AFRICA DAY

Africa Day 2

Africa is well known for a lot of things both positive and negative. Many describe it as a beautiful continent with a wealth of history, natural beauty and so much more, yet at the same time the continent has is plunged with economic issues, political instability, crime, corruption, health and poverty.

      

This year marks a huge milestone for the continent and the African union as a whole as the oraginsation turns 50 years on the 25^th of May, this day is also known as Africa day. The origins of Africa day dates back to 1963 upon the formation of the organisation of the African union (OAU), presently known as the African union (AU). This continental organization was founded in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

 Though celebrated under different themes each year, and only recognised as an official public holiday in 5 out of the 54 countries of the continent (Ghana, Mali, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe), Africa day provides a platform for people to get involved and celebrate the diversity of Africa. This day also provides an opportunity to acknowledge the achievements of the people and governments of Africa, and to act as a reminder to Africans that they are not alone in dealing with problems.

 And although the last few years have been very unstable for the continent, a number of positive things have also come out of the continent, including the election of the first 2 female presidents in   any respective African country, Joyce Banda of Malawi and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia.

Speaking at this year’s world economic forum on Africa in Cape Town, South African President Mr. Jacob Zuma said that “We have an opportunity to define our own future as Africans and create an Africa we desire. An Africa that is united, integrated and free of the scourge of poverty” he further added that “ if you take the last 50 years  since it (OAU) was established , we are almost at a point of  launching Africa into very great  activities to achieve a prosperous continent.” As it stands Africa is the second fastest growing region in the in the world after Asia.  So as Africa continues to develop, let us cherish all that we have achieved and look forward to what is yet to come