The streets of Durban came alive with colour, music and African pride on Monday as KwaZulu-Natal commemorated Africa Day with vibrant celebrations, cultural performances and robust discussions about the future of the continent.
Dancers, drummers, cultural groups and community organisations filled the Durban CBD during a lively Africa Day parade led by KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli and members of the provincial executive.
Spectators lined the streets as performers dressed in traditional attire sang, danced and waved African flags in celebration of African unity, diversity and heritage.
The celebrations formed part of Africa Month commemorations held across the province to honour the establishment of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) on 25 May 1963 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Addressing crowds during the parade, Premier Ntuli said Africa Day remains an important reminder of the continent’s shared history, struggles and aspirations.
He stressed the importance of strengthening unity among African nations while promoting social cohesion and cultural pride. “Despite our different languages, cultures and nationalities, we share a common destiny as Africans and a responsibility to build a better future together,” said Ntuli.
The atmosphere throughout the city reflected Durban’s multicultural identity, with participants proudly representing different African countries and communities in a celebration of unity in diversity.
The celebrations later moved to the Maharani Hotel, where government leaders, academics, traditional leaders and development experts gathered for the African Renaissance Round Table Dinner under the theme: *Imagining the Developmental Africa as envisaged by King Dinuzulu and Pixley ka Isaka Seme.*
The round table discussions focused on African unity, development, self-determination and the continent’s future in a rapidly changing global environment.
Opening the session, Premier Ntuli delivered a reflective address in which he used the symbolism of the African wind to describe the continent’s history, resilience and enduring spirit. “The African wind carries the echoes of ancient kingdoms, liberation struggles and the resilience of ordinary African men and women whose sacrifices shaped this continent,” he said.
Ntuli reflected on the painful legacy of slavery, colonialism, dispossession and apartheid, saying generations of Africans had been stripped not only of land and opportunity, but also of identity and cultural heritage.
Yet despite centuries of oppression, Africa endured, he said. “Africa endured. Africa rose,” said Ntuli. He warned that Africa Day should not become merely ceremonial, but should instead serve as a call for reflection, responsibility and renewal.
According to the Premier, Africa possesses the intellectual, cultural and moral resources necessary to shape its own future, but meaningful progress would require confronting the lasting effects of colonialism and apartheid.
Ntuli said colonial systems deliberately undermined African consciousness by suppressing indigenous knowledge systems, cultural expression and African philosophies.
Referencing historian Chancellor Williams and his book ‘The Destruction of Black Civilization’, Ntuli said much of Africa’s intellectual and cultural power remains hidden within its own history.
“It is about recovering intellectual competence. It is about conceptualising our experiences within post-colonial and post-apartheid realities while equipping future generations,” he said.
One of the key highlights of the evening was a presentation by Professor Musa Xulu from the Indonsa YeSizwe Institute, who explored issues shaping the future of the continent, including transportation and mobility, trade routes, skills-based education and the role of artificial intelligence in governance and connectivity.
Education scholar Professor Sipho Seepe also contributed to discussions centred on the African Renaissance agenda, while other speakers reflected on the role of traditional leadership in rural development and nation building.
Technology and innovation also featured prominently during the discussions, with Professor Vika Gabela examining how artificial intelligence could redefine Africa’s future and strengthen the continent’s global position.
Members of the public, youth groups, artists, cultural organisations and academics described the day’s events as a powerful reflection of African identity, resilience and the importance of building a united and progressive continent.
