This archive report was first published on 10 November 2019.
As the world grapples with the challenges of the 21st century, it's heartening to see nations come together and celebrate each other's successes. For Africa, the past few weeks have been particularly special, with South Africa taking center stage.
On November 10, 2019, the Springboks made history by defeating England in the Rugby World Cup, a momentous occasion that brought pride and joy to the continent. This achievement was soon followed by comedian Trevor Noah's recognition by the National Democratic Institute in the US, a testament to his outstanding contributions to the art of comedy.
As the author of this piece so eloquently puts it, 'The Wakanda effect, exceptionalism, whatever you are comfortable calling it, just roll. You have had an excellent couple of weeks with two particular highlights and it is only fair to share with the rest of Africa neh?' Indeed, it's only fair that we acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of our neighbors, especially when they bring us joy and pride.
As Trevor Noah so aptly put it in his acceptance speech, 'The ability to laugh at a leader who does not want to be laughed at is one of the core pillars of freedom.' His words remind us that laughter and joy are essential components of a free and democratic society, and that we should strive to create a world where everyone can laugh together, without fear of judgment or retribution.
So, let us take a moment to tip our hats to South Africa and thank them for reminding us that we're all human beings, deserving of respect, dignity, and joy. As the author so eloquently puts it, 'We needed that smile.'
