[rpd] Some thoughts...

[Ismail Settenda]

Hi,

A bit strong worded (kinder like responding to fire with fire...not wise I
think)

Anyway isn't this sort of talk meant for the community discussion list and
not the RPD list.

Best regards

--
Ismail Settenda

Please excuse any typos or omissions as this email has been sent on the
mobile

On 27 Jun 2017 22:50, "Andrew Alston" <Andrew.Alston at liquidtelecom.com>
wrote:

> So,
>
>
>
> I debated sending this offlist to each person I feel is affected – or
> sending this publicly – I have opted to actually do both in certain cases.
>
>
>
> To start with – what I have seen on this list today from certain members
> of this community has disgusted me – and sickened me.  The reality is – we
> have foreign companies doing business on this continent – and they are
> investing money, they are investing resources, they are creating jobs.
> They are not the enemy – indeed – the enemy is often ourselves – and
> remarks that insult people based on nationality and could effectively deter
> foreign investment coming into this continent are dangerous, they are short
> sighted, they are economically damaging, and they amount to a form of
> blatant xenophobia.
>
>
>
> And so – I want to say – very publicly – to the foreign companies on this
> list – I, and others on this list, value your contributions.  I have argued
> with many of you on many topics – and we debate, and we discuss, but your
> contributions are useful, and they are appreciated, and they stimulate
> thought and debate.  We here in Africa are not an island – this is a global
> world – with global players – and global ideas.  We as African’s, have
> ideas we need to export to the rest of the world that the world could
> benefit from, and skills, and knowledge, and equally, the rest of the world
> has much to offer us – but in order for this symbiotic exchange of
> information and ideas to happen, we have to change our mindset here in
> Africa, to embrace those with differing opinions, hear them, consider them,
> and then, once adequately considered based on the merits of what is being
> said, THEN and ONLY then decide what should be accepted or rejected.
>
>
>
> This list has degenerated into a series of attacks and honestly what I see
> here has NOTHING to do with the policy at hand – it is downright disgusting.
>
>
>
> So, to end – I say this to every foreign company on this list – and I say
> this in a personal capacity – I may be on this list- I may be part of this
> community – and I may have been a board member – but I totally, without
> exception, without reserve, and without apology condemn the xenophobic
> style remarks I have seen on this list today, and I know there are many
> others who join me in these sentiments. Know this – Africa is open to do
> business with the res to the world – and please – do not be discouraged by
> a few small minded individuals intent on disparaging remarks – they do NOT
> represent the majority of the views on this continent.  On behalf of
> myself, and all of those who condemn the style of attacks and emails on
> this list today that I have spoken to, I apologise for what has been
> happening here, and I ask you please, don’t let it discourage you from
> keeping participating – your contributions are valuable to us on this
> continent.
>
>
>
> Thanks
>
>
>
> Andrew Alston
>
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
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>
>
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