Local news News

We asked residents what Africa Day means to them and here is what they had to say…

JOHANNESBURG – Africa Day is celebrated around the continent on 25 May. We asked residents why they feel it is important to celebrate the day and what it means to them.

May 25, 2017

Laura Pisanello Less than a minute

Africa Day is celebrated on a global scale every year on 25 May. It is the commemoration of the foundation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), which was disbanded in 2002 by its last chairperson, South African President Thabo Mbeki, and replaced by the African Union.

LESEGO MALOKA: I create these bags to share my story as an African. I think we need to tell the world who we are, we need to share our identity and we can express that in many ways and I express it through my fabrics.

NOKUKHANYA MRWEBO: I think Africa Day should be celebrated more because we don’t really know much about it.

SIMONE WILSON: I’m from Zimbabwe and since I’ve been here I didn’t even know it was happening, I think it should be more of a celebration, it’s our heritage. I was born in Africa and I will probably die in Africa, so it should be. We celebrate everything else so why not?
GREGORY WILSON: I work mostly out of the country from Nigeria across to Kenya and countries more to the south and they all celebrate it. When you’re there you feel part of Africa. South Africa is not seen as being a part of them. I think to broaden our appeal and improve business relations with the countries around us we should be [celebrating Africa Day]. It’s a small and sometimes insignificant thing to share Africa Day and it could make us more united.

READ #AfricaMonth: The legend of Timbuktu is true

MUSA SITHOLE: I think it’s time that our leaders address such issues of xenephobia and economic problems because Africa needs to unite when it comes to the economy.

READ #AfricaDay: Celebrate 7 things that are unique to Africa

What does Africa Day mean to you? Let us know on our Facebook page.

May 25, 2017

Laura Pisanello Less than a minute