In celebration of the establishment of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) 36 years ago, Mr Alfred Nzo, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, will be hosting an Africa Day gala evening on 25 May 1999.
"Africa Day" is celebrated all over Africa as the founding day of the OAU. This year, South Africa will be co-hosting it with the SABC. The event will take place in the Presidential Guest House in Pretoria and will mark the launch of the publication "SABC Music Renaissance in Africa". The book promotes the African Renaissance through culture and music.
Nine music groups, representing different cultures in South Africa, will grace the evening with their art. Some four hundred guests are expected to attend.
In a statement in anticipation of the event, Mr Nzo said 25 May was an important date on the African calendar because the establishment of the OAU signalled an important milestone in Africa's emancipation from centuries of external domination. By involving cultural groups in the celebrations, a message was being sent to the Continent that the cherishing of our cultural roots was integral to regaining our dignity as the cradle of mankind.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRETORIA 25 MAY 1999