ensure that we and our communities remain safe and well.
The restrictions placed on travel and transport resulted in a loss of 90% of the magazines we posted to our international subscribers. After much deliberation we have decided to distribute this issue on an e-platform. Perhaps this will become the ‘new normal’ – yet to be decided! Your views on this matter are most welcome.
Meanwhile Happy Reading, dear Reader, stay safe and stay well.
