Hon Deputy Speaker, hon members, Azapo joins the millions of Africans, both at home and in the diaspora, as we mark the 2011 Africa Day. We do so in memory of those who fought against settler colonialism, and the subjugation of Africans in their land of birth. We also do so in celebration of the decision that was taken to establish the Organisation of African Unity, the OAU.
Azapo congratulates those African countries that have moved a long way in addressing and correcting the evils that were brought about by colonialism.
Celebrating Africa Day should be a clear indication to our children that South Africa is an integral part of the African continent, and that our destiny is intrinsically linked to that of the people in other parts of the continent.
We as a country should therefore be worried that in this day and age we still have citizens who see other Africans as a problem. As we talk about African unity, we must be worried because there are many Africans who live under the constant threat of war. Many on the continent are looking to South Africa for solutions to some of the problems that continue to trouble the continent.
The people of Darfur do not understand how the successor of the Organisation of African Unity, the African Union, cannot deal decisively with the war in that part of Sudan. The Sahrawi people do not understand how other African countries can sit down with Morocco, when it continues to occupy their land. Many of us find it difficult to understand how South Africa can keep quiet when certain countries misuse UN Security Council Resolution 1973 which was meant to enforce a no-fly zone to kill civilians in Libya and try to push for regime change.
The words of the great Bob Marley still ring true today: "Africa Unite". Thank you.