Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, the chairperson of the African Union Commission on Wednesday said Africa Day was a time to reflect on achievements and also to aspire for a better life for all Africans.

“On this historic day of May 25, celebrating the 53rd Anniversary of the foundation of our beloved Continental Organization, the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), now the African Union (AU), allow me to extend my warmest and most sincere best wishes for Africa Day as we celebrate continued progress by all daughters and sons of our beloved continent,” said Dlamini Zuma in a statement.

“This year, we commemorate this special day as we seek continental transformation, take stock and reflect on the achievements in the search of a better life for all the segments of the African people. We all aspire for a well-governed and prosperous Africa under the basic tenets of democracy, rule of law and full respect of human and peoples’ rights.”

This year Africa Day is being celebrated under the theme: “Year of Human Rights, with particular focus on the Rights of Women”.

The AU has created many frameworks and normative instruments to achieve an inclusive, democratic and prosperous continent, most of which have been ratified by member states.

“Yet, many challenges still lie ahead to effectively ensure these critical norms and laws become a reality for our people. This cannot happen without the collaborative efforts of the Government, Civil Society Organisations and other stakeholders,” said Dlamini Zuma.

“Malawi is a recent example having established a body whose sole responsibility is to ensure that all African Union Protocols, Charters and Treaties are ratified and domesticated.

“Fellow Africans, We must ask ourselves critical, legitimate and tough questions as we embark on the fulfilment of the AU’s vision for an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and having a strong voice in the international arena.”

The outgoing chairperson of the AU Commission said the First 10-year Implementation Plan of the Agenda 2063 was already being executed.

“By issuing the African passport to our Heads of State and Government during the Kigali Summit in July this year, we hope to
accelerate the free movement of people, goods and services as one of our Flagship Projects,” said Dlamini Zuma.

“Our continental vision can only be successfully realised if we collectively work with member states, as well as all other stakeholders, including civil society, private sector, religious institutions, academia and the media. We all are in this together.

“Yes, good governance and inclusive democracy are important but human rights go beyond. Human rights are about investing in Africa’s most precious resource, the over one billion people, the majority of whom are young, and over half of whom are women.”

Dlamini Zuma, whose term as AU Commission chairperson ends in July, said it was about investing in health, quality education, access to basic services and infrastructure, freedom to move across the continent and beneficiating Africa’s rich natural resources.

“Human rights are, indeed, a fine balance between civic and socio-economic aspirations, which will render for us a continent that is peaceful and people centered and playing a dynamic role in the world,” said Dlamini Zuma.

“This year we want to focus on women’s rights; it is our fundamental obligation and because it makes economic sense. Investing in our women is a guarantee for sustainable peace, community stability and cohesion. Investing in women contributes to the prosperity of families, communities and the continent.

“Fellow Africans, Agenda 2063, THE AFRICA WE WANT, gives us a clear sense of where we want to go. But we must realise that this cannot happen without a strong commitment and reflection on Pan Africanism and the principle of African solidarity, which we have demonstrated before in our liberation struggles and recent fight against Ebola.”

Dlamini Zuma said she was confident that once again, Africa will rise to the occasion to accelerate the implementation of key priorities and programmes.

“Therefore, as we commemorate this important day, let us re-dedicate ourselves to Africa and to the ideals bequeathed to us by our Founding Mothers and Fathers. Together, we can facilitate Africa’s integration, unity and shared values of prosperity and lasting peace for all.”