The once-a-year commemoration of Africa Day marks the founding of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963.
Africa (25 May 2021) – South Africa will today join the rest of the continent to mark the 58th Annual Commemoration of Africa Day.
The day is an opportunity to foster political, economic and social integration among the family of African States and to do away with colonialism, apartheid and neo-colonialism from the African continent.
To Herman Mashaba, ActionSA leader, Africa Day means a day for Africans to reflect on the “spectacular failures” of “successive leaders” since the attainment of Independence.
“We have only experienced pockets of excellence in our Continent, for an example, Botswana, Mauritius and Rwanda, otherwise overall corruption and mismanagement across,” Mashaba says.
“Let us use the day to reflect and be honest with one another – We have failed Africa.
“I am, however, still positive that we can, and should turn Africa around, by democratically removing these Kleptocratic leaders,” Mashaba concluded.
Helen Zille, DA Federal Council chairperson, says Africa Day reminds her that South Africa could have been a leading light in Africa with a “successful” economy and democracy.
“Tragically, the ANC is destroying our chances of achieving this,” Zille said to goodthingsguy.com.
The South African Medical Association chairperson, Angelique Coetzee, says she acknowledges and celebrates the importance of Africa Day as founded May 25 1963.
According to Coetzee, this “important” day marks the determination of the people of Africa as to free ourselves from foreign domination and exploitation. She says while anxiety and depression is on the rise and South Africans tend to forget the beauty of expressing oneself through art or simply enjoying the wonders of creative art.
Our cultural heritage is our roots anchoring us to our families and customs. It is what gives us direction in life,” says Coetzee.
Unathi Kwaza, a political analyst and activist, says most South Africans are not well travelled. She says Africa Day can therefore be used to educate people about each other’s cultures.
“This can help stop xenophobic attacks. We are all African after all,” says Kwaza.
Celebrate 🎉
Some of Africa’s biggest music stars are lined up to perform at a 2-hour long virtual concert to commemorate this day.
Actor and musician Idris Elba is hosting the Africa Day concert through a partnership with the music channel MTV Base Africa and YouTube.
“The virtual concert will be a Pan African event, featuring trailblazing stars from across the continent,” ViacomCBS Network Africa – creators of MTV – said in a statement.
“Artists will perform on multiple stages from Lagos to Johannesburg in an event that will be streamed to a global audience.
“South Africa’s Elaine, one of the continent’s most-streamed artists, is set to perform new music at the concert.
“She will be joined by rapper and MTV Base Hottest MC 2020 winner, Focalistic as well as rap duo, Blaq Diamond, who is currently MTV Base’ Hottest MC New Wave titleholders,” according to the statement.
Be sure to catch the concert streaming tonight exclusively on YouTube at 19:00 and broadcast across Africa on MTV Base (DStv Channel 322) at 21:00.
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