Gauteng celebrates Africa Day
YEOVILLE – Unity of Africa is important in changing the face and fortunes of this rich continent.
The Gauteng Provincial Government in partnership with the Africa Diaspora Forum (ADF) successfully hosted the Africa Day event held on 26 May in Yeoville.
Africa Day is celebrated annually on 25 May, however, Gauteng held its celebrations on 26 May to allow maximum participation.
The day was attended by various African groups from various parts of the continent affiliated to the Africa Diaspora Forum and Gauteng Provincial Government.
The celebration was held under the theme of ‘The year of Nelson Mandela: Civil Society Dialogue with African Migrants’.
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There were people from various cultural groups including South Africans, Nigerians, Ethiopians, Zimbabweans, Ghanaians and the neighbouring Basotho nation.
The crowd was led by Gauteng MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Faith Mazibuko and chairperson of ADF, Marc Gbaffou.
The celebrations were started with a 5km colourful carnival parade through the streets of Yeoville.
Addressing a gathering shortly after a walk, Mazibuko said the unity of Africa is important in changing the face and fortunes of this rich continent. “This year we are gathering under the banner of celebrating Nelson Mandela, who together with many other African leaders should be celebrated for the work they did for the continent.
“There are many things that bring us together and Gauteng will continue to be a melting pot of various cultures and a home for all.
“We are well positioned to show Africa the way to a united continent.”
She further called on everyone to respect and abide by the laws and regulations of South Africa in order to live in harmony with one another.
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Gbaffou thanked the Gauteng Provincial Government for spearheading programmes aimed at uniting the people of Africa.
He also called on the Premier of Gauteng, David Makhura, to intervene and stop the killings of African people which he claimed to be on the rise.
There were other festivities including food and artwork exhibitions where patrons could do food tasting of the various African dishes.
There was also music and dance by different cultural groups.
Details: Nomazwe Ntlokwana 011 355 2578.
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