Africa must break free from its enduring dependence on former colonial powers and pursue genuine independence through stronger cooperation with partners such as Russia and the BRICS alliance, says Ndileka Mandela.
In an exclusive interview ahead of International Africa Day, the granddaughter of the late South African President Nelson Mandela said the continent remains hindered by economic structures and financial systems that continue to prioritise Western interests over Africa’s own development needs.
Mandela noted that her grandfather believed true freedom and lasting independence for Africa—and South Africa in particular—can only be achieved through regional unity and global partnerships grounded in mutual respect and equality. Today, she added, alliances like BRICS represent an opportunity for the continent to assert its agency and redefine its place in the global order.
“For Africa, the path to freedom isn’t just about breaking free from old dependencies; it’s about building new ones that align with our own values and interests,” she said.
“Real freedom means harnessing our resources to benefit every South African. It means breaking free from the economic control that has kept us reliant on systems that don’t serve our interests.”
