Hon. Members, the MF notes the various government activities arranged to celebrate Africa Day, so as to unify the continent.

The S.A theme:” We are Africa- Opening the doors of learning and culture from Cape to Cairo” is an educational base to work from; to bring awareness about our true identity and history.

The National MEC of Arts and Culture, HON. Nathi Mthetwa, has focussed on carnivals and concerts, Fashion shows, food fusion, music, dance, exhibitions, lectures and dialogues.

Other African countries hosted events which focused conference on copper- belt mining in Zambia; East Africom on ICT- Africa in Malwai; Afrasia Bank Golf Open in Mauritius; Azgo Festival encasing culture in Mozambique, MTN Bushfire festival in Swaziland and ELEFEST in Zambia, a fund raising event for nature and wildlife conservation.

Hon. Members, I believe that South Africa can always rely on the noble intention of the Freedom Charter to assist in unifying Africa whilst negotiating our globalisation challenges.

The 2015, AU and S.A theme differs; these require:

a. Continuation of the APRM,

b. All 54 member states to sign up for peer-review,

c The reinstatement of the SADC Tribunal to uphold and encourage rule of law and non-discrimination in the region,

d. More research and lectures on African studies; with on-going dialogue.

We are all African and under the African sky, we can claim our space comfortably, because we were born here.

Much research is needed in scripture or religious studies to acknowledge the origins of civilisation, such as, and the former names of some African countries such as Egypt or Ajpat, Ghana or Gold coast, their descendants ,such as , Ethiopians or Cushite’s and rulers; such as King Barata in Rhodesia; as per Vedic commentary.

Knowledge, HON members, is the only way that the doors of learning and culture; from Cape to Cairo can revise and enrich our history.

Thank you

Mrs Shameen Thakur-Rajbansi

MF MPL