THE MESSAGE OF AFRICA DAY
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 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 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.
While Africans celebrate their independence from western world, it is faced with many challenges post colonialism. Youth empowerment needs to be addressed because the youth constitute 62 % of the continent. Although there is an advance in the educational system and economic growth, the progress remains fragile because inequalities are prevalent.
The leaders who decolonised the continent from the the western powers have a problem of leading the people. They had a common goal at the beginning which was"A free Africa" but some parts of the continent are still not enjoying freedom,because their own leaders turned into dictators. The AU which is claiming to be the custodian of morality,in this post modern era still fails to do away with the dictators. As long as the owners of the house are ignorant self reliance is so near yet so far,the organisation should be a beacon of hope to Africans. but anyway the focus is on youth which is still behind.
The leaders who decolonised the continent from the the western powers have a problem of leading the people. They had a common goal at the beginning which was"A free Africa" but some parts of the continent are still not enjoying freedom,because their own leaders turned into dictators. The AU which is claiming to be the custodian of morality,in this post modern era still fails to do away with the dictators. As long as the owners of the house are ignorant self reliance is so near yet so far,the organisation should be a beacon of hope to Africans. but anyway the focus is on youth which is still behind.
African youth today is facing problems in finding decent jobs and participating in the decision making processes. While some have resorted to drugs and alcohol abuse because of the frustrations they are facing today. The youth problems need a sense of agency from government and society at large to come up with solution. The youth should be conscientized that they have a lot offer in our economy and state.
We South Africans today we have reached a state of nationhood, but there is no amount of political freedom which can appease the jobless youth. The country needs to create quality education and work opportunities for the graduates . With the books claiming that this continent is the cradle of humankind the country should not let its future down. The challenges of the youth should not be ignored, because that would lead to retrogression.
The success stories about women empowerment and investing in children’s health are a sign that the progress is realistically attainable for the country . With the progress being achieved the country should not rest , but rather continue to achieve more.
Africa Must Unite To Achieve its Goals and Not Let The Martyr Of This Beloved Continent Down.
