In a recent address celebrating 150 years since the first Indian workers arrived in Durban, South African President Jacob Zuma praised the Indian community for playing a "vital role" in South Africa's history and maintaining a distinct identity.

Indeed, few countries in the world have an ancient and diverse culture as India's. Stretching back over 5000 years, India's culture has been enriched by successive waves of migration. India’s physical, religious and racial variety is as immense as its linguistic diversity. Underneath this diversity lies the continuity of Indian civilization and social structure from the very earliest times until the present day. Modern India presents a picture of unity in diversity to which history provides no parallel.

On the other hand, it is pathetic that Africa, the cradle of civilization is yet to rediscover itself, its interests and its identity.  Africa is torn between the Western influence and now, the advancing East. Ironically, the influencing regions have maintained their identity as Africa’s culture has continually been eroding.

It is imperative that we [Africans] identify who we are; where we came from; where we are; why we are where we are; where we want to go and how to get there. Only then shall we be able to craft a strategy to take charge of our affairs. Short of this path, we shall play other peoples’ tunes but have no tune of our own.