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ZIWAPHI • VOL 4 NO 11 • 21 - 27 May 2010

NELSPRUIT

Delegates from Mozambique, Namibia and Swaziland joined the Mpumalanga government in Matsulu on Tuesday to celebrate Africa Day, which commemorates the launch of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1963. 

Maputo province premier Maria Elias Jonas said the Mozambican nation was honoured and proud of having had the historical opportunity to participate in the founding of the OAU under the leadership of visionary men such as Tanzania’s Julius Nyerere, Ghana’s Kwame Nkrumah, Guinea’s Sekou Touré, Egypt’s Gamal Abdel Nasser and Ben Bella from Algeria.

“They succeeded because they assumed the spirit of unity, political and military coordination, diplomatic action and mutual support as a key factor for victory. The transformation of the OAU into the African Union (AU), signed on July 11 2000 by 53 heads of African states at Lomué in Togo, with the objective of strengthening the development of Africa, eradicating poverty and encouraging African integration into the global economy, came at the right time,” she said.

Jonas added that poverty and HIV/Aids were the biggest challenges facing the AU on the continent.

“These scourges constitute a threat to our sense of freedom and human dignity. They challenge our conscience and call on all of us to act. We have to have the same courage, knowledge and vision we had in the past [to deal with them]. Africa has given indications that it can make its dreams come true. It has shown that we can break the distance between conception and action, and between what we want and what we can,” said Jonas.

She also used the opportunity to congratulate South Africa for being a “continental pioneer” in hosting the Fifa World Cup.

“South Africa deserves the trust of the whole world to host the Fifa World Cup, an event which will move millions of people worldwide. We would like to collaborate with you in all means, especially in the field of culture and arts for the success of the event ... to create an exhibition of an overall cultural mosaic,” Jonas added.

Elten Charles Cloete, who led a delegation from Namibian ministry of youth, national service, sport and culture, also touched on the World Cup in his speech.

“We feel at home here in South Africa and this is what all the World Cup soccer fans will get once they arrive in South Africa,” he said.

Mkhosi Sikhonzi from the Swaziland Arts and Culture Council also assured South Africa of his country’s full support for the soccer tournament.

Mpumalanga MEC for culture, sport and recreation Vusi Shongwe said the day was aimed at instilling a sense of pride in the “African way of doing things” and to encourage fellow Africans to be proud of their rich cultural heritage.

The event also featured a variety of performances by groups from the different countries.