Johannesburg - Hundreds used the Africa Month celebrations at the Union Buildings on Saturday to denounce recent violent attacks against foreigners.
The colourful celebrations hosted at the Union Buildings brought out dance, music and craft groups from various cultural backgrounds across the African continent.
The month is celebrated across the continent to mark the formation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) on May 25, 1963 following the independence of many African states.
In particular, May 25 is marked as Africa Day and various events will be held leading up to the day.
This year it follows violent attacks against foreign nationals which led to the death of seven people and uneasy diplomatic relations between South Africa and some home countries of victims.
Nigeria reacted by recalling its High Commissioner and Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe has reportedly been critical, warning African migrants about coming to South Africa.
State Security Minister David Mahlobo was flanked by the acting executive mayor of Tshwane, Joshua Ngonyama, to lead the Africa Month parade in the city.
According to Mahlobo, the month’s activities will include public lectures, music performances, book launches and other activities.
“The launch of Africa Month is a new beginning that will elevate the role of the arts and culture and heritage sector to contribute to economic development, and as a result nation building and social cohesion.
“Above all, this carnival today will go a long way to contribute to our efforts to create a world with a human face. “In its own way it is a testimony to how we have crossed the man-made borders. In fact it has destroyed the barriers of the leaders of slavery and colonialism,” said Mahlobo.
Ghanaian dancer Elijah Asamoah said it was sad that only a few countries had declared Africa Day as a public holiday as it had potential to emphasise its importance. “It is one of the things we have in common as African countries, and we are part of the African Union.
“Things like xenophobic violence against foreigners need different ways to be tackled,” he added.
Refilwe Nkambule, a cultural activist from the North West, welcomed President Jacob Zuma’s comments at the Southern African Development Community (SADC), where he called for African countries to take collective responsibility for the recent events.
“The majority of foreigners are here because there are problems in their own countries, so it is true it is not South Africa alone to be blamed for the violence.We need to open the conversation even wider during Africa Month,” said Nkambule.
The Sunday Independent