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The Covid-19 pandemic has unified Africans, prompting them to work together to beat the scourge that’s currently afflicting the entire world.
These are the sentiments of Geoff Makhubo, the Executive Mayor of the City of Joburg, who commemorates Africa Day in a media statement on Monday, 25 May.
Makhubo says the collaboration of African countries during the initial outbreak of the global pandemic has strengthened the continent’s interventions to contain and manage its spread.
“We are truly encouraged by the leadership displayed during this difficult period to fight Covid-19 by all African leaders. The work done in our African countries to curb the spread of Covid-19 is remarkable and should be commended,” he says.
Africa Day celebrates the vibrancy and dynamism of the continent’s history, heritage, and culture. It is observed annually on 25 May to commemorate the establishment of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, later renamed African Union. The mission of the OAU was to fight against colonialism and apartheid.
The African Union reflects on the progress Africa has made while reflecting upon the common challenges that the continent faces in a global environment.
This year’s celebrations are held under the theme ‘silencing the guns: creating conducive conditions for Africa’s development and intensifying the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.’
Makhubo encourages all residents of Joburg, ‘a world-class Africa city’ to show Ubuntu and work together to combat the transmission of Covid-19.
“Let us continue to celebrate and embrace each other’s cultures, history and promote a peaceful city and continent. A unified Africa is what is needed during these unprecedented times,” the Mayor says.
