Silencing the guns: Creating conducive conditions for Africa’s development to achieve the goal of a conflict-free Africa
The Deputy Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Ms Sylvia Lucas, and the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly (NA), Mr Lechesa Tsenoli, will on Monday, 25 May, host a virtual Lecture in commemoration of Africa Day.
The virtual lecture will be addressed by Professor Adekeye Adebajo, a renowned African scholar and researcher heading the Pan African Institute at the University of Johannesburg.
The theme is: “Silencing the Guns: Creating conditions for Africa’s development to achieve the goal of a conflict-free Africa”.
Journalists who are interested in covering the virtual public lecture (to receive the link) are requested to forward their cellphone numbers to Mlindi Mpindi on email: mmpindi@parliament.gov.za for inclusion in the Parliamentary Communications Services WhatsApp Group, where such information is shared. Journalists are urged to forward these requests using their official email addresses (no private emails).
Members of the public may follow the virtual public lecture live on Parliament TV (DSTV Channel 408), via live stream on Parliament YouTube channel and Twitter page on the links below. You may subscribe to the Parliament YouTube channel to receive instant notification of live feeds.
BACKGROUND: On 25 May 1963, Africa made history with the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) to build greater unity and solidarity between African countries and its people. Since then, the 25th May has been celebrated widely across the world particularly in Africa to signify Africa’s identity and unity.
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| Africa Day 2020 - Silencing The Guns! |
The African Union (AU) is a key driver of Agenda 2063 which is a strategic framework for the socio-economic transformation of our continent. Agenda 2063 seeks to realise the African people’s aspirations for sustainable growth and development across Africa.
The seven aspirations indicating what the people of Africa want from Agenda 2063 are:
1. A prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development.
The seven aspirations indicating what the people of Africa want from Agenda 2063 are:
1. A prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development.
2. An integrated continent, politically united and based on the ideals of Pan-Africanism and the vision of Africa’s Renaissance.
3. An Africa of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice and the rule of law.
4. A peaceful and secure Africa.
5. An Africa with a strong cultural identity, common heritage, shared values and ethics.
6. An Africa where development is people-driven, relying on the potential of African people, especially its women and youth, and caring for children
7. Africa as a strong, united, resilient and influential global player and partner
AFRICA DAY 2020 AND PARLIAMENT OF SOUTH AFRICA: The AU has embraced the theme: Silencing the guns: creating conducive conditions for Africa’s development to achieve the goal of a conflict-free Africa.
This theme also speaks to ending Gender-Based Violence (GBV) which is one of the critical discussions in the continued and decentralised dialogues to review the Women’s Charter – a declaration of intent that clearly defines the rights, and privileges for women, by women in South Africa.
Significantly, Africa Day 2020 is being commemorated in the shadow of the global COVID-19 pandemic. The AU has described COVID-19 as a pandemic that will require coordinated efforts of its Member States, the World Health Organization, and other partners to limit transmission and minimize harm. One major side effect of the COVID-19 lockdown is that many countries are reporting a surge in cases of gender-based violence, as well as violence against children.
Significantly, Africa Day 2020 is being commemorated in the shadow of the global COVID-19 pandemic. The AU has described COVID-19 as a pandemic that will require coordinated efforts of its Member States, the World Health Organization, and other partners to limit transmission and minimize harm. One major side effect of the COVID-19 lockdown is that many countries are reporting a surge in cases of gender-based violence, as well as violence against children.
This crisis magnifies as resources and access to services become more strained. It thus becomes vital that efforts to flatten the curve of COVID-19 are linked to and integrated across the programmes and activities of the Parliament of South Africa (“Parliament”). Especially during a time that will test all of humanity as we battle the preservation of life and our economy.
Parliament supports the AU’s initiatives for peaceful interventions in conflicts across the continent. In keeping with the republic’s foreign policy, Parliament engages proactively with parliaments of countries where South Africa has been involved in efforts to build peace. Parliament participates in several African organisations, including the legislative arm of the AU, the Pan African Parliament (PAP) and the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF).
Africa Day presents an opportunity for South Africans to reconnect and recommit ourselves to develop a better Africa and a better world.
CELEBRATING AFRICA DAY AND AFRICAN UNITY: Across the globe people of African descent are encouraged to celebrate and commemorate the Day in various ways, which include virtual:
Parliament supports the AU’s initiatives for peaceful interventions in conflicts across the continent. In keeping with the republic’s foreign policy, Parliament engages proactively with parliaments of countries where South Africa has been involved in efforts to build peace. Parliament participates in several African organisations, including the legislative arm of the AU, the Pan African Parliament (PAP) and the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF).
Africa Day presents an opportunity for South Africans to reconnect and recommit ourselves to develop a better Africa and a better world.
CELEBRATING AFRICA DAY AND AFRICAN UNITY: Across the globe people of African descent are encouraged to celebrate and commemorate the Day in various ways, which include virtual:
1. Activities that focus on arts and crafts, dance, poetry, music and fashion.
2. Debates on topical issues affecting the continent like xenophobia.
3. Workshops and exhibitions.
4. Tours of the African continent.
INITIATIVES OF THE AFRICAN UNION (AU): The AU has implemented many initiatives in the continent, to collectively alleviate Africa’s challenges, which include - www.parliament.gov.za
3. Workshops and exhibitions.
4. Tours of the African continent.
INITIATIVES OF THE AFRICAN UNION (AU): The AU has implemented many initiatives in the continent, to collectively alleviate Africa’s challenges, which include - www.parliament.gov.za
