AU/OAU

The African Union was launched in the year 2002 with the aim of replacing the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), which was founded by the Africa’s founding fathers; the likes of Kwame Krumah and Haillie Sellasse with a Pan-African vision in mind. The original OAU was created to ensure greater unity and assert independence for African countries after the decolonisation project was achieved on the continent. However, the OAU was disbanded in 2002, with former South African President Thabo Mbeki being the last chairperson of the organisation, and was replaced by the African Union. The AU is a continental body with up to 55 member states which has become focused on economic integration and peace and stability on the continent. To look at the transformation of this organisation we are now joined by: • Professor Itumeleng Mosala : Ex- President of Azanian People's Organisation. • Professor Dirk Kotze: Lecturer at the School of Political Science at Unisa• Manusha Pillai, Director: Stakeholder Relations & Communications at Human Sciences