Give the underdog a Bono

I`m still trying to decide whether I`m mildly offended or incredibly outraged by Microsoft`s Bill Gates and U2`s Bono. Their dual address at the World Economic Forum has already caused more harm than good, through media reports that range from the bizarre to shocking, and the sidelining of speakers` events that offered greater real-world solutions for Africa`s plight.

I`m not quite sure when Bono became the ruler of the world.

Jason Norwood-Young, technology editor, ITWeb

The first slap in the face from Bono and Gates was the "deal" they offered Africa. How exactly they think they can cure poverty and Aids, and increase trade between Africa and the rest of the world still remains a mystery.

According to CNN`s report, Bono stated: "We have an agenda, which we`re calling the `DATA Agenda`: Debt, AIDS and trade for Africa, in return for democracy, accountability and transparency in Africa.

"It`s a deal, and it`s a tough deal, but we think if we follow that through, by this summer`s G-8 we can get governments to agree on a kind of Marshall Plan for Africa."

I`m not quite sure when Bono became the ruler of the world (apart from in his own mind), because that would be about the only thing that could qualify him to cut deals with the whole of Africa. I`m also curious as to how this pair of philanthropists intends to cure Aids - as I understand it there are quite a few scientists eminently more qualified than Gates and Bono working on the problem already. In fact, Gates` software has caused the spread of viruses rather than their destruction.

Shortly after the address, the press followed like panting dogs, determined to glorify Bono to garner hits from his adoring fans. "He [Bono] has travelled throughout disease-infested Africa on a quest for relief for the troubled mission," states CBS`s Market Watch. I`m sure we could work that into a travel brochure.

CNN outdoes CBS with this brilliant insight: "Gates warned, however, that private charitable contributions alone will not be enough to achieve the DATA goals; governments also must play a part." There`s nothing like an understatement.

The real irony of the whole media frenzy around Gates` and Bono`s press conference is that Thabo Mbeki, a real African and the driving force behind the New Africa Initiative (which, unlike 'DATA`, is marginally feasible), was left speaking to an empty hall, since his speech coincided with the DATA address. Helping Africa may be the top story at the moment, but helping Africans is still left well out of the headlines.