Deputy Speaker, the ANC joins other African leaders in the commencement of the celebrations marking the golden jubilee of the Organisation of African Unity, OAU, on Monday, 8 April 2013, in Addis Ababa.
The year-long plan for the OAU'S 50th anniversary celebrations also coincides with the 10th anniversary of the existence of the African Union, AU, which was constituted to promote an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa. This will culminate in the main celebratory event, which is to be held from 19 to 27 May this year.
The celebrations for each month will focus on various themes addressing specific areas of progress and challenges on the continent. These include priority areas, such as women empowerment, health, education, peace and security, governance and democracy, and food security. Furthermore, the celebrations are geared at mobilising African citizens on the continent and in the diaspora to promote an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena. These celebrations will also assist in determining the extent to which Pan-African values have been promoted.
The ANC, therefore calls upon government, civil society, and other stakeholders to join the celebrations, so that all of us, in unison, can celebrate the golden jubilee of the OAU/AU. I thank you. [Applause.]