PAN AFRICAN THEOSOPHICAL FEDERATION

WEST AFRICA  - EAST AND CENTRAL AFRICA - SOUTHERN AFRICA

http://www.panafrican-theosophical.org

PATF NEWSLETTER No 9 MAY 2006  ©

The Pan African Theosophical Federation was formed to promote contacts between the various African Theosophical Sections, Regional Associations, Lodges and Members.  We invite contact from anyone interested in Theosophy in Africa , because it is our main aim to spread universal wisdom (Theo-Sophia) throughout Africa and to promote the type of brotherhood and sisterhood that transcends ethnic, religious and ideological differences.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chairman's Message –

AFRICA IN 2007

Dear Brothers and Sisters.

 We have been saddened by the recent reverses in the African continent in Sudan, Somalia, Nigeria and Zimbabwe. Last year there was a hope that the African continent would begin settle into a more peaceful condition and that the African Union and African Parliament would begin to bring forth stability and improved forms of democracy. The shuttle diplomacy and peace making efforts made by several prominent African leaders, has paid off in some areas like the DRC and Ivory Coast. But in Somalia and Zimbabwe they have failed to make any change in the attitudes prevailing in these countries. The lust for power and control of the natural wealth by faction leaders or dictators, overrides any thought of relief for the common people who suffer terribly in these countries.

Africa is going through a long and painful transition. It often seems hopeless when hidden agendas of powerful nations and their supply of arms, draw poorer nations into serious conflict, causing the ruin of homes, farms, community life, and the displacement of people.  However, if we firmly keep in our minds that this is a transition and not a fixed state, then the work we do for the benefit of all will ultimately be worthwhile.

In the third world and especially in the continent of Africa, it is important to foster an awareness of the need to be more open to other religions, ethnic groups and ways of life. Most are living in states of dire poverty, with little or no proper education, their primary aim is to merely survive in any way they can. So these people are easily exploited.  Millions of Africans are migrating either south to South Africa or North to Europe to escape: economic mismanagement, rampant corruption, conflict or instability, poverty and hopelessness in their own countries.

A proper study and application of second object of the TS must inevitably lead us to be acutely aware of our world, its precious life and resources and the reasons why there is so much selfishness, causing large sections of humanity to live in dire poverty,  whilst others live in relative luxury at the expense of the poor. We must be aware of the ultimate impact this has on all of us and the rest of humanity.

There has recently been a proposal to form a united states of Africa . This may be possible in 100 years from now but not yet. Maybe a common economic entity like the EU could start with the more affluent and well organised countries joining and then gradually bring more countries into the African Economic Union as they get their economic and political house in order.

                                                          THEOSCIENCE

MINERALS AND OIL

Africa needs all the scientists and engineers it can produce to become self sufficient industrially, producing its own products from its own raw materials instead of African raw materials being plundered by South East Asia, Europe and North America at the lowest possible price. What will Africa sell when the oil, precious stones and minerals have been mined out? What will the industrialised countries use for their industries when the sources of raw materials from third world countries are exhausted?

The African Union needs to understand that these minerals are finite sources and to make the most out of them before they are exhausted within the next 30 to 40 years. The African Union also needs to get its act together to slow down the rate at which raw materials are leaving the continent and ensure that the currently poor and marginalised African shares in the wealth of Africa instead of the wealth ending up in a few corrupt politicians private overseas bank accounts. There could be African mineral cartels like the oil cartel OPEC to slow down supply and increase demand, thereby forcing up the price of these commodities. Global conservation and widespread recycling of precious non renewable resources must be undertaken in the near future to eliminate waste and slow the rate at which newly mined oil and minerals are consumed by industry.

TRANS AFRICAN HIGHWAYS 

Some time ago in one of these editorials, it was proposed that there be Trans African Highways and Rail links. This week in the African Parliament held in South Africa , the same proposal was mooted. It was estimated that his would cost US$7 billion to construct and a further US$2 yearly for maintenance.

This will only be feasible when all the countries that these main arterial roads will eventually run through, is stable and democratic. These could be the first corridors formed of states in a common African Economic Union .

Zimbabwe is the main stumbling block to overcome, before a main six lane highway is built to Tanzania and Kenya The easiest route would go through Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania Kenya and Ethiopia. Ultimately the highway could extend through Sudan to Cairo in Egypt

An east - west corridor could also be developed to link East and West Africa through from Kenya through Uganda, the DRC, Congo, Cameroon, Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana , Ivory Coast, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Other major link roads would be developed to gradually create a major group of large arterial road networks. These roads would probably have to be concrete highways for low maintenance with high load bearing properties as many heavy trucks would transport goods along these highways. Tollgates in each country and highway oasis could be a source of revenue.

NEW WEB SITE

Unfortunately we have lost our previous web site domain due to it being handled by an unscrupulous service provider who has put the domain up for sale and it now does not reflect the ethos of the PATF. So please do not go to the previous web site. Because of this, George Duguay of the Canadian Section has very kindly assisted us by creating a new web site and donating the registration of its domain for five years. It is now on line - but info is still being added until it is complete. We intend to post the latest Newsletter on the web site in future.

THE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY

As Theosophists we seek to form a nucleus of universal brothers and sisters without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste or colour. Our job as Theosophists is to help in breaking down the barriers existing between peoples as a result of their differences in culture, ethnicity, religion, ideology, education and status. So the aim is to help reduce the suffering of humanity and animals caused by man's inhumanity to one another and other forms of life.

Let us as Theosophists develop our own strategies to combat division and alienation amongst the peoples of the world. Let us work upon ourselves to remove our own prejudices and help others to overcome theirs. We must become examples of the Theosophical way, bringing light and love wherever we are, to dispel the darkness of despair and hopelessness. Compassion and insight should be our watchwords.

The greatest help one person can give to another, is to help them to help themselves and in turn to help others to help themselves in a beneficial way.

NEWS FROM THE SECTIONS

EAST AND CENTRAL AFRICAN SECTION

The Section activities continue in Kenya Tanzania Zambia and to smaller extent in Uganda. Kenya is still the most active region with Nairobi being the focal point and headquarters.

The East and Central African Convention took place in Dares-Salaam from Friday 6 April to Monday 9 April 2007 The Theme was “ The Quest for Truth” The main Guest Speaker was  H. Sharan from India who gave some very good lectures with a Buddhist theme. Bro B. Vorah gave a talk about Colonel Olcott’s life and work. This was especially auspicious as this year is the centenary of Colonel Olcott’s death.

Colonel Olcott was particularly interested in Buddhism.

WEST AFRICAN SECTION

The section comprises lodges and centres in Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon and Liberia.

Founders Day, November 17 was celebrated at the Blavatski Lodge in Accra Ghana.              

T.S. HEADQUARTERS BUILDING

The work on the T.S. West Africa Headquarters building has progressed well. The structural work on both the ground and the first floors has been completed and painting work is also almost completed. With few individual members’ efforts, they are making steady progress continuing with the completion of the interior. They hope to officially and formally open it in due course.

Any financial help for this project will be very much appreciated by the General Secretary Paul Kwakye and his Executive Committee.

THE SOUTHERN AFRICAN SECTION

The General Secretary has been invited to Japan and Cambodia as a South African delegate in her capacity as the General Secretary of the South African Section of the TS, to attend and speak at the Peace Congress and Conventions of these countries. The new National Lecturer Roel Goudriaan has been active in several provinces and conducted a seminar in Durban recently.

The Next Bi-Annual Convention will be held in Cape Town during Easter 2008

The Southern African Section now has its own web site http://www.theosophy.org.za/

____________________________________________________________________

This Newsletter will be published approximately every three months

The newsletter will be available in normal e-mail and printed format.

If you wish to obtain a printed copy, please contact your nearest member who has e-mail or your National Office.

Please let us have news from around the sections for the next newsletter. Let us have your news, poems and views.

Please also let us know what you would like to see in your newsletter.

May love, light and blessings be with you all.

The Editor

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CONTACTS IN AFRICA

E-mail address for PATF communications: thosgdavis@icon.co.za

East and Central African Section e-mail address: theosophy.kenya@bigfoot.com

West Africa Section e-mail address: For the attention of Paul Kwakye: tswestafrica@yahoo.com