By Tinashe Zvakasikwa.
Johannesburg, South Africa (News of the South) — Hosted by President Jacob Zuma, alongside his Palestinian counterpart President Mahmoud Abbas who is the country on a Working Visit, this year’s Africa Day celebrations at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, mark the celebration of 22 years since the country’s reintegration into the OAU/AU and the international community in 1994.
Held under the theme “Building a better Africa and a Better World”, South Africa also took the opportunity to reaffirm the nation’s support for the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Speaking before the gathering, President Zuma reiterated how the day is special saying, “it is a day for us to celebrate African solidarity, friendship, a common humanity and destiny.”
He went on to say that, “Africa Day provides an opportunity for us to celebrate our African identity. Our country was isolated for decades from the rest of the continent due to the evil system of apartheid colonialism. We are now a full member of the African continent, and since 1994, our continent is correctly the primary focus of our foreign policy.”
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape celebrations were also as scenic as thousands flocked to the Colesburg stadium to celebrate Africa Day despite the cold weather conditions. Premier Sylvia Lucas delivered the keynote address.
Limpopo also joined the rest of the African continent in celebrating Africa Day and Premier Stan Mathabatha addressed scores of cheerful gatherers at Ga Seleka.
Residents in Mpumalanga celebrated Africa Day at Mapulaneng TVET College Sports field in Acornhoeck Bushbuckridge where hundreds of people gathered. Reports say that buses from different parts of the province have been dropping off residents since Wednesday morning.
Africans annually celebrate Africa Day on The 25th of May in and outside the African continent. It marks the formation of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) on 25 May 1963 and the African Union in 2002.
A day meant to reflect on the progress made by the continent since then to advance democracy, peace, and stability among other developmental issues. It serves to reflect and remind younger and older generations of the idea of African ness and marks the beginning of the celebration of Africa month.
The 2016 Africa Day celebrations in South Africa are historic in that they coincide with 20 years celebration of the Constitution for South Africa.
Comments
About Author
