Chairperson, the ACDP acknowledges Africa Day, on 25 May, as a day inspired by the popular struggle of African people throughout the world to free themselves from oppression and exploitation with a focus on the plight of continental Africa today. This is a day when we as African people can unite in contemplation of our united history, heritage, cultures and challenges.
How sad that Africa Day in South Africa this year is celebrated against a backdrop of violent attacks against fellow Africans who find themselves in South Africa, hoping to escape difficult and even tragic circumstances in their own countries. People with dreams, feelings, families; people who simply want the same thing we want.
The first democratic elections in South Africa, in 1994, introduced a new democracy that has been heralded internationally as a miracle transition. The multiracial dispensation that replaced apartheid has done much to address the legacy of a racially divided past, yet discriminatory attitudes and practices continue to manifest themselves not only in historically familiar divisions but also in new forms of identity-based violence like xenophobia.
Xenophobia is not a new phenomenon in South Africa, writes David Mwanambuyu from Cape Town:
As a Zambian national, whose country not only sheltered ANC leaders but committed enormous resources to help liberate our "brothers and sisters" in South Africa, I am shattered by the current wave of xenophobia among impoverished communities.
On my part, I have decided to do something about it.
Peace, development and social justice must begin in our own back yards and every one of us is individually responsible.
Sadly, South Africa, SADC and tha African Union, AU, all stand as very poor examples of a caring Africa. Their rejection of the people of Zimbabwe has cast yet another shadow over this day. Thank you.