Johannesburg – The Association of Civil Service (PSA) has joined millions of Africans to celebrate the rich history, resilience and shared desires of African people.
Today is Africa Day, May 25th, 2025.
“The day under the theme of 'Justice for Africans and Africans through Repatriation', reflects progress, continuing challenges, and offers an opportunity to encourage the creation of a unified and independent Africa,” the PSA said.
“The future of Africa relies on a reduced dependence on foreign aid and a stronger focus on intra-African cooperation.
“Through the continent's unification, strengthened by robust trade relations between African countries, the continent can fully unlock its economic potential and create meaningful development for its people.”
The union pointed out that Africa is blessed with abundant nature and human resources.
“However, excessive reliance on external aid, foreign investment in unequal conditions, and exports of raw materials without adding value continue to limit sustainable growth,” the PSA said.
“The African continental free trade area offers an opportunity to break these patterns.
“But this must be tied to a deliberate and comprehensive approach to development, ensuring that workers' rights and decent employment are at the heart of economic change.”
The PSA said unions play an important role in this transformation.
As a longtime advocate for South Africa's public sector workers' voice and workers' rights, the PSA reaffirmed the union's commitment to promoting fair work practices and proper work in all sectors, and said it would challenge the occupational conditions of challenging the exploitative working conditions driven by foreign companies operating in Africa.
“Workers must be empowered to participate meaningfully in economic decisions that affect their livelihoods,” the PSA said.
“Promoting solidarity with unions across the continent will promote harmonious labor standards and collective strength.
“A truly liberated and prosperous Africa calls for its people, especially its workers, to be empowered, protected and cherished.”
The PSA added: “Unions must continue to function as pillars of moral compass and accountability to ensure that economic development does not sacrifice dignity and human rights,” he added.
The PSA called on African leaders, institutions and civil society to prioritize collaboration, independence and people-centered development to unite, prosper, unite, prosper and build just Africa for all Africans.
Interestingly, only nine countries spent their public holidays: Ghana, Gambia, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Namibia, Lesotho, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
