A cold day could not deter guests from attending an Africa Day celebration organised by uThukela District Municipality at the Ladysmith Town Hall. The day was filled with diversity and joy from the community members of different cultures.
This event is conducted annually on the African continent and aims to unite all the African states to celebrate their freedom and culture. The theme of the Africa Day celebration this year was Nutrition and the aim of the African Union (AU) is to strengthen the agro-food systems, health and social protection systems to accelerate human, social, and economic capital development on the African continent. Africa is a home for hope and Africa Day celebrates the enormous promise and potential of this diverse and dynamic continent.
The day also reminded us of the multiple challenges preventing Africa from reaching its full potential including the Covid-19 pandemic and its devastating impact on African economies, as well as climate change and a severe food crisis. This crisis is resulting in soaring costs for food, energy and fertiliser with devastating consequences on nutrition and food systems, while making it even more difficult for the continent to mobilise the financial resources needed to invest in its people.
“Being amongst amakhosi is a blessing because without them the nation will be lost,” said Ndlunkulu Shabalala who also appreciated izintombi. She referred to them as the flowers of the nation. “Let us continue to celebrate and embrace each other’s cultures and history, and promote a peaceful country and continent. A united nation is what is needed during these unprecedented times,” she concluded.
Africa Day, 25 May 1963, marks the day when countries in Africa that had achieved freedom came together to sign a declaration to form the Organisation of African Unity which was later transformed into the African Union in 2002. This has brought together African states to collectively address the problems and challenges facing Africans. The Speaker said they will take it upon themselves to take care of izintombi and to create job opportunities to eliminate criminality and poverty in the district.
She further urged community members to refrain from engaging in acts of misconduct as it delays service delivery to the people. The celebration featured all aspects of art, culture and heritage of all Africans living in the district as well as messages of support 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. 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.
“Africa Day is an occasion to remind ourselves where we come from as Africans. On this day we celebrate our different cultures and languages, bringing back humanity and respect for one another as brothers and sisters,” said Mayor Sibisi.
He went on to say that the municipality will use this period to promote African identity, entrench African values and ethics as well as strengthen existing collaborations in the continent. “We thank you all who have made this day a success. Our doors as municipalities are always open, and will continue standing proudly as Africans as we work to deliver on the promise of a prosperous and peaceful Africa for all,” Mayor Sibisi concluded.
Mr Khan and Mr Naidoo expressed gratitude to the team of uThukela, saying that despite the challenges of the persisting pandemic and economic uncertainties, uThukela District Municipality still finds space to organise such an event which shows commitment to the South African cause. Local artists, traditional dancers as well as dancers from Indian nations made the crowd cheerful with their traditional songs.
