By S.R. Brown

Guest columnist

In 2004, a mere decade after the end of apartheid, South Africa was tapped to host the 2010 World Cup – and the globe rejoiced. Funders were aligned and stadiums built; and a few short weeks ago, teams shipped in and fans ushered to seats, high-decibel noisemakers in hand.

As we now watch the month-long spectacle from distant shores, we can see this development as a sign that “the Dark Continent” is coming into its own. That it is becoming a “major player,” by any definition. It is an awesome, Coca-Cola-sponsored idyll that this American, for one, is happy to embrace.

But after the vuvuzelas go silent, what remains? Like soccer legend Pele’s prediction that Africa would have a World Cup-winning team before the turn of the century, Africa’s economic emergence on the world scene is still a matter of a dream deferred.

A continent rich in natural splendor, Africa is one of those places that changes you forever once you’ve been there. I briefly worked in Kenya back in 2007, and often find myself daydreaming about my experience years hence. Despite the grinding poverty, the insufficient water security, the completely lacking emissions standards and scary ground transportation options (anyone who has ever ridden in a matatu – a Toyota minibus packed to the roof with human cargo – knows of what I speak!) … I will never forget the beauty of what I saw and who I met during that time.

But, as I introduced in my last column, I am a dreamer tempered by a strong realistic streak. As such, there is no “despite” in my vocabulary, really. Because “despite” implies that all of those things that I listed are merely incidental detractions in a faraway place – a place that I, as an American, can leave at any time for the comforts of home.

I continue to work in an administrative capacity on Kenya-based projects, developing donation allocation policy and fundraising programs as a volunteer with a small charity. After several years in this work, I see our organization as a microcosm for the greater effort in determining, “How do we help Africa move forward?” This thought goes into every program we plan and every dollar we raise – and invest.

And, it’s a two-way street: Charitable thoughts aside, African countries must be partners in responsibility for their own economic growth and stability, applying those programs and dollars judiciously.

And this responsibility extends to big-time investments. The Economist magazine recently held an online debate on the topic of “…whether China’s growing involvement in Africa is to be welcomed” because, as George Ayittey, an economist with the American University, put it in his argument against the motion, “China’s increased engagement with Africa has impeded the continent’s halting steps towards democratic accountability and better governance. African countries receiving Chinese aid have little incentive to improve governance.”

While the motion of the house won in this instance, the con argument brought up a very good point that plagues many African countries, some 50 years post-colonialism: Wherefore art responsible governance? In a rush for gargantuan investments and personal gain, what are African leaders telling their constituents – and their investors – about their priorities?

Nigerians know. The February 2007 National Geographic article “Curse of the Black Gold” by Tom O’Neil quotes Isaac Asume Osuoka, director of Social Action, Nigeria, “With all the oil money coming in, the state doesn’t need taxes from people. Rather than being a resource for the state, the people are impediments. There is no incentive anymore for the government to build schools or hospitals.”

And it’s not just petroleum-based or mineral resources that cause the problems. Africa’s greatest resource – its people – is up for grabs. A New York Times columnist Rob Hughes brings this point in his June 24 piece, “Africa Fizzles in A Chance to Shine,” “Its [Africa’s] players are plucked up in adolescence by Europe’s rich clubs in much the same way that colonial powers came here for diamonds.” Ah colonialism … the gift that keeps on giving.

However, there are a few success stories of sorts that can be held up to the world for inspection. South Africa is one, as is Rwanda.

A mere 15 years ago, South Africa was just recovering from the end of that great scourge, apartheid. With the implementation of then-President Mandela’s Reconstruction Development Programme, socio-economic programs were designed to restore balance to social and living conditions. RDP priorities influenced the targeting of outside donor aid and guided the government’s normal budgetary process; advancements made between 1994-2000 included access to clean water for 4 million people and free healthcare for pregnant women and children under age 6, according to the RDP Development Monitor.

Fifteen years ago, Rwanda was also recovering; for them it was genocide, emotionally (yet inadequately) covered in the movie “Hotel Rwanda”: Between 800,000 and 1 million Tutsis (and Hutu sympathizers) were slaughtered by the Interehamwe in 100 days of dizzying menace that shocked the world. Nowadays, among other improvements, Rwanda has a universal healthcare program, initiated by the U.S. organization Partners In Health, that virtually every citizen can afford at $2 a month. This is an example of fostering an external program from within.

Both countries have managed to recover their dignity and purpose in a larger sense. Neither is perfect – Paul Kagame, prime minister of Rwanda is often called an “autocrat” by detractors, and criminal instability has replaced apartheid in some parts of South Africa – but both are experiencing a level of economic and infrastructure development unimaginable back in the early ‘90s.

And there’s Ghana, a West African country that is currently basking in the hot glare of the World Cup spotlight as Africa’s last chance at the World Cup. Again, quoting the Rob Hughes article, “Ghana’s soccer federation rightly says that its team, like its soccer structure, is based on nurturing its own youth before foreign clubs entice them away.” A simple concept, and yet a potential formula for success that largely escapes notice in other countries.

In fact, the continent would be well-served by applying this formula to governing leadership. You want investments? Turn away the short-term enticements of easy wealth that benefits few; focus on those donors who wish to develop – rather than exploit – your natural resources (including your people), thereby developing your country’s economic base.

And, back to the aid end of the equation: Whether we’re talking about small nonprofits providing mosquito nets to a village or a military presence quelling an internecine conflict, advancing a short-term “feel good” or “due diligence” agenda does no good for the long run.

Investors have a responsibility, I feel, to create a sustainable infrastructure with education, accountability, and end-plan components for every program implemented. Teach a man to fish, but also teach him how to bring the fish to the table or to market – then step back and let him do for himself.

As I write, Ghana has just beaten the USA 2-1, one step closer to the Cup.

For all that a win could symbolize to a continent on the verge, this American’s vuvu sounds for thee.

S.R. Brown lives in Pflugerville and is a marketing consultant.