MEDIA RELEASE | 24 May 2013

Parliament celebrates 50 years of African unity

Africa Day, usually recognised on 25 May annually, will be celebrated at Parliament on Monday 27 May 2013 with an event hosted by Ethnic Affairs Minister Judith Collins.

Held in honour of African Unity and Africans in New Zealand, the event commemorates the 1963 founding of the Organization of African Unity.

Office of Ethnic Affairs Director Mervin Singham says becoming involved in something as important as Africa Day is an honour.

“Holding functions to celebrate ethnic diversity is part of the Office of Ethnic Affairs’ work to build understanding and relationships between ethnic and mainstream communities,” says Mervin.

“Although we cannot celebrate at Parliament on 25 May this year, Africa Day presents a great opportunity for New Zealanders to get involved and celebrate the diversity of Africa.”

Her Excellency Ntombizodwa Msuthukazi Lallie, South African High Commissioner to New Zealand, will be speaking along with Ethnic Affairs Minister Judith Collins on Monday evening.

Mr Mahmoud Zayed, Charge de Affairs, Egyptian Embassy and Police Commissioner Peter Marshall will also be attending.

ENDS

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