Dlamini-Zuma speaks about the vision for Africa
BRAAMFONTEIN – Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma says a person who is not ambitious is a danger to society.
African Union (AU) chairperson Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma addressed guests at the Summit room at University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) on Africa day.
Wits University Vice Chancellor Professor Adam Habib welcomed Dlamini-Zuma and the students.
Dlamini-Zuma was also welcomed by a lively crowd who sang war songs praising African heroes who fought for their countries.
Addressing the crowd, Dlamini-Zuma said it is up to young Africans to make a difference and improve living conditions in Africa.
“You are born in difficult circumstances, and difficult circumstances are not born in you,” she said.
She also shared the AU’s 2063 vision stating that Africans should come up with new ways to address African problems.
The 2063 vision is to:
- A prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development
- An integrated continent, politically united and based on the ideals of Pan
- Africanism and the vision of Africa’s Renaissance
- An Africa of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice and the rule of law
- A peaceful and secure Africa
- An Africa with a strong cultural identity, common heritage, values and ethics
- An Africa where development is people-driven, unleashing the potential of its women and youth
- Africa as a strong, united and influential global player and partner
“We need to invest in education. You skill your people; they figure out what to do,” she said.
Dlamini-Zuma expressed her disappointment in that Wits University only takes 200 medical students per year when such skills are of paramount importance in Africa.
“I almost collapsed when he [Habib] said there is not one black woman professor in this institution,” she added.
According to Dlamini-Zuma, the first step towards solving a problem is acknowledging its existence.
“There is no country in the continent that is self-sufficient in energy. We need energy to be more effective. We must all participate in politics. If you participate in shaping the future now, you will be proud of tomorrow,” she added.
When asked whether the AU is a toothless dog that fails to solve numerous problems in Africa, such as solutions for the Ebola outbreak and the political situation in Burundi; she said, “The AU always takes a stand and we do what we can with the resources we have. Perhaps we are bad in communicating all the things we do to the public.”
What are your thoughts on this vision for Africa?
