Parliament has marked the significance of Africa Day for a number of years.
This year it will be doing so again – by debating the theme of “Celebrating African cultural renaissance through dialogue” in the National Assembly on 24 May and by hosting Africa Day celebrations at Gallagher Estate in Midrand, Gauteng, on 25 May.
Africa Day has its origins in the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) on 25 May 1963 in Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa, where leaders of 32 African states signed a founding charter. The preamble of the founding charter captured the spirit of the event.
“Inspired by a common determination to promote understanding among African peoples and cooperation among African states in response to the aspirations of African people for solidarity, in a larger unity transcending ethnic and national differences,” the preamble to the founding charter read.
This year, 25 May – Africa Day – is of special significance because it is the tenth anniversary of the formation of the African Union (AU), which succeeded the OAU and has continued to build on the mandate and achievements of the OAU, while also making efforts at realising the vision and objectives of the AU.
Celebrations of Africa Day this year aim to promote the AU Charter for African Cultural Renaissance, which was adopted in January 2006. The charter aims to promote the dignity of Africa’s people, preserve and promote the African cultural heritage, combat and eliminate all forms of alienation and cultural oppression in Africa and integrating cultural objectives in development strategies.
Cultural activities and discussions (programme attached).
Date: Friday, 25 May 2012
Time: 10h00 to 17h30
Venue: Gallagher Estate Convention Centre, Midrand, Gauteng
Click here to view the programme.
Photographers wishing to photograph the National Assembly debate and members of the media wishing to attend the Gallagher Estate celebrations should RSPV Nolizwi Magwagwa by 11h00 on Thursday 24 May at nmagwagwa@parliament.gov.za or on 021-403 2465 or 083 313 1323, copying erandall@parliament.gov.za
Please provide your full name, your ID or passport number and the name of the media house for which you work.
