This year the Department of Arts and Culture, the City of Tshwane and the Africa Institute of South Africa celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Organisation of African Unity (OAU) under the theme “2013, Year of Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance”. This series of events will provide a platform to forge closer links and partnerships among African communities to promote social cohesion, build a common identity and a sense of belonging for all people of the continent.
The 50th Anniversary will facilitate and celebrate African narratives of past, present and future that promote a Pan-Africanist spirit. It will enthuse and energise South Africans to see themselves as part of an African movement for change. It also enables South Africans to acknowledge the role of the OAU in bringing an end to apartheid.
The Minister of Arts and Culture Mr Paul Mashatile says: “As the government, we are particularly interested in pursuing a social cohesion program that will help the people of the country and continent to redefine their social, political and cultural identity in a manner that will give them a sense of belonging and ownership to determine their own future and destiny.”
“We are proud to support an initiative that showcases, develops and nurtures Africa’s rich cultural heritage.”
The African Union, comprised of 54 member states, brought together the continent of Africa to collectively address its challenges, such as armed conflict, social upheaval, climate change, and poverty.It has been 50 years since the emergence of the OAU and a decade since the formation of the African Union (AU). It seeks to promote an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa that is people centred and represents a dynamic force on the world stage.
Africa Day will thus reflect the key lessons of the past 50 years and acknowledge the contributions of founders of the OAU and Pan Africanism in all countries, regions and the African Diaspora.
Significantly during the world economic crisis, Africa’s economies continued to expand, and growth forecasts remain positive. However, the benefits are not reaching all Africans. Poverty, hunger, and disparities in health, education and social participation, are preventing Africans from fully realising their full potential.
50 years after the formation of the OAU, Africa is on the rise. At the same time, the continent is aware of the challenges it faces, and of the need to use this opportunity to rejuvenate its mission, through “Pan Africanism and the African renaissance”.
This commemoration enables us to take stock of Africa today, its assets, capabilities, opportunities and challenges and to look forward and define the Pan-African values that will underpin the African agenda over the next five decades.
Activities aligned to Africa Day Celebration:Scramble for Africa Conference on international academic community from the continent and diaspora to deliberate on matters affecting the African continentDate:20 – 21 May 2013Venue:DIRCO Conference CentreGala dinner pitched as a networking session with the African Embassies/High Commissions based South AfricaDate:23 May 2013Venue:Sandton Convention CentreTime: 18h00
Minister Mashatile will open an exhibition on “Cultural Brokerage: Africa Imagined (Act1)”Date:24 May 2013Venue:Pretoria Arts MuseumTime:18h00President Jacob Zuma will unveil an artwork as South African Cultural Contribution to the 50th Anniversary of the African Union (previously Organisation of African Unity)Date:25 May 2013Venue:Ethiopia, Addis AbabaAfrica Day Celebrations which will include a carnival, expo and concertDate:25 May 2013Venue: Union Building LawnsTime:08h00
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