South Africa celebrates Africa Day with pride

24 May 2016

Africa Day 2016 marks 53 years since the formation of the Organisation of African Unity on 25 May 1963 and the African Union in 2002. South Africa joins the entire continent in celebrating Africa Day with pride. The continent has advanced on many fronts especially in strengthening democracy, peace, stability and socio-economic development. Africa Day is an opportunity to celebrate African identity and heritage.

South Africa was isolated from the rest of the continent for many years because of the apartheid regime. South Africa was embraced by the continent and the international community in 1994 following the dawn of freedom and democracy.

Africa Day celebrations this year are historic as they coincide with a number of significant milestones like the 20 years celebration of the Constitution for South Africa as well as the 22nd anniversary of our democratic government. 

South Africans are united in celebrating our diversity with compatriots from the rest of the continent. This year’s celebration is held under the theme: "Building a better Africa and a Better World".

The Acting Director General Donald Liphoko said: “As South Africa celebrates this day, the country reaffirms its support to the African Union’s Agenda 2063 which is in harmony with the National Development Plan, the guiding document for the South Africa we want to see in 2030”.

Government is implementing a number of programmes to realise the National Development Plan. The Nine Point plan is one such implementation programme that is aimed at reviving our economy and setting it on a higher growth path. The interventions of the Nine Point Plan are already yielding positive results, crowding in investments in manufacturing and agro-processing and stabilising electricity supply to underpin our economic recovery.
 
“Government calls on all people of South Africa to be united and promote peace and harmony on Africa Day and beyond”, said Liphoko.

Enquiries:
Donald Liphoko
Acting Director General
Cell: 082 901 0766

Issued by Government Communications (GCIS)