Africa Day 2016

Africa Day is celebrated on 25 May every year around the world to commemorate the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (African Union) in 1963. The celebrations highlight African solidarity, unity in diversity, creativity, challenges and successes, and the cultural and economic potential of the continent. This is also a platform for the continent to engage and build stronger networks and partnerships at various levels across national and international boundaries.

During this period the Western Cape will again show our commitment to building a better Africa and a better world in support of the African Union’s Agenda2063 to build “an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the international arena.”

Africa Day gives us an opportunity to celebrate our African Heritage. During his informative speech, the Western Cape Director for Heritage, Museums and Geographical Names Service, Mxolisi Dlamuka, said, “Africa Day is a day where we reflect what it means to be African and we celebrate our diversity, we all belong to Africa and Africa is our home.”

What makes you an African? 

Being African in our diverse country means different things to each of us. Watch our Africa Day video to find out some of the reasons we're passionate about being African.

Get involved

Various events are planned for Africa Month, as well as Africa Day on 25 May 2016, including a discussion and screening of the Inaugural Africa Day Documentary at the Genadendal Mission Museum and a full day of events at the Artscape Theatre, including TEDxTableMountain conference. 

To find out what other events are on offer, you can browse the Africa Month events calendar.

The conference will gather experts in various fields and disciplines under the theme “Dynamic Leaps”. Here, delegates will be able to showcase excellence and innovation in African research and practice, drawing from fields as wide as science, technology, law, politics and social cohesion. The event will be a platform for dedicated, passionate, bright Africans who are working to solve real-world problems.

In celebration of Africa Day, and exploring ideas that represent Dynamic Leaps the talks will fall into these broad areas:

1. Agriculture, agri-processing and food security.
2. ICT, digitisation, technology.
3. Migration, social cohesion and diversity.
4. Any breakthrough science not already covered above.

Visit the TEDxTableMountain website for more information on the selected speakers and to livestream their talks.

You can also tag your social media posts by using #WeAreAfrica and follow us on Facebook and Twitter to catch all the action.

Our responsibility

Africa Day presents an opportunity for our us to reconnect and recommit themselves in support of all government interventions to develop a united Africa and a better world.

The day reminds us of our achievements and opportunities, and encourages us to strive to improve our province, country and continent every day. Our responsibility is to  treat each other with respect and dignity regardless of race, country of origin or beliefs, and strive to promote and create an equal opportunity society for all.

By supporting Africa Day in 2016, we’re again demonstrating our confidence and hope for the continent over the years to come.

If we stand together as one, we can instil a sense of pride and make Africa Better Together.