By OBAKENG MAJE 

Some residents in Taung said it takes cultural identity and pliability to be a true African. They said being an African often encompasses a strong sense of community and collectivism, as well as a connection to traditional customs and practices. 

One of the residents, Dimakatso Modise said Africa is rich with natural minerals that should benefit its people. She further said African countries should show a sense of strong leadership and stop being greedy. 

“We need true leaders who will take the continent to the greener pastures. We continue to be spectators in our own economy, while all minerals are being taken away. Many countries are marred with internal conflicts. 

“So, I will request those leaders to put the needs of African children first. For a typical example, South Africa is rich in natural minerals, but just look at the economy. It is still in white people’s hands and our leaders are doing nothing to change the status quo,” said Modise. 

Another resident, Tshiamo Moeng, shared the same sentiments. Moeng said it is hard to stay in the North West province due to the high rate of unemployment, especially amongst the youth. 

“Taung is rich when it comes to tourism, Agriculture and Culture. We have Taung Skull World Heritage Site, but nothing is happening there. We do have various areas rich with natural mineral resources, but we do not have a single mine in our area. 

“What I have realised is that corruption is rife in South Africa. I think we were supposed to be competing with the first world countries because we are capable. However, that is not possible because of corrupt leaders. Most of them occupy positions for self-interest. The Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District continues to get low results in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) year in, year out and that shows lack of leadership,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting speaker of the National Assembly (NA), Lechesa Tsenoli and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Amos Masondo said on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of South Africa, they join the African continent in commemorating Africa Day.

Tsenoli said this year, the African Union (AU) theme for Africa Day 2024 is: “Educate an African fit for the 21^stCentury”. He said they encourage member states to build resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa.

“Every year on 25 May, Africans commemorate the anniversary of the AU, which was established in Addis Ababa as the Organisation of the African Union (OAU) on 25 May 1963. 

“It was repositioned for the realities of the new millennium and renamed as the African Union in South Africa in July 2002 to, among others, promote the unity and solidarity of African countries, defend state sovereignty, eradicate colonialism, promote international cooperation, and coordinate and harmonise member states’ policies,” said Tsenoli.

He further said this year’s Africa Day coincides with the last days of the 6^thparliamentary term and days before the country’s national and provincial elections on 29 May. Tsenoli added that the Africa Day serves as a poignant reminder of the political freedoms gained in South Africa and across the continent and the responsibility to protect and exercise them responsibly.

Masondo said: “Part of the AU’s objectives is achieving the goals of the AU’s Agenda 2063 and all the other strategic plans aimed at improving the lives of African people in every country on the continent. 

“These goals include, among others, improved quality of life and well-being of all citizens, well-educated citizens and a skills revolution underpinned by science and innovation, healthy and well-nourished citizens, transformed economies, and modern agriculture for increased productivity.”

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