South Africa joins the OAU

After the first fully democratic elections, South Africa was officially admitted as 53rd member of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) at a summit, held in Tunis, Tunisia. The South Africa delegation was led by the Foreign Affairs Minister Alfred Nzo, who was applauded after membership was authorised at an OAU Council of Ministers meeting. After joining the OAU, South Africa participated actively in all activities and structures, such as the Secretariat, the Centre for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution, the Central Organ, the Council of Ministers and the Annual Summit. The OAU was superseded by the African Union (AU). The inaugural session of the AU was held in Durban, South Africa on July 10, 2002. Gallagher Estate in Midrand, South Africa, is presently the venue of the Pan African Parliament, consisting of AU member states. The AU continues to carry the aims of the OAU; to promote unity and solidarity between African countries. The organisation furthermore aims to achieve political and socio-economic integration of the continent.