Conscientize!

The 4th Generation Initiative
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“Each generation must, out of relative obscurity, discover its mission, fulfill it, or betray it” was the invitation from Frantz Fanon. What is our generational mission? What is our role as the fourth generation of African leaders in the emancipation of our continent & its peoples? Why & how can we participate effectively in the politics of our countries to bring about fundamental change? How can we employ the right ideological tools to make heads and tails of Africa's grand political casino? This podcast seeks, through discussions, to answer these questions. Conscientize! is a 4th Generation Initiative.

Episodes

  1. 12/06/2025

    Leadership, Activism & the Politics of Change | Fireside with Faith Abiodun

    We sit down with Mr. Faith Abiodun, a thought leader, executive director of United World Colleges (UWC), and former Executive Director of Future Africa. Recorded in 2021 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa, this conversation provides an in-depth look into youth involvement in leadership, activism, and the broader politics of the African continent.Tune in for a thoughtful, formative conversation that encourages critical thinking and active participation in the political and social evolution of Africa.

    1h 10m
  2. Neo-liberalism and the end of (African) history.

    09/20/2024

    Neo-liberalism and the end of (African) history.

    In this second session of “The Ideological College”, we (with Surumani Manzi, Thomas Lesaffre, Twahiirwa Asiimwe and Mushamba Dauda) consider the origins of the twin ideologies of liberalism and Neo-liberalism and their expression in Uganda including why the initially ideologically opposed NRM regime embraced it. Featured Resources The End of History?: Francis Fukuyama Liberalism: Stanford Encylopedia of Philosophy Neo-Liberalism: Stanford Encylopedia of Philosophy A United Front Against Debt: Thomas Sankara Neoliberalism: the idea that swallowed the world: Stephen Metcalf On the pitfalls of national reform: Lwazi Lushaba Freedom and Development: Julius Nyerere

    1h 11m

  3. 09/14/2024

    Politics, Ideology, and Tools of analysis

    For our very first session of "The Ideological College", I sit down with comrades Surumani Manzi, Thomas Lesaffre, Twahiirwa Asiimwe and Mushamba Dauda in Kampala. We explore what politics is, how ideology enters and features in politics and the place of/for tools of analysis. We also do a preliminary interrogation of the predominant ideology of Nationalism. Featured Resources: African political history shows the perils of institutionalised xenophobia by Thomas Lesaffre Amilcar Cabral: Tell no lies, Claim no easy victories...

    1h 4m

  4. 06/10/2021

    Ep.#006 - The Role of Technology in the African past and present ft Thomas Lesaffre - Part 2

    In Part 2, we explore the effects of technology, particularly social media on the youth. We address some of the following questions; What do we make of the so-called "Twitter generation" and "digital natives"?  What role has technology played in political mobilization and organization in the continent? What effect does technology have on the efficacy of youth involvement in politics and advocacy? What exactly is "The social dilemma"? The 4th Generation family extends its deepest gratitude to Omar Belghith who has produced this Episode and the Episode on Sankara's legacy. We convey our best wishes as he continues on his revolutionary journey.

    27 min

  5. 06/10/2021

    Ep.#006 - The Role of Technology in the African past and present ft Thomas Lesaffre - Part 1

    In this age of "planetary entanglement" and  "technological escalation", where "innovation has become the norm"; Does technology inherently lead to better outcomes? Are we to be techno-optimists or techno-pessimists? Is Technology neutral? What (whose) agenda does innovation follow? To what (whose) needs do new technologies cater? What role has technology played in the colonization and exploitation of Africa? In light of the digitalization of finance, how do we perceive the role of technology in the financialization of the poor? In Part 1 of this episode, I am joined by my politics and governance teacher Mr. Thomas Lesaffre in an attempt to answer the afore-stated questions. Mr. Thomas' Ph.D. thesis is centered on the "digitalization of finance." The closing song is 13 We are also praying / Julius Nyerere by Didier Awadi

    55 min

  6. 06/08/2021

    Ep.#005 - Dissecting Uganda's Political Present ft Surumani Manzi - Part 2

    Part 2 features a critique of Uganda's opposition, the National Unity Platform (NUP) party & the person of Bobi Wine (Robert Kyagulanyi) its leader as well as his politics. Manzi makes a case for challenge of our time, a "transition" sustained by an answer to "ethnic question." He postulates that Ugandans, just like Bobi Wine himself, may be expecting too much from the "people's messiah".  We discuss the problems plaguing grassroot politics in Uganda most notably poverty as Manzi recounts his trip around " a representative" sample of districts across the country.  Manzi offers a critique of the 11th Parliament including their ability to properly fulfill their principle functions.  We make a case for young people to be politically aware and conscientious. In addition to eliminating pedestrian thinking, we search for the hope in a seemingly bleak political situation that unjustifiably drives many into apathy.

    1h 24m

  7. 06/08/2021

    Ep.#005 - Dissecting Uganda's Political Present ft Surumani Manzi - Part 1

    From President Museveni's seemingly unending reign in power, the emergence of a new face for opposition politics in Kyagulanyi Robert Sentamu (alias Bobi Wine) with his NUP vehicle to the nature of our 11th Parliament, this episode offers a critique through a historical analysis of the moving parts of Uganda's politics.  Our guest, political commentator, Surumani Manzi approaches these intricate topics through a balanced examination of history. By way of critique, we delve into the significance of key historical events (from the 1966 Kabaka Crisis that was a major turning point in Uganda's political history) that have shaped the ethos and modus operandi of the current regime. We tackle the challenges that threaten the stability of Uganda including balkanization of the country as well as the level of "ethnic consciousness." This episode also tries to make sense of the November killings that were featured in this BBC documentary as well as the recent attempt on Gen. Katumba Wamala's life. A case is also made for a shift of focus to preparation for a Uganda post-Museveni - effectively a "transition." Surumani Manzi is a "civically and politically conscious Ugandan", a poet with the Lantern Meet and an author whose first book " They were Ugandan" - a short story anthology publishes soon. A very well read young Ugandan, Manzi also works with the African Studies Bookstore and is a critical observant of what happens in Africa's civic space. To preorder his book; "They were Ugandan."  Ending song "Dr Wangaala" by Simon Kaate Nsubuga

    1 hr

  8. 06/04/2021

    Ep.#004 - "Thomas Sankara in 21st Century Africa" ft Thomas Lesaffre - Part 2

    “The present generation of Africans is thirsty, searching for where to draw the moral, intellectual and spiritual courage to effect change. The waters to quench the thirst, as other continents have already established, lie fundamentally in history – in Africa’s forebears, men, women and children who experienced much of what most Africans currently experience, but who chose to toe a different path” and we dare add that Thomas Sankara was such a man (preuxeastafrican). In part 2, we continue our discussion on Sankara's legacy and his relevance to politics and leadership in Africa today. The episode is punctuated by Gil Scott-Heron's "The Revolution will not be televised" and Didier Awadi's "16 La Patrie Ou la mort / Thomas Sankara".

    37 min

  9. 05/26/2021

    Ep.#003 - Youth voices in politics and governance; "The Ground Game" ft Obakeng Leseyane.

    "I don't really think that politics are a choice for young people particularly on the African continent; it's rather an imposition." (Leseyane 2020) As a tribute to 'Africa Day', this episode features a 2020 interview with social justice advocate, speaker, and consultant Obakeng Leseyane (ALA'17). In the interview, we discuss how the youth can assert their voices in the governance of their communities in order to ensure robust engagement. We talk the often not-so-glamourous side of politics - The Ground Game. Obakeng reminds us that "We should conceive politics from the ground up." We talk about ageism, how to engage criticism and/or critique as well as the "gradual" nature of change.  Obakeng also appeals to the listener to not only vote when eligible but to hold their leaders accountable. We explore the challenges to the effective political participation of young people (choosing political homes i.e., political parties, finances, critical mass etc.).  A few Quotes "We should conceive of politics from the ground up." "Elections are fundamentally determined by people that show up to vote." "Whatever platform you are given, use it to propel your own agenda." "Change is not an overnight thing. Change is not winning an election." His TEDxPretoria Speech: "Enslaved By Poverty, Education Was My Liberation" His Interview at SABC News: "African Perspective: Being young in Africa." At Innovation Edge: "Make it Happen"

    39 min

  10. 03/05/2021

    Ep.#002 - The 4th Generation Book Club: "The Green Book" by Col. Muammar Qaddafi ft Michelle Hadebe & Marouane ElBahraoui

    The 4th Generation Book Club is a salon where we discuss a chosen text (or book) of political literature and analyze the main ideas in relation to the current political happenings. For our first read, host Olemo Gordon Brian is joined by Siyabonga Michelle Hadebe (ALA'19) from South Africa & Marouane El Bahraoui (ALA'19) from the Kingdom of Morocco for an in-depth study of "The Green Book" by former Libyan president and revolutionary, 'Brother leader' Muammar Abu Minyar al-Gaddafi. Talking of Qaddafi's "Third Universal Theory," the Green Book came in three volumes that are addressed by the discussants in this order; Volume 1: “The Solution of the Problem of Democracy.” Here he reflects on the failures of Western representative democracy. He propounds the solution of "The Authority of the People" or participatory democracy where people rule themselves. Volume 2: "The Solution of the Economic Problem.” Here he offers "Socialism" as the solution to the challenge of inequitable & unjust distribution of resources. Volume 3: "The Social Basis of the Third Universal Theory." Here he shares his thoughts on the questions of the family, tribe & nation, Sports, Education, The role of Women, The fate of the Black race, Music & Art. This article by the New York Times offers a brief breakdown and rather scathing analysis of the book and its author.

    1h 16m

  11. 03/04/2021

    Ep.#001 - Youth political participation in Africa & apathy; The "Why" and "How" ft Trevor Lwere

    To start us off, a November 2020 interview with Author of Visions at Dusk, speaker, and ALA alumnus Trevor Lwere (ALA’17). A current student at the University of Notre Dame, Trevor majors in Economics with a PPE minor. He also does a supplementary major in Global Affairs.  Host Brian Olemo quizzes him on a speech he made during ALA’s decennial celebrations in which he made the case that “Even if we don’t take an interest in politics, politics will always take an interest in us.” Trevor reminds us of “the why” we need to participate actively in the struggle for emancipation for our continent through seriously shaping & taking up our generational mission. Just like the cathedral builders, he locates our generation in the larger struggle that has been and is still going on for generations capping with a powerful quote, “To be an African in this day and age is to be in a state of perpetual resistance.” He also makes a prediction of the Ugandan election concluded a few months ago and validates his predictions. Speech: Trevor Lwere: Youth, politics, and apathy. A Crisis of Courage: Africa's 21st Century Challenge: A TEDx Talk by Rachel Nyaradzo

    53 min

  12. TRAILER

    Ep.#000 - Introduction; The 4th Generation (Trailer)

    "A soldier without any ideological or political training is a potential criminal," said Revolutionary Capt. Thomas Sankara. As Africa's 4th generation of leaders, we are all soldiers, fighting for the emancipation of our continent. As such, we need the training (political orientation) of which Sankara speaks. This podcast aims to play a part in providing that training by equipping us with the right ideological tools to effectively analyze and thus change political leadership in Africa.  You can also listen to the episodes on Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Pocket Casts. Please subscribe so you don't miss out on a chance to cultivate your heart and mind.  Follow us on; Twitter (the4thgenpod) &  Instagram (the4thgenpodcast) Reach out to us with any suggestions, questions, and support via email: the4thgenerationpodcast@gmail.com  Learn more at Root Voices

    3 min

Trailer

About

“Each generation must, out of relative obscurity, discover its mission, fulfill it, or betray it” was the invitation from Frantz Fanon. What is our generational mission? What is our role as the fourth generation of African leaders in the emancipation of our continent & its peoples? Why & how can we participate effectively in the politics of our countries to bring about fundamental change? How can we employ the right ideological tools to make heads and tails of Africa's grand political casino? This podcast seeks, through discussions, to answer these questions. Conscientize! is a 4th Generation Initiative.

Information

  • Creator
    The 4th Generation Initiative
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The 4th Generation Initiative
  • Show Website
    Conscientize!