BY LARA MOSES
Americans have Independence Day, the Irish have St Patrick’s Day and for those of us proud enough to call ourselves African, 25 May is our day. Fancy fireworks displays and beer drinking sing-a-longs are not what we do but instead we celebrate unity. The simple things that unite us as Africans and make us who we are. Africa Day marks the establishment of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963. This organization provided the 32 independent African nations with a platform to promote unity.
Today Africa Day serves as a day to celebrate our African heritage as well as showcase our continent history and culture through the arts. The celebrations of the day also acknowledge the progress that we, as Africans, have made, while reflecting on the common challenges we face in a global environment. It highlights our strengths as a continent rather than our many weaknesses.
For us as South Africans the day allows us an opportunity to reflect on the year that has passed and our experiences as Africans during the period of tragic xenophobic attacks. As well as remember those who have passed that fought for our unity, freedom and independence, and that now stand as symbols of not only South African but African unity.
As South Africans we should strive to embrace unity through accepting diversity amongst all people. We can only do this through tolerance and respect. We have showed the world once before that we are a nation of multi-coloured and cultured people that can unify through the greatest of political and racial struggles and therefore have so much more to celebrate on this day.
There is no doubt in my mind that no other being can feel the beat of a drum, appreciate good public transport and live on their own time the way an African being can. Simple things like this unify us because we recognize and can joke about it. Our difference set us apart but this is what makes us unique and gives us an opportunity to practice tolerance. Let us, as Africans, not be discouraged by our third world status but rather celebrate our rooted heritage, beautiful traditions and unified continent.
Lara Moses believes in looking at the brighter side.
Tags: Africa, africa day, oau, unity, xenophobia
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