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Zvamaida Murwira Senior Reporter
Africa commemorated its 51st anniversary yesterday at a time when the continent is now a global citizen as it has registered one of the highest growth rates and boasts of some great achievements, especially in the telecommunications sector, Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Christopher Mutsvangwa has said.

Deputy Minister Mutsvangwa said Africa had managed to transform itself over the years and was now a master of technology and advancement, which used to be a preserve of the Western world.

The deputy minister said this in an interview on the sidelines of Africa Day commemorations organised by Family of God Church in Kambuzuma at a colourful ceremony attended by several senior Government and Zanu-PF officials.

The commemoration, which was held under the theme “Celebrate, Unite and Strengthen Africa – Our Divine Heritage”, saw church founder Reverend Andrew Wutawunashe leading a ceremony drawing Christians, politicians and traditionalists together.

“A continent that has suffered 300 years of slavery, imperial conquest, colonial subjugation, racial control apartheid menace. How things have changed. Now Africa is a continent of hope with one of the highest growth rates being registered in Africa,” said Deputy Minister Mutsvangwa.

He said the continent now prided itself with one of the highest penetration rates in the telecommunications industry particularly in mobile and access to internet with some African businesspeople claiming a significant stake in the global market after coming up with competitive projects.

“African businesspeople have shown their mettle, with bankers and fund managers trooping to Africa, which used to be a preserve of non-governmental organisations, some of them that were good for nothing for Africa,” he said.

He described the future of Africa as bright.
Addressing the gathering, Zanu-PF political commissar Cde Webster Shamu, who was the guest of honour, said the day would never lose its significance in many years to come.

“Africa Day is a special day in the history of our continent. It is a day that cannot lose its value nor its importance, for it stands unchanging as a signal of unity forged by the founding fathers of the Organisation of African Unity,” said Cde Shamu, who is also Minister of Information Communication and Technology, Postal and Courier Services.

The peaceful environment existing in Zimbabwe, he said, was conducive to implement the country’s economic blueprint Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation so as to achieve total freedom.

Zim-Asset, said Cde Shamu, was far better than the American Modernisation Theory Model mooted by W. W. Rostow in 1960, which if followed would require 300 years for Zimbabwe to get to achieve significant development matching most countries in the West.

Zimbabwe National Heritage Trust director Mr Pritchard Zhou, said there was need for Africans, particularly women to return to their African culture.

“Why do we hate ourselves. Look at our women. They no longer want their African hair but American or Indian hair and this has created business for India,” said Mr Zhou.

He said there was need for Africans to be vigilant, adding that the white men destroyed black men’s intellectual property at the height of colonialism.

Yesterday’s event was also used to show solidarity with more than 200 Nigerian girls that were kidnapped by Islamic militants Boko Haram that is linked to Al-Qaeda.

Leaders of the Nigerian community in Zimbabwe also attended the event.
Some of the dignitaries that attended the commemoration included Minister of State for Harare Metropolitan Province, Cde Mirian Chikukwa, Harare South Member of National Assembly Cde Shadreck Mashayamombe, Manicaland Senator Monica Mutsvangwa and Registrar-General Tobaiwa Mudede.

Africa Day is celebrated on May 25  annually to honour the founding of the African Union, formerly the Organisation of African Unity in 1963.