As we think about strategies that can really change our societies and in our sectors to improve production, distribution and general prosperity and dignity, I will like to share a few words of wisdom, in my view, from Deng Xiaoping.

Deng Xiaoping was not perfect, no one is. But he was very successful. In my view, in terms of impact, he is the most historically significant leader in human history. The numbers show: 700 million out of poverty and 1.4 billion to improved prosperity.

He was a very courageous and hard working man. Blessed also with a colossal intellect and a real capacity to focus and get things done. Even before he took over the formal structures in China, as part of Mao's architecture, he never tired of pointing out that China was under-performing its potential and needed to make structural changes.

Deng took over formally in 1978. Yet on 29 May 1975, during a brief rise to peak prominence because Zhou Enlai was ill, he made these momentous comments we should reflect on. He was giving a speech on how to improve iron and steel production in China.

1. "The main cause of our sluggish iron and steel production is the leadership, which is weak, lazy and lax. But being weak, it needs to be strengthened. The quality of the leading groups varies from one factory or enterprise to another. Some are lax, which is a failing related to factionalism. One of the major problems with cadres at present is that they are afraid to touch a tiger's backside. The leaders of a unit or an enterprise must not be so timid. We should try to find and recruit into the leading groups cadres who are not afraid of losing their jobs; they will have the support of the Central Committee and the provincial Party committees. Unless we do this, things cannot be changed for the better. A leading group is like a command post, and efforts to boost production, carry on scientific research or combat factionalism are all like military operations. If the command post is weak, the operations cannot be effective."
2. "We must see to it that no leading group is weak, lazy or lax. Only then will its opinions be listened to and its directions followed; only then will it be truly able to lead."
3. Referring to people who promote factionalism and retard development, he said, "… the way to deal with these people is to mobilize the masses to struggle against them, and not give an inch. What's more, we need to make a show of strength, and we must not be hesitant. We must have faith in the masses. We must bring the documents of the Central Committee directly to them so that its line is truly made known to every family, including housewives and children, and the initiative of the masses against factionalism is thus brought into play."
4. "How can an individual be allowed to casually absent himself from work whenever he feels like it? If a man doesn't come to work, cross his name off the payroll. If he refuses to work, tell him to leave! Since you're not willing to work, why should the state continue to pay you wages as if you were? In enforcing the rules and regulations, it is better to be a bit on the strict side; otherwise, they cannot be properly established."

In whatever sector you find yourself, where you can make a change and help transform mindsets for the better, reflect on these words. This cuddly Teddy bear neoliberal pretence will deliver nothing but corruption, low productivity and mass misery.

We need both more intensity and more courage in confronting the challenges and opportunities we face. In his novel, "Wizard of the Crow," Ngugi wa Thiong'o repeatedly reminded us that in a land in which there is too much fear, poverty soon descends.

We must lose our fear and speak out and mobilise for change. The African people must never fear, never fear, never fear.

There will be no shortcuts to long-term prosperity. It will require hard work, grit, discipline, creativity and determination. Not coup detats or corrupt neoliberal Santa Claus democracies. Those just produce Incompetent states and Robinson Crusoe Societies.

Wherever you see wrong going on, dare to touch the backside of the tiger and confront it. At work, in school, at church, at play, in the bars and pubs, on the farms, wherever. We must rise up and make a difference.

Best wishes,

Yaw Nsarkoh, 7 August 2023.