COSATU joins millions of Africans on the continent and throughout the world in commemorating Africa Day 2025.

Africa Day is a product of the enduring history, struggles and experiences of the African people, workers in particular. It dates back to the liberation struggles, unity and solidarity efforts to end colonialism, apartheid and oppression. This is why we reaffirm the historic duty of present generations to the ideals of democracy, peace and solidarity for just and inclusive development on the continent.

It is a day to express practical solidarity with the oppressed people of Eswatini, suffering from the yoke of a brutal monarchy. In the same vein, we stand in solidarity with the workers and the people of Zimbabwe, Cameroon amongst others, in their demand for democracy and justice. It is the day to firmly stand with the people of the DRC, Sudan and different parts of our continent in their cry for peace, democracy and inclusive development.

It is the day on which we stand firmly in solidarity with the people of Palestine and Western Sahara against colonial and occupation, war crimes and violent land dispossession. The workers and people of Africa are firm in calling for industrialisation and beneficiation of our minerals on the continent, to create jobs and end poverty and unemployment. We are further calling for the acceleration of the African Continental Free Trade Area towards continental integration and development.

It is for these reasons that we call for a well-coordinated continental and global solidarity movement to unite the people of Africa and the world against oppression, occupation, racism, land injustices and inequalities.

Finally, we reaffirm our full support for the right of the South African people, workers in particular to their democratic sovereignty right to land, health and social justice as a fundamental pillar of the struggle for human and dignity.

It is the fundamental task of every African and democrat to actively participate in the struggle against all forms of injustice, oppression and injustice wherever it happens.

The unity of the working class against class, gender and racial inequalities is very central to progressive internationalism and human solidarity.

COSATU calls on workers and all progressive forces to join the various marches, walks, pickets and other activities organised in different parts of the continent and in our own country to amplify the voices for a new, just and democratic Africa.

Issued by COSATU

Bongani Masuku (COSATU International Secretary)

Mobile: 079 499 6419

Email: bongani@cosatu.org.za