Artificial Lines in Southern Africa

Borders

Arbitrarily constructed

Society’s artificial segregators

The great dividing line

Separating people and land

Under the pretense of

Structure and homogeneity

Maintaining sameness and

Removing oneness

Fear of the unknown

Xenophobia revealed

Immigration post in Botswana

Borders are artificial lines that separate land and people in the name of structure, security and common humanity. The existence and placement of arbitrary borders have caused numerous issues and conflict through the centuries. It has the danger of displacing people and maintaining inequalities. Moreover, it is the people in power who determine and uphold the placement of these lines.

In Africa, it is a case in point. During the Berlin Conference in 1884, the nations of power in Europe as well as the United States came together to break up Africa into separate states. Each nation was to be given over to a colonial power and lines were drawn without regard to social formations such as the existence of cultural groups.

Looking across to Angola from Namibia

For example, the Namibian-Angolan border separates Ovambo people from each other. Parts of Southern Angola are traditionally Namibian and therefore Ovambo radio extends 40-50km into Angola. Border issues carry problems across the world particularly in areas of conflict. Examples can be found in the Middle East, between the Israelis and Palestinians. Also, borders between countries of great differences in wealth are as cause for concern. The issues of immigration become largely a problem of maintaining homogeneity at all costs. Anything different is feared and xenophobic tendencies spread like wild fire.

This can be seen with South Africa which is surrounded by many countries of lesser wealth. Since S.A. attained its independence in 1990, immigration has been at a high. People from all across Southern Africa, particularly Zimbabwe have come to S.A in search of better opportunities often through employment. Tension has risen in recent years with increased xenophobia and the fear of job-stealing. Many attacks have occurred against Zimbabweans, but probably more from economic frustration rather than discrimination against a people. On a couple of occasions, I have heard people talk about One Nation Africa, a movement towards eliminating borders. While, it is sometimes looked at in terms of Southern Africa becoming a state, others see the entire African continent becoming one nation.

Namibian-Angolan fence

It is hard to imagine what this would look like in social, political and economic forms. Would each nation retain their regime, as part of a larger government system? Would it be like the United States of Africa? Regardless of the practical concerns for such an implementation, it is an interesting idea to ponder. Ultimately, it is a large scale attempt of decolonization that tries to seek a united Africa working together for the common good of all people.