NMBM hosts Provincial Africa Day celebration to promote reconciliation and unity – NMBM

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Executive Mayor, Cllr Eugene Johnson, welcomed the provincial government, led by Acting Premier, Honourable Xolile Nqatha and MEC for Sports Recreation Arts and Culture, Honourable Fezeka Nkomonye, to champion reconciliation, unity, and social cohesion, and to encourage communities to reflect on the gains of democracy, as the Eastern Cape celebrated Africa Day on Thursday, 26 May 2022 at Nangoza Jebe Hall in New Brighton.

In his keynote address, Acting Premier Nqatha said that the Africa Day celebrations recognise the gains Africans have accomplished while also reflecting on the common issues facing the African continent in the global environment.

“Within the framework of the Eastern Cape, we commemorate Africa Day to foster reconciliation, peace, harmony, and social cohesion amongst all Africans in our province,” Nqatha explained.

“We are a province that takes great pride in Ubuntu. We encourage peace, tolerance, and unity among all residents of our province “he stated.

“In October of last year, eight taxis and two cars were set on fire in Gqeberha following a dispute between businesspeople and a group of taxi drivers on Durban Road in Korsten. These acts concerned us. This rare occurrence damaged relations in the local community and created a grave threat of xenophobia, as tensions increased and some South Africans called for the deportation of African nationals. In light of this, Africa Day should be used to promote healing, solidarity, and social cohesion among all Africans “added Nqatha.

The honorable Nqatha further emphasized that South Africa attracts people from other African nations as a result of its economic development trajectory, stating that this should not be considered as a danger but as an opportunity to recruit scarce skills in order to boost economic progress.

Cllr Bassie Kamana, portfolio head for Sports, Recreation, Arts, and Culture, also urged residents of Nelson Mandela Bay to unite behind the African Union banner, to continue to believe in African freedom and fight the remnants of colonialism and imperialism.

“The events of Africa Month are indeed a coordinated effort to promote cultural tolerance, solidarity, and social cohesion, particularly among our youth. I am convinced that this is a crucial pillar for constructing an inclusive and united South Africa “, stated MMC Kamana.

“We appreciate this ennobling effort to invite and encourage the full involvement of the African Diaspora in our great city,” he added.

“On such exceptional days, we celebrate with our fellow Africans the identity, accomplishments, and pride of our magnificent African continent, and we engage in the systematic process of becoming the vibrant, democratic, and free people that we are today,” he said. 

” Such occasions also afford us the opportunity to reflect on the status of our relationships and the ways in which we can work together to combat prejudice and intolerance, “remarked MMC Kamana. 

He went on to convey how pleased he is that the city is hosting an event of this sort and expressed his hope that it will play a significant role in reducing criminal activities and fostering a sense of community.

Africa Day is observed annually on  the 25th of May. 

This year’s festivities were themed “The Year of John Knox Bokwe” in honor of the life of the famed author and intellectual.