On the 60th anniversary of Africa Day, Minister Maropene Ramokgopa, responsible for Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation for the Presidency, emphasizes the importance of Africa’s unity. South Africa’s leadership of the African Union in 2020 resulted in significant achievements, including the establishment of free trade within the African Continental Free Trade Area and the convening of the 14th Extraordinary Summit on Silencing the Guns.
The Unity of Africa as a Powerful Tool
Minister Ramokgopa stresses the significance of the unity of Africa as the most powerful tool for the continent’s development. She explains that without solidarity and unity, it would be impossible to realize the potential of Africa and accelerate development for its people and the world.
The AU’s Vision
The AU’s 2063 Vision, spearheaded by Dr. Nkosazana Dlaminin Zuma, includes strategic components such as economic growth through tourism, regional integration and trade, equitable multilateral institutions, enhanced global governance, and a peaceful, secure continent.
Collaborating towards Shared Continental Interests
To capitalize on the transformative mandate of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA), Minister Ramokgopa encourages collaboration towards shared continental interests, accelerating trade and investment, harnessing innovation and creativity, and improving livelihoods for the African people.
South Africa’s Contributions to Africa’s Rapid Infrastructure Development
South Africa contributes significantly to Africa’s rapid infrastructure development, with President Ramaphosa leading the Presidential Infrastructure Champion Initiative (PICI) and Minister Maropene Ramokgopa supporting at a coordination level. Projects led by South Africa include Beitbridge Border Post, Grand Inga III Hydropower Project, Lesotho Highlands Water Project, and making South Africa the hub for the manufacture and supply of rail stock for Africa following the AU Resolution.
Achieving Other Milestones for a Stronger Africa
Building on the unity that began 60 years ago, Minister Ramokgopa emphasizes the necessity of achieving other milestones for a stronger Africa. She highlights the need to unify Africa towards a common vision for the development of its people and the world.
South Africa’s Commitment to Peace and Security
South Africa reaffirms its commitment to improving peace, security, and stability on the continent by fully complying with external peace missions, rescue operations, and humanitarian assistance operations.
Minister Ramokgopa concludes by wishing all Africans a Happy Africa Day and emphasizes the importance of cultivating and celebrating the strides made by the African Union and Africa as a whole in harnessing the continent’s economic, human, cultural, and natural treasures.
