Dr Dlamini Zuma’s observation that Africa should use narratives of the past, present and future as an impetus to accelerate a forward looking agenda of Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance in the 21st century are worthy of note.

The continent’s rich history of successes, failures, blunders, engagements, and calamities, among others, ought to be raw materials from which the continent can tackle stagnation and weave a forward looking tapestry of a peaceful, productive and prosperous continent. This will not come on a silver platter. It will take proactive concerted efforts from Africa's leadership and citizenry to realize these aspirations. Let it not be said that Africa has not learnt from history.