Vaal University of Technology celebrates Africa Day
Vaal University of Technology celebrates Africa Day
Mr Terence Ayuk, Professor Sipho Seepe, Ms Yaa-Ashantewaa Ngidi and Mr Joseph Radebe
Wendy Ntshakala
Vaal University of Technology celebrated Africa Day on 24 May 2019 at the Desmond Tutu Great Hall, Vanderbijlpark campus.
Africa Day (formerly African Freedom Day and African Liberation Day) was founded on 25 May 1963 by the Organisation in African Unity (OAU), now known as the African Union (AU). This movement is celebrated annually in various countries on the African continent, as well as around the world.
Professor Gordon Zide the Vice-Chancellor of Vaal University of Technology said: “It is important to celebrate Africa day by embracing our languages and be proud of who we are as Africans. This day reminds us about the unity we must have as Africans.”
Professor Zodwa Motsa, who is a director of leadership and transformation at UNISA, said: “If African languages can survive colonialism, slavery, racism and apartheid then your language needs to be celebrated as it is the greatest medium of all times. People miss out a lot of things done by Africans while they are trying to live the Western lifestyle. It is important for Africans to always remember their roots and embrace being Africans.”
Professor Sipho Seepe said: “When we talk about Africa Day, as Africans we need to understand where we stand and we need to fully empower ourselves”.
In closing, Yaa-Ashantewaa Ngidi, a social cohesion advocate, gave a list of five imperatives of being African in Swahili, namely: Umoja which means unity amongst Africans; Khudi Jakhuda which means self-determination; Ujima which means collective work and responsibility amongst Africans; Ujamaa which means Coho rating economics; and lastly Pumba which means creativity. As Africans we should use the privilege of being Africans, rejoice and be proud to be Africans all around the world, she said.
This is yet another successful event organized by Mr Joseph Norman Radebe in Partnership with the Department of Arts and Culture.