On this day, many African countries celebrate the hard-fought achievement of their freedom from European colonial powers. This day coincides with key black appointments and the BBC wishes to congratulate this black excellence:
* Mxolisi Mgojo, chief executive of Exxaro Resources, was elected as the president of the Chamber of Mines on Wednesday during its 127th Annual General Meeting, replacing Mike Teke after three years as president of the chamber. Mgojo has been Exxaro chief executive since April 2016. He has served as an executive head of coal at Exxaro and as its executive head of operations, he was responsible for the base metals and industrial minerals commodity business of Exxaro. Exxaro is a corporate member of the BBC.
* Steve Phiri, the chief executive of Royal Bafokeng Platinum, was elected vice president of the Chamber of Mines.
* Andile Sangqu, the executive head of Anglo American South Africa, was re-elected as one of the vice presidents of the Chamber of Mines.
* Dr Iqbal Survé and Independent Media as they scooped four prizes at the prestigious International News Media Association Global Media Awards in New York on Wednesday. Independent Media scooped first prize in the category: Best Community Service Campaign for the Racism Stops With Me Campaign and were placed second in the Best New Print Product and Best Use of Video for the Independent Home magazine and the “Don't Look Away” video series for 16 Days of Activism. Independent Media also walked away with the Global Media Award for Best in Africa.
* Zunaid Mayet, chief executive of the EOH Industrial Technologies division was appointed as the group chief executive. Most important here is that the successor to the group chief executive came from within the current EOH executive team.
* Dudu Myeni, SAA chairperson and the SAA board of directors for gaining full confidence from Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba and agree with the minister that he was convinced that SAA was capable of turning around its fortunes.
African Day was founded at the first conference of independent African States, which attracted African leaders and political activists to Ghana, on April 15, 1958.
The purpose of the day was to annually mark the liberation movement’s progress and to symbolise the determination of the people of Africa to free themselves from foreign domination and exploitation.
“Let us use the commemoration of the 2017 Africa Day to agitate for radical economic transformation,” says Danisa Baloyi, president of the BBC.
Happy Afrika Day to All!!!