Thanks for tuning in to the Manifesto in Praxis podcast. In this episode Roger McKenzie (author of The Rebirth of the African Phoenix) talks with Molly Dhlamini In this conversation, Roger McKenzie and Molly Dhlamini discuss the themes of McKenzie's book, The Rebirth of the African Phoenix, focusing on the resurgence of Africa and its diaspora, the challenges of peace and security, the impact of the military-industrial complex, and the importance of solidarity and education in achieving liberation and development. They emphasize the need for African unity and the role of external support in fostering change. In this conversation, Molly Dhlamini discusses the impact of distorted religious beliefs on poverty in Africa, the psychological damage caused by apartheid and colonialism, and the unjust indebtedness of the continent. She emphasizes the need to reverse colonial infrastructure to foster African unity and control over resources. The discussion also touches on the Red Caravan initiative aimed at community engagement and solutions, and the importance of mourning the past to facilitate a rebirth of the African spirit and identity.Chapters00:00Introduction to the Rebirth of the African Phoenix02:53Exploring Pan-Africanism and Its Challenges05:48Peace and Security in Africa09:01The Impact of the Military-Industrial Complex11:52The Role of External Powers in African Conflicts15:13Solidarity and Support for African Liberation17:55Education and Skills Development for Peace20:47Advocacy and Multilateral Support23:47The Future of African Unity and Cooperation31:01The Impact of Distorted Religion on Poverty32:59Psychological Damage of Apartheid and Colonialism34:54The Unjust Indebtedness of Africa36:17Reversing Colonial Infrastructure for African Unity38:44The Quest for Resource Control and Equality39:59Challenging Manufactured Inferiority41:25The Red Caravan Initiative47:35Mourning and Rebirth of the African PhoenixThe Rebirth of the African Phoenix - A View from Babylon redefines Africa’s story, shifting our focus between continent and people—Africans reclaiming justice for slavery, whose labour sustains global industries, and whose diaspora fuels worldwide cultural, intellectual, and technological progress. Unflinching in its optimism, the book confronts colonialism’s scars while asserting collectivism, solidarity and renewal.  The second in a trilogy, The Rebirth of the African Phoenix is McKenzie’s deeply personal exploration of identity, tracing his ancestral odyssey and awakening as a subject of a fading colonial order. He has spent a life in struggle in the cockpit of British imperialism. A seasoned public servant, former trade union leader, and now international editor of the Morning Star, McKenzie is respected in Britain and beyond as a thinker and activist.  

More than history, this is a call to action. McKenzie challenges the legacy of the enslavement of Africans, champions indigenous land ownership, debt justice, and collective solutions to climate change. He demands a radical restructuring of global governance—with Africa playing a central role.  Initially conceived as a personal reckoning, the book’s launch has struck a chord across continents, proving its universal urgency. The Rebirth of the African Phoenix is not just a study—it’s a manifesto for Africa’s rebirth.  Manifesto Press: Radical Reads for a Revolutionary Future 

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This conversation explores the life and work of Hans Hess, focusing on his early life in Germany, the impact of the Weimar Republic, his intellectual development in Paris, his political awakening towards Marxism, and his contributions to the artistic community, particularly through the Bauhaus movement. The discussion also highlights his anti-fascist activities after moving to London.

In this conversation, Roger Mckenzie and Radhika Desai discuss the themes presented in Mckenzie's book, 'The Rebirth of the African Phoenix.' They explore the geopolitical significance of Africa, the role of the African diaspora, and the historical context of the third world. The discussion delves into personal experiences of identity and belonging, the impact of racism, and the necessity of creating communities of resistance against imperialism. They also touch on the complex issues of reparations and historical injustices, emphasizing the interconnectedness of these themes in the fight for social justice. In this conversation, Radhika Desai and Roger Mckenzie discuss the complexities of reparations, the historical injustices faced by nations like India and Africa, and the importance of focusing on current generations' development. They explore the role of identity in the reparations debate, emphasizing the need for equality and non-discrimination. The discussion also highlights China's growing partnership with Africa, contrasting it with Western imperialist practices, and calls for a more nuanced understanding of international relations and development.

Roger McKenzie in conversation with Nick Wright, Christabel Gurney, Gordon Main and Molly Dhlamini.

This podcast discusses the rise of authoritarianism globally, particularly in relation to South Africa and the ongoing struggles for justice and equality. The speakers emphasises the importance of international solidarity, the role of media in shaping narratives, and the need for grassroots activism to combat oppression. They share insights from historical movements, the significance of community building, and actionable steps for listeners to engage in activism and support alternative media.

In this podcast, John Foster discusses his book 'Languages of Class Struggle', exploring key historical moments in British labor movements, particularly the revolutionary situations of 1842 and 1920. He emphasizes the importance of mass mobilization, language, and organization in the context of class struggle, drawing connections between past events and contemporary issues.

Prof. John Foster in conversation with Kenny Coyle:

This conversation explores the languages of class struggle in Britain and Ireland, focusing on the significant events of 1919-20, particularly in Glasgow and Belfast. The discussion highlights the industrial centres' roles, the impact of shipbuilding on class mobilisation, the international context of the strikes, and the divisive nature of sectarianism. The speakers emphasise the importance of understanding these historical struggles to grasp the evolution of class consciousness and labor movements in the region.

This podcast episode delves into the life and legacy of Hans Hess, a Marxist art historian, through the insights of his daughter Anita Halpin. The conversation explores the rich artistic environment of the Hess household, the impact of historical events on Hans's perspectives, and the ongoing efforts to publish his selected writings. Anita shares personal anecdotes about her family's history, the significance of their guest book filled with notable artists, and the challenges faced in bringing Hans's work to a new generation.

This podcast discusses John Foster's book, 'Languages of Class Struggle', focusing on the theoretical debates within Marxism regarding language, communication, and mobilization in the context of class struggle. The conversation explores the historical significance of communication in mobilizing the working class, particularly through examples from the British and Irish labor movements. Key themes include the Marxist approach to communication, the role of Soviet theorists, the impact of Stalinism, and the practical struggles of the Upper Clyde Shipbuilders in overcoming sectarian divisions to unite workers against government policies.

This conversation explores the significant contributions of John Foster, a prominent Marxist theorist, to the understanding of language within Marxism. It delves into the historical context of Marx's ideas, the relationship between language and class struggle, and the role of the British working class in shaping Marxist thought. The discussion highlights the importance of literacy and cultural movements in the working class, as well as the evolution of Marxist perspectives on language over time.

You can buy the book, What history is for: Essays in honour of Prof. John Foster, Manifesto Press 2024, via the Morning Star shop here