SPECTATORS FOR AFRICA

Most of the human catastrophes that have overtaken Africa since decolonisation have been the result of bad policy rather than of geographical disadvantages; and bad policy is the inevitable consequence of bad ideas. If there is one commodity in which Africa has not, alas, been lacking in the past 40 years, it is bad ideas. It follows that he who wishes Africa to free itself of the catastrophes that have plagued it ever since its First Dance of Freedom (to quote Lord Byron) might consider how to bring better ideas to the continent.

To that general purpose, we make a humble appeal to our readers. In the spirit of Sir Bob Geldof, we urge them to think of Africa this Christmas. But we do not ask them to send cash, to be squandered by government and NGOs. We do not ask for food aid, or milk-bottle tops. Help us, instead, to send The Spectator to Africa, as 15 years ago readers helped to send it to eastern Europe.

We know there is an amazingly strong demand, from the many touching letters we have received over the years from African teachers and students who have come across the magazine, are impressed by its pungency, but cannot afford a subscription. With the enthusiastic help of the British Council, we have identified the institutions where we believe a subscription will achieve the widest readership. We do not pretend, to put it mildly, that every article in this magazine represents a solution to the problems of the continent; and it may be that the writings of, say, Taki will be a puzzle to, say, the Bushmen of the Kalahari, though many primitive people will identify with Jeremy Clarke. The intention is not to provide the answer; it is simply to provide a choice.