By Sicebise Msengana
A Traditional Xhosa Man in a Postmodern World
Last week, I was asked about my views on modernity. My response was simple: I am a traditional Xhosa man living in a postmodern world. While I acknowledge the advancements shaping our era, I cannot say I support everything unfolding in this technologically driven age. Liberalism and multiculturalism, for example, often clash with my worldview.
Yet, I am fully aware of the ever-changing nature of our world. History—with all its triumphs and tragedies—is moving toward an inevitable resolution. The chaos and struggle, the wars and revolutions, the destruction and progress—all of it is leading us toward a deeper understanding of our reality. We continue to ask fundamental questions about the nature of existence and our place in it.
The Age of Unprecedented Change
Technological advancements are reshaping the world at a pace never seen before. Artificial Intelligence is at the center of global discourse, not just because of its rapid development but also due to the economic and ethical concerns surrounding it. However, AI is merely one piece of a much larger transformation. Hidden from public view, countless scientific breakthroughs, economic shifts, and political revolutions are silently altering the fabric of human civilization.
These changes are not just technological. They are rewriting the genetic, social, cultural, and economic structures of our world. Traditional power structures are being challenged, and new centers of influence are emerging. The question is: Will we recognize these shifts in time, or will we be left behind—once again?
The Lessons of History
I honor and respect our African ancestors. However, one of the reasons they were conquered was their failure to recognize or embrace the changes happening around them. Many were too naïve, too easily deceived by those who sought to dominate them. And history, as always, repeats itself.
Even today, black people continue to miss opportunities. We hesitate to claim our place as a powerful force in the world, failing to compete on the same level as other nations and races. We must ask ourselves: Where is the African race headed? Do we have a future in a world where power is still concentrated in the hands of others?
In the 12th and 14th centuries, the world was evolving rapidly. Europeans stood at a crossroads of civilization, seizing opportunities that would later allow them to dominate the world. They justified their conquests through biological determinism—enslaving, killing, and exploiting millions while constructing a system that perpetuated racial inequality.
By the 20th century, Arabs and Asians had adapted, rising to global prominence. Meanwhile, Africa remained behind, watching as others dictated the course of history. Why? Because we failed to evolve with the times.
The struggle for power has always been the defining feature of history. From the Roman Empire to the European colonial era, civilizations that recognized the winds of change and adapted thrived, while those who resisted perished. Africa, despite its vast resources and cultural wealth, has often found itself on the receiving end of history rather than shaping it. The postcolonial period was supposed to mark a turning point, yet economic dependency, political instability, and internal conflicts have held back true liberation.
Adaptation: The Key to Survival
Charles Darwin’s phrase "survival of the fittest" is often misunderstood. What he truly meant was that it is not the strongest species that survives, nor the most intelligent—it is the one most adaptable to change.
We live in a fast-paced world, shaped by technological innovation and medical advancements. Our struggle for survival is no longer just physical—it is economic, intellectual, and political. Since the dawn of humankind, we have competed for resources, power, and influence. Our ancestors once lived at the mercy of nature, fearful of forces beyond their control. In response, humanity has spent centuries trying to bend nature to its will. Every major scientific, religious, cultural, and political endeavor has aimed to place human beings at the center of existence.
This is why we build, invent, and innovate—the greatest achievements of civilization have always been about extending human control over the forces of nature.
For the 21st-century traditional man, the message is clear: adapt or be left behind. We do not need to abandon our identity, but we must recognize that the world we live in is vastly different from that of our ancestors. The strongest, the wisest, and the most successful are those who do not resist change—but rather, mold it to their advantage.
The African Future: A Choice to Be Made
The reality is that black people are not powerless. The resources, intellect, and potential exist for Africa and its people to take control of their own destiny. The real question is: Are we willing to do what is necessary to rise?
The modern world is built on strategic alliances, technological supremacy, and economic dominance. To secure a future, black people must actively engage in shaping these forces. We need to cultivate a culture of self-reliance and innovation, moving away from dependence on foreign aid and external validation.
Education and technological mastery are no longer optional; they are survival tools. African nations must prioritize knowledge industries—science, engineering, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology—rather than remaining trapped in outdated economic models based on raw material exports. The new global power players are those who dominate technology and information.
At the same time, cultural preservation must go hand in hand with progress. Modernization does not mean Westernization. It is possible to embrace change without losing identity. Other nations have done it—China, India, and Japan have integrated modern technology while maintaining strong cultural roots. Africa must do the same.
Lastly, unity is key. Africa’s greatest weakness has always been its internal divisions—tribalism, ethnic conflicts, and political fragmentation. A divided people will never rise. Until we learn to see ourselves as a collective force with common interests, we will continue to be at the mercy of external powers.
Conclusion: The Choice of the 21st Century Traditional Man
To be a traditional Xhosa man in the 21st century is to stand at the crossroads of two worlds—the world of my ancestors and the world of tomorrow. It is to carry the wisdom of the past while navigating the complexities of the present.
The question is not whether modernity is good or bad. The question is whether we will take control of our place in this rapidly evolving world or allow history to repeat itself once again.
I choose to adapt—not by abandoning my identity, but by using knowledge, strategy, and resilience to ensure that my people are not left behind. For those who refuse to change, history has already shown the outcome.
The future belongs to those who are willing to shape it. Will we be among them?
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