SDCEA calls for unity at Africa Day celebrations

AFRICA’S vibrant flame was ignited on Africa Day (Tuesday, 25 May) as crowds donned their cultural attire and came out to honour the remarkable place they call home.

The South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA) hosted an event, at the Durban Beachfront Promenade, marked by African arts, song, dance and diverse cultural practices while highlighting the strides and challenges of Africans throughout the continent.

Africa Day is the annual commemoration of the foundation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) on 25 May 1963. The day is intended to celebrate and acknowledge the successes of the OAU (now the African Union) in the fight against colonialism and apartheid, as well as the progress that Africa has made while reflecting upon the common challenges that the continent faces in a global environment.

“In celebrating Africa day in this time of unusualness, we believe it is important for us to stand in solidarity with all Africans in this struggle of environmental justice, xenophobia and gender inequality.

“Africans have faced xenophobic attacks from South Africans for many years and this has to stop. We need unity in South Africa amongst all nations, creeds and colours and we need to show solidarity to the rest of Africa,” said SDCEA’s Sherelee Odayar.

“For many decades women have taken a back seat when decisions were made for the community and them. These decisions have not benefited or empowered women, rather it has made women bear the absolute brunt of climate change and a lack of service delivery. There needs to be a power shift, women need to take on more leadership and decision making roles and demand gender equity,” added Odayar.