The black and white photograph captured in 1960 in Zimbabwe offers us an intriguing insight into the colonial era that left deep scars on the African psyche, particularly in Southern Africa. Children born under colonial rule were subjected to a system of oppression and violence whose effects continue to this day, influencing their lives and leadership styles. As these children grew up, they assumed leadership roles in politics and other spheres, and the trauma they experienced shaped their decisions, behaviors, and approaches to leadership.
To better understand the impact of childhood trauma during colonialism on leadership styles, it is crucial to explore the psychological and scientific aspects of the long-term effects of trauma.
Research in developmental psychology and neurobiology has shown that childhood trauma can significantly alter the structure and function of the brain, particularly in areas related to emotional regulation, fear response, and decision-making.
When a child experiences chronic stress, such as that induced by violence, displacement, or systemic oppression, their brain is constantly in a state of high alert, known as hypervigilance, with an overactive amygdala (the fear center of the brain), responsible for rational thought and impulse control. In addition, a child may inherit trauma from their parents, grandparents, who were the immediate victims of the turmoil of the colonial era.
The colonial period was marked by segregation, economic exploitation, and cultural suppression. African children were particularly vulnerable, growing up in a context where their identity was devalued and their families were often torn apart by oppressive colonial policies. Many of these children witnessed or experienced violence, displacement, and poverty, all of which contributed to collective trauma.
For example, Robert Mugabe, who later became president of Zimbabwe, was born in 1924 under British colonial rule. His childhood in a poor village, surrounded by the harsh realities of colonialism, played a significant role in shaping his later leadership style. Mugabe’s approach and deep distrust of Western powers was a direct response to the trauma and injustices he experienced as a child. His unyielding stance in the face of perceived threats, whether internal or external, reflects a survival mechanism from his formative years.
In South Africa, similar patterns are found. Nelson Mandela, while widely celebrated for his efforts at reconciliation, also experienced a childhood marked by the trauma of colonization and apartheid. Mandela’s early experiences with the violent enforcement of apartheid policies contributed to his resilience and determination to fight for justice. However, the trauma also left him with deep emotional scars, influencing his stoic façade and unyielding stance during the anti-apartheid struggle.
Furthermore, the trauma of colonization also contributed to the development of corrupt practices among leaders, rooted in a sense of entitlement. Many African communities were systematically deprived of resources, dignity, and autonomy. When individuals who grew up in such conditions eventually rose to positions of power, the stigma of deprivation manifested itself in a compensatory sense of entitlement, a belief that they were owed something for the suffering they endured.
The scarcity mentality created by colonial oppression led to a survivalist approach to leadership. This mentality favours short-term gains and personal enrichment over collective well-being, with leaders feeling compelled to secure as much as possible while they had the chance.
As these children grew up, the trauma they had experienced did not simply disappear, it became part of their psychology. When they eventually took on leadership roles, whether in politics, business or community organisations, their childhood experiences played a significant role in shaping their leadership approaches.
The need for control and order can be traced back to their childhoods, where chaos and unpredictability were commonplace, characterised by tight control and a reluctance to relinquish power, reflecting the authoritarianism of the colonial regime. Growing up in an environment where betrayal and deception were commonplace, this was reflected in leadership styles that were often defensive and secretive.
On the other hand, the trauma of colonization also fostered resilience and determination in many leaders. The harsh realities of their childhood instilled in them a strong sense of purpose and a willingness to overcome adversity. For some, the trauma of colonization led to a more empathetic and community-centered approach to leadership. Having experienced first-hand the importance of solidarity and mutual support in times of difficulty, these leaders prioritize the well-being of their communities.
The influence of colonial trauma on leadership in Africa is undeniableIt is essential to recognize how childhood experiences under colonization continue to shape the leadership approaches of African leaders, and how these learnings are critical to understanding and transforming contemporary power and governance dynamics in Africa.