Johannesburg – The Public Servants Association (PSA) has joined millions of Africans in celebrating the rich history, resilience, and shared aspirations of Africa’s people.
Today is Africa Day, 25 May 2025.
“The Day under the 2025 theme of ‘Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Repatriations’, provides an opportunity to reflect on progress, ongoing challenges, and recommit to building a united and self-reliant Africa,” the PSA said.
“Africa’s future relies on reduced dependence on foreign assistance and a stronger focus on intra-African cooperation.
“Through continental unity, bolstered by robust trade relations between African countries, the continent will be able to fully unlock its economic potential and create meaningful development for its people.”
The union noted that Africa was blessed with abundant natural and human resources.
“Over-reliance on external aid, foreign investment on unequal terms, and the export of raw materials without value addition, however, continue to limit sustainable growth,” the PSA said.
“The African Continental Free Trade Area presents an opportunity to break these patterns.
“This must, however, be coupled with a deliberate and inclusive approach to development, one that ensures that workers’ rights and decent employment are at the centre of economic transformation.”
The PSA said trade unions have a crucial role in this transformation.
As the voice of workers across the public sector in South Africa and a long-standing advocate for workers’ rights, the PSA said it reaffirms the unions’ commitment to promoting fair labour practices and decent work across all sectors, challenging exploitative working conditions, including those driven by foreign companies operating in Africa.
“Workers must be empowered to participate meaningfully in economic decisions that affect their livelihoods,” said the PSA.
“Fostering solidarity with trade unions across the continent will promote harmonised labour standards and collective strength.
“A truly liberated and thriving Africa calls for its people, particularly workers, to be empowered, protected, and valued.”
The PSA added: “Trade unions must continue to act as a moral compass and a pillar of accountability in ensuring that economic development does not come at the expense of dignity and human rights”.
The PSA called on African leaders, institutions, and civil society to prioritise collaboration, self-reliance, and people-centred development to build an Africa that is united, prosperous, and just for all Africans.
Interestingly, in extolling these ideals, only nine countries – Ghana, Gambia, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Namibia, Lesotho, Zambia, and Zimbabwe – mark Africa Day with a public holiday.
