Following the recent uprising of xenophobic violence the issue of African unity was in clear focus at the Ilembe District municipality’s celebration of Africa Day on Saturday.
According to district residents who attended the celebration at the recreation grounds in KwaDukuza the issue of unemployment should be dealt with as soon as possible by the government to avoid future xenophobic attacks.
“When people have no jobs, they become bored and start looking for someone or something to blame. Foreigners will be at high risk of being the victims of the anger of South Africans,” said Amon Mbotho from Shakaville.
He said it would be unfair to blame foreigners for the problems South Africans face. “Since there are not enough jobs some South Africans are jealous to see those small opportunities taken by people of other countries,” said Mbotho.
Vusi Nzama from Maphumulo said as much as the government is emphasising the importance of being proud of being an African, some laws need to be revised.
“I feel my children’s rights are taking away my right to be a parent and there are other rules that prevent me from living my life as an African,” said Nzama.
Nobhekisisa Nzuza, Jikeleni Dlamini and Sizakele Ndlela from Maphumulo said although the country was facing many challenges, Africans should stay united.
Africa Day is the annual commemoration on May 25 of the 1963 founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU).
On this day, leaders of 30 of the 32 independent African states signed a founding charter in Ethiopia. In 1991, the OAU established the African Economic Community, and in 2002 the OAU established its own successor, the African Union. However, the name and date of Africa Day has been retained as a celebration of African unity.
The local celebration included vibrant displays of traditional dancing, the sampling of exotic foods from numerous African countries and a march from King Shaka Street and Chief Albert Luthuli Street to the recreations ground with the Umthwalume Bass band leading the way.
