When Thomas Sankara gained power in Burkina Faso in 1983, he saw his first task as expunging the effects of colonialism. A dedicated pan-Africanist, he believed that Africa could sustain itself. He rejected all foreign aid and nationalised land and mineral wealth.
Thomas Sankara Speaks brings us Sankara in his own words, with a selection from his writings and interviews from 1983 until his assassination in 1987.
An African leader and intellectual in many ways ahead of his time, Sankara’s ideas are as current today as when formulated. Said Floyd Shivambu, deputy president of the Economic Freedom Fighters, of Thomas Sankara Speaks: “Thomas Sankara’s assertion that ‘a soldier without any political training is a potential criminal’ is the basis upon which we wage the struggle for economic emancipation. The book is an important contribution.”
One lucky Vukani reader can win a copy of Thomas Sankara Speaks. All you have to do to enter is SMS VKSankara and your name to 34445. Lines are open and close at midnight on Sunday October 30. The winner will be notified telephonically to collect the book prize. SMSes are R1.50 each.
