Story by John Nhandara
VICE President Cde Kembo Mohadi says the birth of the then Organisation of African Unity, (OAU) fostered an era of Pan-Africanism and unity across the continent which still exists today.
Vice President Mohadi delivered a public lecture at the University of Zimbabwe this Thursday on “Liberation Movements and African Unity: Why Resilience Matters for Sustained Transformative Possibilities” where he traced the birth of the then OAU now African Union and how it ushered in an era of Pan-Africanism and unity.
The Public lecture was part of the belated 2024 Africa Day activities at the tertiary institution.
“On the 25th of May, the dream of a unified Africa materialised, with the formation of OAU, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Thirty-two independent states signed the OAU charter outlining a commitment to unity, non-interference in internal affairs, and the complete eradication of colonialism. This marked a historic turning point offering a platform for African nations to address shared challenges and advocate for a unified stance on the international stage,” he said.
He also spoke on the role of liberation movements in ensuring Africa is free from brutal colonial rule, “Many African countries endured the brutality of colonial rule. A system that plundered resources, suppressed cultures, and enforced economic and political subservience. In the face of overwhelming odds, liberation movements emerged across the continent demonstrating remarkable fortitude and a spirit of Pan-Africanism.
Students from various disciplines, including political science, said the public lecture was an eye-opener in decolonising the mind, “We benefited a lot from the lecture as it helped in decolonising the mind and understanding our historical background. It was important for us to link the present and the past so academia could also participate in the transformative agenda of the country and continent.
The public lecture also centred on the significance of Africa Day in celebrating liberation, resilience, and transformative possibilities within the African context.
