London - The increased aid for Africa that British Prime Minister Tony Blair is seeking at the G8 conference will make a difference only if it is directed at the continent's people rather than its governments, President Thabo Mbeki's brother said on Thursday.

Moeletsi Mbeki, a businessman and think-tank deputy director, said in an interview that Africa's political elites were largely responsible for the continent's poverty. They have sent much of its cash overseas, spending money on foreign imports and stashing it in overseas bank accounts instead of using it to help farmers and business, he said.

"The structure of power in Africa is so heavily weighted in favour of the elite and against the people, that the elite exploit the productive sector of the economy to their benefit... for private consumption, not for investment," he said.


HUNTING ONE HOUR FROM CAPE TOWN
http://www.kapstadt.de/lemberg

Several years ago there was a massive air lift of grain foods to Ethiopia. Little of it got to the hungry. Government troops siezed it. They did not want certain tribal groups to survive. I would say this man is right on.

quote:

Originally posted by Sunshine:
Moeletsi Mbeki, a businessman and think-tank deputy director, said in an interview that Africa's political elites were largely responsible for the continent's poverty.

100%. An honest speaking man.

Of course most of the lefties pushing for the forgiveness of debt of African countries are also demanding there be few conditions on the "aid". The old Soviet term "useful fools" was so apt by their inate foolishness.

What do you want to bet this guy doesn't get any airtime on CNN??