Issued by: SA Communication Service
South Africa will be joining the family of African nations in celebrating the 35th anniversary of the founding of the Organisation of African Unity, Africa Day, on 25 May 1998. The commemoration at national level will take place during the week of 18 - 22 May 1998 and will culminate in receptions offered by the African Diplomatic Corps on 24 May 1998 and the Minister of Foreign Affairs on Monday 25 May 1998.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and the African Diplomatic Corps have jointly taken a decision to raise the profile of this year's celebrations in South Africa by offering civil society the opportunity to associate with this event. This is done with a view to sensitising the general public of the significance of Africa Day to the continent of Africa and to create a greater awareness in South Africa of the importance of the day in Africa's history.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and the African Diplomatic Corps have approached a number of NGO's, Research Institutes, Provinces and Government Departments to consider associating with the celebrations by dedicating their activities in the week preceding 25 May 1998 to Africa Day. A number of organisations have responded positively and will host cultural events, seminars and round table discussions. (A list of associated events is attached.)
The African Diplomatic Corps will host a reception for approximately 1000 guests on Sunday 24 May 1998 and will offer a selection of traditional African dishes typical of each country. Several cultural groups have also been approached to participate in the event.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs will host the official government reception on Monday 25 May 1998 at the Presidential Guest House in Pretoria. Deputy President Thabo Mbeki will be the guest of honour and the Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps, High Commissioner Jenamo Tebape of Botswana, will deliver the Africa Day Message on behalf of the Secretary General of the OAU, Dr Salim Ahmed Salim.
AFRICA DAY CELEBRATION, 25 MAY 1998
ASSOCIATED EVENTS BY CIVIL SOCIETY
20 May 1998
- Institute for Security Studies: Seminar on Building African peacekeeping capacity presented by Mr Mark Malan of ISS and Prof John Stremlau of Wits University. Contact person: Mr Mark Malan, tel. (011) 315 7096
- South African Institute for International Affairs (SAIIA): from 14:00 to 16:00. "South African foreign policy towards Africa - challenges and opportunities". Speakers: Mr Moletsi Mbeki, Dr Sepiwe Cele (DBSA), Prof. Enos Kiremire, Ms Charlayne Hunter-Gault. SAIIA is also hosting the School Programmes UN debates during that week, which are bound to generate debates on African related topics. Contact person: Mr Brian Thabang Thoka, tel. (011) 339 2021.
25 May 1998
- The State Theatre Ballet to dedicate their 25 May performance of Swan Lake to Africa Day. Contact Person: Jonathan Hurwitz, tel. (012) 322 1665.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS IN COOPERATION WITH THE AFRICAN DIPLOMATIC CORPS.