Africa month starts today 1 May. This entire month allows society to reflect on Africa's economic, social and political progress. On 25 May 2025, Africa celebrates the 62nd anniversary of the OAU now known as the AU.
It is important for Africa's people and the people of Africa to continue in the processes of building a united, peaceful and prosperous continent. The challenges Africa faces must be navigated through cultivating an appreciation for African heritage, arts and culture.
The Emperor of Ethiopia, Haile Selassie I, in his opening speech at the founding of the OAU stated: “An awareness of our past is essential to the establishment of our personality and our identity as Africans.”
Let Africa month revitalise a sense of loyalty and patriotism in all people regardless of differences in language, race, religion, ethnicity and class. By working together as one people from Africa with a collective worldview for Africa, society will be more prepared to overcome the obstacles of inequality, poverty and unemployment.
Africa holds immense riches yet its rightful place in global affairs is yet to be established. For Africa to succeed we must consider to the logic of Haile Selassie, the first chairperson of the OAU, when he states: "that until the philosophy which holds one race superior and another inferior is finally and permanently discredited and abandoned; that until there are no longer first class and second class citizens of any nation; that until the color of a man's skin is of no more significance than the color of his eyes; that until the basic human rights are equally guaranteed to all without regard to race; that until that day, the dream of lasting peace and world citizenship and the rule of international morality will remain but a fleeting illusion, to be pursued but never attained".
