South Africans must remember Africa’s role in liberation struggle – Zanetor

Newly elected Vice-President of the Pan-African Parliament, Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has called for younger South Africans to be reminded of the sacrifices made by Ghana and other African countries during South Africa’s liberation struggle.

Speaking upon her arrival in Accra on May 7, 2026, Dr Agyeman-Rawlings said the Pan-African Parliament had a responsibility to keep alive the history of African solidarity and ensure younger generations understood the principles that united the continent during the anti-apartheid struggle.

“Ghana, as well as many other countries on the continent, took part in the solidarity struggle towards the final liberation of the people of South Africa,” she said.

According to her, many young South Africans may not fully appreciate the extent of support provided by African countries during the liberation era, making it important for the story to continue being told.

“Perhaps we are not telling the story enough to the younger generation, and they need to be reminded about the sacrifices that were made, financial and educational in terms of citizenship and asylum, in terms of passports and logistics that were provided to people who then subsequently were part of the liberation struggle,” she stated.

Dr Agyeman-Rawlings was elected Second Vice-President of the Pan-African Parliament on April 30 during the continental body’s session in Midrand.

She was received at the airport by parliamentary officials led by the Clerk to Parliament, Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror.

Others present included Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor and First Deputy Majority Whip Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe.

Touching on xenophobic attacks in South Africa, Dr Agyeman-Rawlings described the incidents as unfortunate and said the issue would be raised at the Pan-African Parliament.

“So indeed, yes, it is a topic that we intend to raise as part of the calendar for the Pan-African Parliament,” she said.

She further described her election as a major milestone for Ghana, noting that it was only the second time in two decades that the country had occupied a top leadership position within the continental parliament.

Dr Agyeman-Rawlings also highlighted the significance of becoming the first woman to hold the position.

She explained that the election was highly competitive and not based on tokenism, but rather required support from members across the continent’s five regions.

“It was a real honour and a very humbling experience,” she said, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve.

Reflecting on the current state of the continent, she said Africa faced growing challenges, including conflicts and democratic setbacks, making parliamentary democracy more important than ever.

“And as I pledged when I was campaigning and when I won, it’s to serve the people of the sub-region, of Ghana and of the continent to make sure that the aspirations of the people of this continent to achieve the vision of Pan-Africanism happen and we leave a legacy worth speaking of,” she said.

Clerk to Parliament Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror described her election as “wonderful news,” saying she had “flown the Ghana flag very, very high.”

“The women of Ghana are very proud of your achievement,” he added.

Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor also congratulated Dr Agyeman-Rawlings, noting that issues affecting women formed a central part of her campaign.

“We are particularly gratified that the issues of women were central to your campaign and it was as a result you were overwhelmingly elected,” he said.