A toast to African leadership during Covid-19

Today, May 25, marked the 57^th anniversary of the birth of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU). The City of Johannesburg joined the celebrations, according to a statement released by the council.

‘The Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Geoffrey Makhubo on behalf of the City joins millions of Africans in celebrating Africa Day under the theme Silencing The Guns: Creating Conducive Conditions for Africa’s Development and Intensifying the Fight against the Covid-19 Pandemic’, read the statement.

Makhubo said that the global pandemic had formed a unified Africa, with countries working together. “As a world-class African city, I encourage all residents to continue to show Ubuntu and work together to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. Let us continue to celebrate and embrace each other’s cultures, history and promote a peaceful city and continent,” he said.  He stressed that a unified Africa was what was needed during these unprecedented times, adding that he had been pleased to see the collaborative efforts by African countries to contain and manage the spread of Covid-19.

The OAU, now the African Union (AU), was formed on 25 May 1963 as an organisation to help fight against colonialism and apartheid. This was to be achieved by promoting unity and solidarity of the African states, coordinating and intensifying efforts to achieve better lives for Africans, defending sovereignty and promoting international cooperation. The body now consists of 55 member states.

Makhubo acknowledged that this year the celebrations were slightly different due to the pandemic, but said that this should not detract in any way from the significance of the day.

“We are truly encouraged by the leadership displayed by all African leaders during this difficult period in fighting Coved-19. The work done in our African countries to curb the spread of the virus is remarkable and should be commended.”