On May 25th, the world celebrated Africa Day, a day that commemorates the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963. This year, the celebrations were even more special as the Thabo Mbeki Foundation hosted the annual Africa Day lecture, delivered by none other than the former President of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki himself.
The event, held at the University of Johannesburg, was attended by distinguished guests from various African countries, including current and former heads of state, diplomats, academics, and students. The theme of the lecture was “The Africa We Want – Towards an Agenda 2063”, which aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, a strategic framework for the socio-economic transformation of the continent over the next 50 years.
In his opening remarks, President Mbeki emphasized the importance of Africa Day and the need for Africans to reflect on the progress made since the formation of the OAU. He also highlighted the challenges that the continent still faces, such as poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment, and stressed the need for a united and determined effort to overcome them.
The keynote speaker for the lecture was Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, the former Chairperson of the African Union Commission. In her address, she spoke about the progress made in implementing Agenda 2063 and the need for African countries to work together towards achieving its goals. She also emphasized the importance of investing in the youth and empowering women to drive the continent’s development.
The lecture was followed by a panel discussion, moderated by renowned journalist and author, Redi Tlhabi. The panelists included Dr. Ibrahim Mayaki, CEO of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), and Dr. Carlos Lopes, former Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. They discussed various topics related to the theme, including the role of education, technology, and good governance in achieving the Africa we want.
One of the highlights of the event was the launch of the Thabo Mbeki Foundation’s new publication, “The African Century – A Continent Up for Grabs”. The book, co-authored by President Mbeki and his brother Moeletsi Mbeki, explores the challenges and opportunities facing Africa in the 21st century and offers a roadmap for the continent’s development.
In his closing remarks, President Mbeki urged Africans to take ownership of their destiny and work towards building a better future for the continent. He also emphasized the need for African leaders to prioritize the interests of their people and work towards achieving the vision of Agenda 2063.
The event was a resounding success, with attendees leaving inspired and motivated to contribute towards the development of Africa. It was a reminder of the rich history and potential of the continent, and a call to action for Africans to work together towards a brighter future.
As we celebrate Africa Day, let us remember the words of President Mbeki, “We must be the change we want to see in Africa. We must be the architects of our own destiny. We must build the Africa we want.” Let us all play our part in shaping the Africa we want – a prosperous, united, and developed continent.
In conclusion, the Thabo Mbeki Africa Day lecture was a powerful reminder of the progress made by Africa and the challenges that still lie ahead. It was a call to action for Africans to unite and work towards achieving the Africa we want. Let us all continue to strive towards a better future for our beloved continent. Happy Africa Day!
