Page 34 - Afrika Must Unite

THE COLONIAL IMPRINT 19
The establishment of local councils, like those in Kenya in
1924, was an improvement, but their powers were strictly
limited. The District Officer was the ex officio President and
retained all executive power. The Councils had treasuries, but
received no share of the general tax.
W hen the Councils were reconstructed, in 1950, as African
District Councils, the presidents and members were to be
appointed by the Provincial Commissioners. The latter in­
variably appointed District Commissioners as presidents,
though they usually allowed a majority of the members of each
council to be elected by the people.
Dedicated to the complete destruction of colonialism in all its
forms, I can hold no brief for any colonial government, whatever
its pattern. British, French, Portuguese, Belgians, Spanish,
Germans, Italians, all at one time or another ruled parts of Africa
or still continue to do so. Their methods might have varied, but
their purpose was the sam e: to enrich themselves at the expense
of their colonies.