Africa Day (formerly African Freedom Day and African Liberation Day) is the annual commemoration of the foundation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) (now known as the African Union) on 25 May 1963. It is celebrated in various countries on the African continent, as well as around the world. This day, 25 May 2018, was declared as Africa Day as a symbol of unity among all Africans.

Africa Day – the celebration of African culture and unity – commemorates the 1963 formation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), the precursor to the African Union (AU). The day acknowledges the progress that Africans have made while reflecting upon the common challenges we face in a global environment.

The African Union, comprised of 53 member states, has brought together the continent of Africa to collectively address the challenges it has faced, such as armed conflict, climate change and poverty.

This year’s Africa month theme is, “The Year of Nelson Mandela Building a Better Africa and a Better World”. The Durban University of Technology supports Africa Day and is proud to be an African University of Technology.

Speaking of Africa Day and its significance, Crispin Hemson, Director, International Centre of Nonviolence said: “Two things spring to mind – first, how much people in this huge continent have in common, in terms of the resources provided by the land, in terms of cultures that emphasize connection, but also in terms of histories of exploitation and divisiveness that we have to overcome”.

Secondly, the need for African leadership in world affairs, despite some disastrous leadership, Africa has produced the world’s most remarkable visionary leaders, perhaps in response to its history of exploitation. Such leaders are needed to address the major environmental, social and economic challenges faced not only by Africa, but by humanity as a whole.”

Information sourced from: www.dac.gov.za.

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