Fifty years ago on 25 May, leaders of the African people gathered in Addis Ababa “the city of Flowers” driven by common goal of freeing our continent from all the bondages of colonialism and oppression.
Fifty years on, people’s leaders are again assembled in that beautiful city to declare once more that the common bonds that bind are still as strong and will never be severed and that those common objectives of fifty years are still guiding us.
On 25 May 2013, South Africa joins the family of African Nations to salute the founders of our continent for their foresight to declare a final onslaught against all forms of oppression and subjugation visited upon the African People.
Furthermore, on that day, we will commit ourselves for the Africa Vision 2063 that in the main should invigorate us to face the challenges of the next fifty years.
To mark this momentous occasion, South Africa has planned a series of activities that will commence on the 25 May 2013 with the hoisting of the AU flag and the singing of the AU anthem at the Union Buildings. South Arica has committed to bring upon an unrivalled awareness campaign that will see national and provincial activities to mark the Golden Jubilee. The President, including political principals from national and provincial alike will be in the forefront of the year-long celebrations.
Universities and places of learning will also be at the core of these awareness campaigns that in the final analysis should declare for the world to know that the promotion of Unity, African solidarity and the fight against diseases, poverty, unemployment and environmental degradation still rages on.
As we mark the Golden Jubilee, we should ensure that the spirit of Pan Africanism and African Renaissance leaves on.
The Minister of Arts and Culture, Mr Paul Mashatile, accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Performance, Monitoring and Evaluation, Mr Obed Bapela and Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ebrahim Ismail Ebrahim will take part in the hoisting of the African Union flag as well as the launch of the year-long anniversary programme.
Members of the media are invited as follows:
Date: Saturday, 25 May 2013
Time: 10h00
Venue: Room 153, Union Buildings
NB: Media must arrive at 10h00
RSVP:
Takalani Sithi
Cell: 078 252 3722
E-mail: takalani@gcis.gov.za
For media enquiries:
Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for DIRCO
Cell: 082 884 5974
Mack Lewele, Spokesperson for Arts and Culture
Cell: 082 450 5076
