Every year on May 25th, Africa marks the Africa Day as a sign of unity for the continent.
Today is 52 years since the founding of the Organisation of African Unity.
Africa Day is the annual commemoration on May 25 of the 1963 founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU). On this day, leaders of 30 of the 32 independent African states signed a founding charter in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
In 1991, the OAU established the African Economic Community, and in 2002 the OAU established its own successor, the African Union. However, the name and date of Africa Day has been retained as a celebration of African unity.
Africa Day is observed as a public holiday in only six African countries, that is, Ghana ,Mali, Namibia, Zambia, Lesotho and Zimbabwe.
However, celebrations are held in some African countries, as well as by Africans in the diaspora.
As the continent observes Africa Day today, President Jacob Zuma of South Africa has called on his people to embrace unity.
On Sunday, Zuma called on South Africans to learn the African Union (AU) anthem.
He was speaking at the first of government’s Africa Day celebrations in Mamelodi, east of Pretoria.
Those who were attending the event say Africa Day is an opportunity for South Africa to fight against xenophobia.
“It’s a very important reminder that as we enjoy the fruits of freedom, we must reminder ourselves that we’ve to share the benefits of it with those who fought with us to see us free.
Meanwhile, AU commission chair Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma said the formation of the AU on South African soil should be a reminder of the country’s duty to remain united with other African states.
Dlamini-Zuma was also speaking at the same event.
She called for a complete end to violence against foreign nationals in South Africa.
She reminded hundreds gathered that the formation of the AU was to ensure the freedom of colonised African states.
Following government’s declaration of May as Africa month, Dlamini-Zuma said South Africans should not be quick to forget the sacrifices made my other nations for the country’s own liberation
