News / National
Mugabe named one of Africa's most influential figures
09 Jun 2011 at 07:02hrs | Views
LOVE HIM or loathe him, and most do loathe him, but Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe has been named one of the most influential Africans in a new poll.
The controversial leader has "continued to mesmerise the world as well as vex his opponents with his ability to hold on to power", said New African magazine who compiled the 100-strong power list.
It added that part of Mugabe's influence was the way he remained a constant subject of debate "as people consider what there is to be learnt, or not learnt from his example".
Mugabe was put in the company of legends like Nelson Mandela, Bishop Desmond Tutu, billionaire Mo Ibrahim and former UN Attorney General Kofi Annan.
Less conventional choices included rapper Akon, who hails from Senegal, Ivory Coast footballer Didier Drogba and Nollywood actress Geneveive Nnaji.
Editor Baffour Ankomah said: "Our continent has produced, and continues to produce some impressive individuals from all walks of life who are having a profound impact not only on Africa but on the international community.
"The names on the list I am sure will be discussed the length and breadth of the continent. The list in itself is not necessarily an endorsement as such but what it does show is the diversity of skills, talents and personalities amongst northern and sub-Saharan Africans in contemporary times who are driving change across the continent and beyond."
The compilation, which appears in the magazine's June issue, featured "top influencers, opinion-shapers, doers, agitators, groundbreakers and myth busters who are shaping the face Africa" across categories from finance and business to music, science and technology to the arts.
An entire section was dedicated to Women of Influence and featured feminist and women's rights campaigner Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Mandela's partner Graca Machel and economist Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi who co-founded the of the African Women's Development Fund.
The full list is available in the New African's June issue
The controversial leader has "continued to mesmerise the world as well as vex his opponents with his ability to hold on to power", said New African magazine who compiled the 100-strong power list.
It added that part of Mugabe's influence was the way he remained a constant subject of debate "as people consider what there is to be learnt, or not learnt from his example".
Mugabe was put in the company of legends like Nelson Mandela, Bishop Desmond Tutu, billionaire Mo Ibrahim and former UN Attorney General Kofi Annan.
Less conventional choices included rapper Akon, who hails from Senegal, Ivory Coast footballer Didier Drogba and Nollywood actress Geneveive Nnaji.
Editor Baffour Ankomah said: "Our continent has produced, and continues to produce some impressive individuals from all walks of life who are having a profound impact not only on Africa but on the international community.
"The names on the list I am sure will be discussed the length and breadth of the continent. The list in itself is not necessarily an endorsement as such but what it does show is the diversity of skills, talents and personalities amongst northern and sub-Saharan Africans in contemporary times who are driving change across the continent and beyond."
The compilation, which appears in the magazine's June issue, featured "top influencers, opinion-shapers, doers, agitators, groundbreakers and myth busters who are shaping the face Africa" across categories from finance and business to music, science and technology to the arts.
An entire section was dedicated to Women of Influence and featured feminist and women's rights campaigner Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Mandela's partner Graca Machel and economist Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi who co-founded the of the African Women's Development Fund.
The full list is available in the New African's June issue
Source - voice-online.co.uk
