By Blessing Chinagorom
The South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa has praised the concerted efforts and collaboration demonstrated by the continent during Covid-19 pandemic, while further urged leaders to continue improving the levels of alertness of their countries against future pandemics.
Ramaphosa disclosed this at the African Union Summit during his presentation of a report on the continent’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and state of readiness against future health threats, in his capacity as the Champion of the AU’s COVID-19 response.
According to him, ““Although the Africa CDC has classified COVID-19 as no longer a public health emergency of international concern, it remains an ever-evolving endemic virus. Furthermore, the effects of pandemic continue to reverberate across our continent and beyond.
“The COVID-19 crisis was an opportunity for us as Africa to bolster our manufacturing sector. We’re able to draw in an impressive USD 1.1 billion in financial and technical investments, in addition to the USD 1 billion advanced market commitment from GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance.
“Despite these successes, we are still at the delicate juncture of recovery. There is the threat of future pandemics. Our rapid and precise interventions have averted further crises, and for this, we must continue to sharpen our vigilance.
“The adoption of a strong Common Africa Position on Pandemic Preparedness and Response (CAP PPPR) is non-negotiable. It will define our roadmap to safeguarding our people, with a keen focus on critical issues”, said President Ramaphosa.
Addressing the Summit leaders on positive masculinity and the need to support the development of the AU Convention on Violence against Women and Girls, he hailed effort of Champions on Positive Masculinity and all member states that have been part of the continental movement.
The President called on the Assembly to forge a strong and enduring commitment to protect and uplift those who have suffered from violence against women and girls.
“We must now launch the AU Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Campaign, championing continent-wide consultations and ensuring that the journey to developing this critical instrument is shared by citizens across our vast continent.
“Developing the AU Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls is more than a political act. It is a moral imperative to redefine our societies, to confront legacies of colonialism, patriarchy and racism, and to champion equality, freedom and self- determination for every African.
“As President of South Africa, I hereby commit to support the development and timely adoption of a comprehensive convention that is backed by resources and institutional mechanisms to ensure its efficacy”, Ramaphosa added.
South African President on Sunday 18th February, 2024 in a statement released by the Presidency, concluded his participation at the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU).
The AU Assembly met under the theme: “Educate an Africa fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa”.
The Assembly discussed the status of peace and security on the continent and the Report of the AU Peace and Security Council (AUPSC). The discussion took place against the backdrop of great concern regarding the state of peace and security in Africa.
The ongoing and concerning trend of unconstitutional changes of government that have occurred in West Africa as well as the ongoing conflicts in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Sudan, South Sudan and Mozambique.
South Africa has welcomed and supported the 2024 AU Theme: “Educate an African fit for the 21st Century – Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa”.
South Africa supported the principles and spirit of both the 2024 AU theme as contained in the Concept Note and the Roadmap, which affirmed the critical need to transform and revitalize systems on the continent to place education at the centre of Africa’s development agenda.