Re-calling 25 May, "I am an African", "I am Prepared to Die"

As Africa marks its renewal on 25 May as part of Africa Day; it is wonderful to seek to bring together the African political village to South Africa. We are talking about the Africa Day as part of South African history, which was marked by celebrations of its first democratic elections. In this day, South Africa observes African Day, in memory of multitudes of blacks who cast their first vote to liberate the country from the apartheid regime. It is a Day to also remember those who fought against white minority and some of them died for a cause - the national democratic revolution of South Africa.

Days like these make us realize that the global world operate differently and as part of an institutional democracy where decisions and debates are taken realizing various structures in the struggle for global justice.

The Quest for Justice Blog has taken its time to review the renewal of Africa Day celebrations on 25 May. What does this day mean to an African child? May 25 has been understood by many, in history and present as the Liberation Day and is observed in countries such as Ghana, Kenya, Spain, Tanzania, South Africa through the New Partnership for Africa’ Development (NEPAD), the United Kingdom, and the United States of the hard-fought achievement of freedom from colonial powers.

In 1957, Ghana secure its independence from colonial rule and was the first African country south of the Sahara to go down in history emerging from colonial rule.

The African Freedom Day founded in the first Conference of Independent African States in Ghana attracted African leaders and political activists from other parts of African countries to celebrate this humility day from slavery.

On 25 May 1963, 31 African leaders convened a meeting which led into the establishment of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) which today is commonly known as the African Union (AU). The gathering led into renaming of the Africa Freedom Day as "African Liberation Day" and changed its celebration date to 25 May every year. The founding day of the OAU is much referred to today as “Africa Day”.

On this Day, one recalls from the periphery the "I am Prepared to Die", Rivonia Trial Speech by former president Nelson “Madiba” Mandela, “During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die”.

Still on this Day, one hears the voices of reasons or from within of the South Africa former president Mbeki on “

I am an African” speech. “Whatever the setbacks of the moment, nothing can stop us now! Whatever the difficulties, Africa shall be at peace! However improbable it may sound to the sceptics, Africa will prosper!”

The Quest for Justice Blog cherished the idea that “Africa Day” will continue to contribute and strengthen Africa’ political awareness in across the global village. The Day must always share a sense of African struggles from colonial powers for liberation and development or the establishment of the so called the “United State of Africa”.

It is always feting for Africa to examine its development as stated in Africa Progress Report 2010 recommendations. As South Africa celebrate Africa Day, it is essential to view the growth of its GDP by 4, 6%. The acceleration and development of Africa economy depend on how South Africa will also accelerate its renewal through the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (Nepad)?

Soon again Africa will join hands with the rest of the world in celebrating 16 June, International Day of the African Child and 18 July, Nelson Mandela International Day.