Why Africa Day is Not a Public Holiday in South Africa

Wednesday 25 May 2016 16:39

For many, Africa Day is a day when many people from all African backgrounds come together to celebrate the diverse African cultures, the organisation of African unity and how far they have come as Africans.

It is also a day to reflect on how far Africans still have to go to build a unified continent.

But while it's a day of celebration, many use the opportunity to address issues they feel African leaders should focus more on in efforts to build a better Africa.

For some, African leaders should come together and focus more on empowering women and girls; encourage one another, to learn and share more about Africa and its economic activities as well as our African cultural trends.

Countries like Ghana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Zambia, Mali, and Zambia recognise Africa Day as a public holiday.

In a SABC Digital News twitter poll 63% thought Africa Day should also be an official public holiday in South Africa and 37% felt that it should not, since South Africa already has 12 paid public holidays.

But will Africa Day ever be recognised as a public holiday in SA?

There seems much still needs to be done before that can be realised. In support of Africa Day many twitter users feel that issues of gender inequality, employment and the overall economic growth of all African countries still seem of more importance than giving Africa Day a holiday status in South Africa.  

Nonetheless, there are still many who feel Africa Day should be celebrated because it beautiful, diverse and full of potential.