BuaNews (Tshwane)
Nthambeleni Gabara
21 May 2008
Johannesburg — The Department of Science and Technology will join the rest of the African continent in celebrating Africa Day.
In partnership with the City of Johannesburg, the department has organised a seminar and an exhibition that would be held in Braamfontein on Friday.
Africa Day is observed annually on 25 May, through a variety of events throughout the continent.
It celebrates achievements in pursuit of Africa's development and liberation as well as commemorating the establishment of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) and its successor the African Union (AU).
The OAU was established on 25 May 1963 with the aim of promoting unity and solidarity among the African states.
It was disbanded on 9 July 2002 by its last chairperson, South African President Thabo Mbeki and it was replaced by the AU.
The department and City of Johannesburg's event is themed "Science, Technology and Innovation in Africa".
The two are set to showcase South Africa's participation and contribution to Africa's Consolidated Science and Technology Plan of Action (CPA).
However, this is been done with the view of raising awareness about regional and continental science and technology initiatives.
African leaders have thus committed themselves to strengthening science and technology on the continent through the adoption of the CPA.
The plan of action seeks to advance regional integration, develop science and technology capacity, increase knowledge flow, and facilitate the application of science and technology to solve problems hindering development in the region.
This was given further impetus when the AU Summit of Heads of State and Government, in Addis Ababa in January 2007, adopted the theme "Science, Technology and Research for Africa's Development".
Some of the decisions and declarations taken have a significant bearing on South Africa's role and participation through the department in consolidating the CPA.
Serious issues such as xenophobia will rub shoulders with entertainment at this year's Africa Day festivities, according to the city's official website.
The first free Africa Day Concert is planned for Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown on Saturday, with Ishmael Lo, Ghorwane, Dobet Gnahore, Chiwoniso, Mapumba, Mahotella Queens, Australia's White Cockatoo, Zonke and Grammy Award winners Ladysmith Black Mambazo billed to perform.
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