Statement by the City’s Executive Mayor, Patricia de Lille
Let us unite to take Africa forward
Today marks Africa Day, in commemoration of the founding of the
Organisation of African Unity (OAU) on 25 May 1963.
In recognition of this day, the City of Cape Town would like to pay homage
to those leaders, citizens and organisations across the continent that have
helped to liberate South Africa.
On this day, leaders of independent states in Africa signed the founding
charter of the Organisation of African Unity which paved the way for the
formation of the African Union (AU) in 2001.
As we celebrate African unity, we say thank you to our African brothers and
sisters for their part in our liberation struggle.
Today we reflect on how far we have progressed since then, how much we
have overcome, and what we have gained.
But we also have to be mindful of the challenges we still face and the work
that lies ahead.
During apartheid, many African countries played a major role in assisting us in
the fight against oppression.
As such it is our duty, not only as Africans but as human beings, to help those
who turn to us in need.
In Cape Town we are working towards building an inclusive society that
embraces and promotes the human rights of all. Those rights are extended to
all who live in this country. Any infringement on the rights of our African
brothers and sisters is strongly condemned.
As Africans we need to respect the human rights of all and stand united
against xenophobia.
Just a few weeks ago, South Africa experienced a spate of xenophobic
attacks on our fellow African brothers and sisters. There are no words strong
enough to condemn these shameful attacks.
Many fellow Africans seek refuge in our country to escape the turmoil and
suffering they still experience in some parts of Africa.
As fellow Africans, we all have a responsibility to embody the values of
human dignity, equality and the advancement of human rights as enshrined
in our Constitution.
In Africa we have emerged from some of the world’s most oppressive histories
to now having some of the world’s fastest growing economies with excellent
examples of progress.
In the City of Cape Town, our External Relations Policy promotes an
Advanced African Agenda in which we seek to strengthen ties with African
cities and to unite and learn from best practice to address the many mutual
challenges we have.
This policy underscores our vision to become a connector for new markets
within Africa and to enhance economic growth for the continent.
We have signed a sister agreement with Bujumbura in Burundi and we are in
the process of establishing formal relations with a number of African cities
including Luanda in Angola, Accra in Ghana, the City of Victory in the
Seychelles, Tunis in Tunisia, Maputo in Mozambique, Nairobi in Kenya and
Lagos in Nigeria.
In our interactions with African cities we have seen a host of bold, forwardthinking ideas that have made these regions and their people prosperous.
We have much to learn from and share with our African counterparts and as
Cape Town we will pursue all relations that will take Africa to new heights.
Let us continue to stand united against any form of division and oppression,
and be united as we celebrate our diversity and strengths.
Let us celebrate being African and strengthen our ties to be united in taking
the continent forward.