#AfricaDay African Diaspora Forum "We need more Ubuntu and an end to xenophobia"
Today is Africa Day - with the continent and the world celebrating all things African. Formerly known as African Freedom Day or African Liberation Day, the day commemorates the establishment in 1963 of the precursor to the African Union - the Organisation of African Unity (OAU).
These days the entire month of May is dedicated to recognizing the beauty and people of Africa.
JacarandaFM News reporter Slindelo Masikane sat down with Marc Gbaffou, the chair of the African Diaspora Forum (ADF) in South Africa. ADF was launched following the 2008 xenophobic attacks. Several community leaders and concerned residents came together to create a platform for African migrants to make their voices and work towards an integrated society.
So far 21 African countries are represented in the Forum including Angola, Ivory Coast, Mozambique, Nigeria and Zimbabwe.
Gbaffou says Africa was seen as 'the dark continent' for the longest time, completely ignoring its biggest asset - the people. Gbaffou says the day also serves as a reminder that much more needs to be done to improve the lives of millions.