In celebration of the establishment of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), the African Union and the Department of Arts and Culture will host a series of events to celebrate Africa Month throughout the month of May culminating in the celebration of Africa Day on the 25th May. These celebrations are aimed at encouraging nation building through unity and freedom from oppression.
What is OAU?
Founded by thirty-two countries on May 25, 1963, and based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, it became operational on September 13, 1963, when the OAU Charter, its basic constitutional document, entered into force. It intended to form the continental base for pan-Africanism but resulting in a watered-down compromise between competing ideological blocs.
Since the establishment of the OAU, a further 21 states have joined. South Africa became the latest and 53rd member on 23 May 1994.
South Africans are an integral part of the African continent and therefore the country understands its national interest to be fundamentally related to continental stability, unity and prosperity. Our African agenda is for the sustained development and upliftment of all African people.
Africa Month seeks to increase the appreciation and demand for arts and culture goods and services as well as to stimulate competitive markets for Intra-Africa trade.
Africa Day continues to be celebrated both in Africa and around the world. Themes for Africa day are set for each year.
As an African community, let us continue to communicate, share our ideas and exchange expertise, so that together we achieve greatness.
Top events during Africa month
The Breaking Down Borders Africa Youth Summit - https://breakingdownbordersafrica.com/
Bassline Fest - https://bassline.co.za/
Zafiko Music Festival - https://www.zakifo.com/
Franschhoek Literary Festival - https://www.flf.co.za/
African Unity Week - https://www.african-utility-week.com/
Kingsmead Book Fair - http://kingsmead.co.za/bookfair/
Easter Live Party Reloded 2019 - https://www.ticketpros.co.za/portal/web/index.php/event/b06a9fd2-b02e-9efa-4ada-5cb5933d5bb6
Weiveld - https://www.ticketpros.co.za/portal/web/index.php/parent_event/a5dba44a-0d5d-c430-86cd-5bf3fec32b73
Gospel Explosion Part 1 - Waze Walunga Uthixo Gospel Explosion Part 1 - https://www.ticketpros.co.za/portal/web/index.php/event/6114015e-97c5-2e8b-0342-5cc83e453275
Sporting events are more than moments of competition, national pride, and entertainment. They are economic activities that can stimulate tourism, create employment, support local businesses, and generate revenue across multiple sectors of the economy.
Umntwana womgquba a term traditionally used in the Nguni language that means “born out of wedlock,” but nowadays it is used to emphasise that one is born kwisintu. As lontwana, I look back on my own adventures: sometimes I pat myself on the back, and sometimes I wish I could redo them.
Each September, South Africa turns its attention to the rich cultural tapestry that defines our nation. Heritage Month is a time to honour the traditions, languages, histories, knowledge systems, customs and creative expressions that have been passed from generation to generation, while recognising that our heritage is not confined to the past.
My first encounter with heritage at the Mandela Bay Development Agency was, appropriately, somewhat uncomfortable. It began with cleaning. The Gale Monument, the Horse Memorial and the Queen Victoria statue became my first practical introduction to the business of preserving history.
