Former South African President Thabo Mbeki has issued a clarion call to African leaders, urging them to embody truthfulness, transparency, and a steadfast commitment to advancing the interests of the continent. Speaking at a dinner event in Dar es Salaam, as part of the Africa Day commemorations, Mbeki underscored that the key to Africa’s progress lies in leaders who act with integrity and genuine vision.
As the continent will celebrate Africa Day under the thought-provoking theme, “Reparatory Justice for Africans and People of African Descent: Addressing Historical Injustices to Build a Common Future”, Mbeki poignantly reflected, “Justice is not an end, but a continuous demand for truth, dignity, and leadership that reflects the realities of our people.” He emphasised that the foundations for meaningful development rest upon accountability, vision, and a prioritisation of the people’s needs over personal ambitions.
Apart from urging integrity in leadership, Mbeki spotlighted pressing issues such as the need for investment in education, innovation, and youth engagement in decision-making processes. He identified corruption as a significant barrier to development, calling for innovative solutions that enable youth to take their rightful place in shaping the continent’s future.
“Africa is rich in resources and potential. What we need are leaders who think beyond elections, who are unafraid of accountability, who have vision, and who put the people and the nation above personal ambition,” he stated emphatically.
Earlier in the evening, Tanzania’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, echoed Mbeki’s sentiments. He encouraged Africans to reflect on the continent’s achievements, challenges, and aspirations, advocating for peaceful and stable development. Kombo paid tribute to the founders of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), now the African Union (AU), recognising their legacy of unity and Pan-Africanism.
“On behalf of the Government and the People of Tanzania, I take this opportunity to honour and commend the founding fathers of the OAU, whose vision of a united Africa still lives on,” he noted, lauding the ongoing efforts made by subsequent leaders who strive for economic liberation and continental solidarity.
This important event brought together a diverse assembly of ambassadors, senior government officials, retired diplomats, civil society leaders, scholars, and members of the diplomatic corps, all gathered to celebrate Africa’s rich unity, diversity, and progress. The evening was enlivened by African cultural performances and traditional cuisine, providing a vibrant backdrop for reflections on the continent’s historical journey and its current path towards peace and self-reliance.
The dinner was a significant part of the celebrations marking the 62nd anniversary of the African Union and served as a momentum builder leading up to Africa Day, which is observed annually on May 25.