Being African, Our Essence and Our Pride. 20 June 2025 *By Tafara Pande* Masvingo - From the wind-sculpted towers of Great Zimbabwe to the sun-lit shores of Ghana, one pulse runs through our story: ubuntu “I am because we are.” It is not merely a slogan; it is the sacred promise that judges worth by the kindness we extend to others. Africa’s cultural tapestry dazzles the senses. The plaintive notes of Zimbabwe’s mbira mingle with the blazing horns of Senegal’s sabar; Bamileke bead-laden thrones share space with Benin’s storied bronzes; and every August, Accra’s CHALE WOTE Festival paints kente-bright dreams across city streets, transforming them into Afro-futurist galleries. Each beat, stitch and proverb declares that Africa is the rhythm of history, not its afterthought. Amid this chorus stands Rudo Madhende, an energetic leader from Masvingo. As Vision 2030’s Director of Operations, she pushes open doors once barred to women. Only days ago, she carried Masvingo’s banner to Accra, championing trade concepts that link rural Zimbabwean craft makers to continental markets. Before that, at Nairobi’s 2024 Leadership Innovation Workshop, she affirmed that “no village is too small for grand ambitions.” Rudo’s path echoes ancient wisdom, when Africans uplift one another, miles shrink, frontiers fade and horizons expand. Entrepreneurial hubs bottle baobab into export beverages; scientists breed sorghum that laughs at drought; digital griots archive folklore so future generations can stream ancestral tales. Stand taller, speak bolder, love deeper. We are Africans rooted in priceless heritage, rich in compassion, and fearless enough to reshape the world. *Edited by Godfrey Gusha*