Of immense significance is that South Africa is not only hosting the 38^th Summit of the OAU, but also has the honour of being the cradle on which the AU is to be born, and also has the privilege of being the first chair of the AU.

To become a founding member of the AU is indeed a significant achievement for our new nation, which became the last tip of the continent to be liberated. It is an indicator of how far we have come in only eight years, to become a fully-fledged member of the community of nations.

As the continent bids farewell to the OAU and launches the AU, the question being asked by many is whether there is any difference at all between the two institutions. The different contexts in which the AU and OAU have been formed should give a clear indication that although the goal of African unity still runs through like a thread in both organisations, the two institutions are not entirely the same, and that the roles, structure and challenges will not be the same.

The OAU had a clear mandate of ensuring African unity in the midst of colonialism and oppression. In fulfilling this historical mission, it has successfully eradicated colonialism in the continent.

However, the liberation of the continent did not automatically bring about peace and prosperity for Africa, and a better life has only become a reality in some parts of the continent and not others. Conflict and wars have over the years led to loss of life, displacements and misery in many parts of the continent. The need to solve, manage and prevent conflicts and to deal with other socio-economic challenges has become urgent, especially in the light of globalisation.

That is the environment in which the AU is being established. The Union has to consolidate the gains of the OAU, continue to ensure unity while also accelerating the drive for sustainable economic development, peace and stability, and an improvement in the quality of life of all Africans, from Cape to Cairo.

The challenges that are facing the AU are clearly spelt out in the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) framework document and in the Constitutive Act of the African Union.

These include:

• Conflict prevention, management and resolution;
• Good political and economic governance, including capacity building and an a peer review mechanism;
• Promotion of intra-African trade and increased access to markets of industrialised countries;
• Development of Agriculture;
• Human Resource Development and education
• Eradication of communicable diseases including HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis
• Provision of key infrastructure to facilitate sub-regional and continental integration, such as information communication technologies, energy, transport, water and sanitation;
• Increased capital flows, overseas development aid reforms, debt reduction and foreign direct investment.

For the AU to have meaning in the lives of millions of Africans, it will have to create the right environment for these objectives to be realized. The access to basic needs such as food security, electricity, water, roads, education, health facilities will send a message to Africans that the continent is indeed changing.

The era we live in calls for a new way of doing things, and already, African leaders have shown their commitment to doing things differently. It is our well considered view that peace, democracy, adherence to human rights and good governance are essential for Africa’s political, social and economic regeneration and stability.

Fortunately, the AU has in NEPAD an achievable plan for Africa’s economic and social revival in partnership with the developed world. It is also important that Heads of State have emphasized their commitment to good governance and democracy. Among the principles in the new way of doing things being advocated is to ensure a periodic, democratic and transparent renewal of mandates from the electorate in the respective countries.

What also needs continuing support is the OAU position of not recognising governments, which come to power through unconstitutional means. There is a call for the expansion of the yellow card principle further to include seriously undemocratic and unconstitutional behaviour, as well as gross violations of human rights by governments. Added to this is the issue of possible intervention in member states, especially in cases of grave circumstances such as war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity.

The launch of the AU therefore takes place in an environment where leaders in the continent are actively involved in working for change and in ensuring that we turn a new chapter in the continent.

As the first chair of the AU, South Africa welcomes the challenge, and is ready and committed to ensuring that a firm foundation is laid for a strong, focused and successful organisation.

Africa’s time has come, and the Summit in Durban during the next few days should be the beginning of much greater things for the continent.