The life of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) was dismissed by detractors as an organisation that is destined to fail. Each time it convened, its critics predicted that it would end in disarray and collapse. This was said by the President of South Africa in his address on the opening of the 38th assembly of heads of state and government in Durban on Monday 8 July, 2002. Mr.Mbeki said nevertheless, the OAU proved the critics wrong and engaged in struggle for almost four decades to realize the goals its founders had set in 1963.

He said it created the possibility for all to be working confidently towards the establishment of the African Union and the pursuit of the goals stated in the New Partnership for Africa 's Development (Nepad).''In its Charter, the OAU stated that among others it shall promote the unity and solidarity of the African States and eradicate all forms of colonialism from Africa'' he said. The president of South Africa, who is also the incoming chairman of the AU as it is launched on Tuesday, said as the OAU was formed, South Africa was ruled by the brutal apartheid regime, which was certain of the permanence of white minority rule and the apartheid system.

Mr. Mbeki said the Assembly affords African countries the possibility to salute the leaders and people of Africa for every thing they did to ensure that emancipation is achieved. He added that many countries in the continent suffered losses in human life and property as they stood firm in their opposition to apartheid and in their support for the South African struggle. The South African president said as Africa take new steps towards the rebirth of the continent, they must learn and will learn everything that needs to be learnt, both from outstanding Africans and from the continental organization that served as a vehicle for the realization of the common dream.

In his address, the president of Libya, Colonel Mummar Gaddafi said Africa has potential and resources that can bring it out of its current situation of poverty. He strongly spoke against colonial powers that deprived Africa and its peoples, a chance to stand and develop their continent. He said the group of 8 (G8) should assist Africa in its struggle for economic development. He however showed that the assistance should not come with strings and conditions, as Africans are not children to be told what to do and what not to do.

Colonel Gaddafi said  African economy can prosper if the barriers are removed and all people are allowed free movement from country to country, adding that they should also be afforded an opportunity to live where they choose to live in the continent. He said the birth of the African Union is an event that the whole world will not forget in the near future. At the occasion, one of the speakers was the Secretary General of the OAU, Mr. Amara Essy who showed that the idea of African Union-of Africans helping each other and working together to reach common solutions to the common problems is noble and impressing.

He said several parts of Africa, the idea has already yield results at the sub-regional level. Mr. Essy said experience of other parts of the world, notably Europe has shown that the regional unity can bring practical benefits. He said it is his believe that Africans have qualities that can develop them.

The Assembly has also brought in former presidents of African soil, that include Mr. Nelson Mandela, Sir Ketumile Masire of Botswana and also the former secretary general of the OAU, Mr. Salim Ahmed Salim, who was given an award for an outstanding performance during his tenure as secretary general of the organisation. The launching will be performed on Tuesday 09 July,2002 at the ABSA Rugby stadium in Durban starting midday.

The launching will be preceded by delivery of speeches by five presidents , representing the five regions of Africa, as ; the Kenyan president for east, the president of Gabon for the central region, the president of Togo for the western region and the secretary general of the Union. The speeches will be followed by other events that include the march past, national salute. There are 52 courtiers represented at the summit, with the exception of Madagascar because of its current problems that followed the general elections in that country.

08 July,2002