Image: David Malan/Getty Images

Thu 25 May 2023:

Africa is commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and its successor, the African Union. It was on this date in 1963, that 32 Heads of independent African States met in Addis Ababa Ethiopia along with leaders from African liberation movements to craft a way forward for Africa’s complete independence from imperialism, colonialism and apartheid.

The outcome of the meeting was the creation of Africa’s first post-independence continental institution, the Organisation of African Unity (OAU). The OAU was formed as a manifestation of the pan-African vision for an Africa that was united, free and in control of its own destiny and this was solemnised in the OAU Charter which was adopted on May 25 #AfricaDay, 1963.

The celebration of the 60th anniversary is an opportunity to recognize the role and contribution of the founders of the continental organization and many other Africans on the continent and in the diaspora who have contributed greatly to the political liberation of the continent, and equally, to the socio-economic emancipation of Africa.

It is an opportunity to share the information, knowledge and best practices of the past and to encourage each other to take on the vision of the AU, as well as to drive the realization of the “Africa We Want”, under Agenda 2063. It is also an opportune moment for the African Union to reflect on the spirit of pan-Africanism, which connects the past to the present and to the continent’s aspirations for the future.

President Ramaphosa to address Africa Day celebrations

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to lead the Africa Day celebrations to be held at the Cradle of Humankind in Krugersdorp this morning.

Africa Day is celebrated throughout the continent in commemoration of the founding of the Organisation of African Unity – now known as the African Union – in 1963.

This year will mark 60 years of the founding of the union.

The Presidency said this year’s celebrations will be held under the theme “Deepening the AU Vision for Unity for Africa through Prosperity, Peace and Modernity for a Better Africa and a Better World.”

“The day focuses the nation’s attention on the development of our continent, regional integration, the opportunities offered by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCTA), and the human, cultural and natural treasures of Africa.

“Africa Day seeks to promote the African Agenda and strengthen the African Union institutions and policies towards the realisation of the continental blueprint, Agenda 2063. Africa Day also places a spotlight on regional integration through people-to-people contact and the harmonisation of skills and expertise to create capacity in all sectors in all countries,” the Presidency said.

The day will kick off with a carnival parade and walk before the beginning of the formal programme at 9am.

NEWS AGENCIES

______________________________________________________________

FOLLOW INDEPENDENT PRESS:

TWITTER (CLICK HERE)
https://twitter.com/IpIndependent