Africa liberations day celebration a resounding success

The Honourable Mayor of Uthukela District Municipality, DCP Mazibuko, together with Mr Willies Mchunu the MEC of Transport, Community Safety & Liaison invited all residents within the district of Uthukela to celebrate Africa Liberation Day on Monday the 25th May 2015 at the Indoor Sport Complex.

The celebration featured varied aspects of art, culture and heritage of all Africans living in the District and support messages from different stakeholders.
Africa Day presents an opportunity for South Africans to reconnect and recommit themselves in support of all government interventions to develop a better Africa and a better world.

The Africa month is a declaration and celebratory statement of pride which fosters inclusivity for all role players and stakeholders. It is also a call for action for individuals and groups from all backgrounds and walks of life to join the movement for change.

“Our Freedom Charter stipulates that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, black and white. It is in this context that we all have to stand up and denounce xenophobic attacks in the strongest terms possible.

During apartheid, Africa opened its doors and became home for many South Africans who fled the persecution of the apartheid government.

For many decades Africans fought side by side with South Africans in a war against apartheid contributing to the freedom we have today” said the Mayor.

Africa Day was launched on the 25th May 1963 when countries in Africa that had achieved freedom came together  to sign a declaration to form the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) which was transformed into the African Union (AU) in 2002.

This has brought together African states to collectively address the problems and challenges facing Africans.
It is time for us to pay tribute to the people of Africa which supported our struggle for liberation, politically, materially and militarily and by giving us refuge, often at great cost to themselves.

“Africa Day is an occasion to remind ourselves where we come from in a journey to overcome colonialism and oppression across the African continent and also to rededicate ourselves on the journey that we have to travel to build this continent to eliminate poverty, underdevelopment and create a better condition for future generations.
We will use this period to promote African identity, entrench African values and ethics as well as strengthen existing collaborations in the continent and also promote the African Union flag and anthem during this month”, added the Mayor.

Mr Mchunu stressed that the issue of xenophobia which has been blamed for a number of violent incidents in KwaZulu Natal recently, was most disappointing.

He mentioned that there are elements of criminality that took advantage of the situation and robbed people of their goods thereby making their actions resemble xenophobic attacks.

“I think  it is important for us to remind ourselves that Africa played a pivotal role for our freedom, and we have to enjoy our fruit of freedom with them” said Mr Mchunu.

Local artists as well as artists from Nigeria and Congo spread peace and harmony with their African songs and dances.