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Africa Day Celebrations
On 25 May 2004, Africa will celebrate Africa Day. It
is a day in which we observe the creation of the Organisation
of African Unity (OAU) and pay tribute to the Heads
of State, who through a common vision of unity, decided
to seek a joint African solution to the dichotomy facing
Africa in the 1960s.
Africa Day
Forty-one years ago, leaders of the African Continent
decided to establish the Organisation of African Unity
(OAU). Driven by a common aspiration towards de-colonisation,
liberation, equality, justice and progress, an inter-African
organisation of independent states was founded.
Africa Day exemplifies the achievements made by the
various leaders on the continent with regard to the
founding of the new African Union (AU), in establishing
NEPAD and other continental developments, to address
the challenges and ensure that the 21st Century truly
becomes an African Century.
By 2004, Africa has overcome many obstacles and has
begun building an Africa that belongs to all Africans,
through partnership between governments and civil society,
in particular women and youth in strengthening solidarity
among Africans. That is why it is particularly significant
that the theme for this year's Africa Day is YOUTH IN
SPORT, honouring youth throughout Africa for the role
they have played in Africa's development.
Our youth have played an influential and invaluable
role in the liberation of the continent, in promoting
a social and cultural identity that is unique to the
rest of the world. By their participation in sport,
youth are able to enhance the quality of life of all
Africans.
Therefore the commemoration of Africa Day highlights
South Africa's contributing role and participation in
the continent's agenda: from the birth of the AU, NEPAD,
APRM, PAP, and now the launch of the Peace and Security
Council in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 25 May. Further,
it instills a sense of responsibility to all, especially
the youth, in improving the quality of life of all people,
affected in the critical areas of social existence,
including health, safety and security, moral regeneration,
social cohesion, culture and education, and more especially
sport and recreation.
It is the youth that will play the most important role
in hosting the 2010 Soccer World Cup when it comes to
African soil. It is an African dream that our youth
will proudly win the 2010 Soccer Cup. Africa therefore
needs to honour and appreciate the value of our youth
on the continent.
The desired commitment at the launch of the OAU is
similar to the values embedded in our 10 years of freedom,
not only to see progress made but to entrench a principle
of ownership and sense of worth in our youth. These
values instilled in our unity and diversity, independence
and freedom, prosperity and nation-building will guide
Africa's future.
Africa today is inspired by the principles of the Charter
of the OAU, which is committed to peaceful settlement
of disputes, economic and social development, respect
for human rights, the protection of all Africans and
to fight all oppression.
Let us stand together and celebrate our Africanism
on 25 May and honour our youth in sport!
Enquiries: Ronnie Mamoepa 0829904853
24 May 2004
Issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs
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