A VIBRANT and colourful parade was held in Durban today in celebration of Africa Day, May 25.

Hosted by the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Thami Ntuli, the celebration featured the SAPS marching band, jugglers on stilts and unicycle, a number of schools, international guests and a provincial delegation that included the MEC for Arts and Culture, Mntomuhle Khawula.

The show of African unity was held in the midst of growing tensions over immigration in the province, especially eThekwini which has seen a number of anti-illegal immigration protests. Ntuli said the celebration reaffirms KZN’s commitment to celebrating African unity, shared identity, cultural heritage, and the continent’s democratic and developmental aspirations.

Also Read: KwaZulu World Carnival to celebrate Africa Day

“The winds of Africa are calling us not only to remember who we are, but to decide who we will become,” said Ntuli. “Will we be a continent divided by old boundaries, or united by common purpose? Will we be defined by our struggles, or by our triumphs? I believe we know the answer.”

The celebrations commenced with an African cultural parade from King Dinuzulu Park to the Durban Playhouse, showcasing the vibrancy, diversity, and cultural richness of the African continent through music, dance, traditional attire, and artistic expression. It will culminate with an Africa Renaissance event at the Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani this evening.

Africa Day is the annual commemoration of the foundation of the Organisation of African Unity on May 25, 1963. The organisation was replaced by the African Union on July 9, 2002, but is celebrated on May 25.

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