Pretoria – South Africa has joined the rest of the African continent and the world in commemorating Africa Day on Sunday.
Africa Day is held on 25 May every year and marks the anniversary of the formation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) now known as African Union (AU) by 32 governments in 1963.
Twenty other nations gradually joined the founder states over time. South Africa became the 53rd member of the AU on 23 May 1994.
According to a statement by government on Sunday, since its inception the African Union has advocated for enhanced cooperation and unity of the continent.
“This has manifested in a shared commitment towards inclusive economic growth for Africans in the continent. The AU has also been at the forefront in finding solutions to poverty and famine. It has stood firm in the defence of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of member states, while striving to promote international cooperation and eradication of any form of colonisation and terrorism,” said government.
Many African countries including South Africa owe their independence from colonialism through the concerted efforts and solidarity by the OAU.
Through its efforts South Africa was expelled from the United Nation and remained isolated internationally until 1994 when the first democratically elected government came into power.
“All Africans should be rightly proud of the strides that have been made since the formation of the Organisation of African Unity, 51 years ago,” said the Acting CEO of the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Phumla Williams on Sunday.
“The continent’s focus has changed from liberation to development, integration and socio-economic growth. Africa’s economic growth is on track and has in many cases surpassed the global average.”
However, she said despite these strides, the continent faces huge challenges in ensuring food security and finding ways to combat climate change.
“South Africa congratulates our African counterparts for rising up to the challenges of the 21st century with vigour and determination so that a better life can be created for all the people of the continent.”
Meanwhile, Acting CEO Williams said South Africa joins the rest of the continent and the world in condemning the recent “cowardly acts of terrorism in Nigeria”.
“We call for the immediate release of the 276 girl children who were abducted by Boko Haram, and join the world in the call to bring back our girls.”
On April 15, over 200 school girls were kidnapped from the Chibok Government Secondary School by Boko Haram in Nigeria. While a few managed to escape, most are still missing. – SAnews.gov.za
