Hon Speaker, I move without notice:
That the House -
1) notes that American citizens have recognised black history in the month of February annually since 1926, first as Negro History Week and later as Black History Month;
2) further notes that the month of February was chosen because it marks the birthdays of two men who greatly influenced the black American population, Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln;
3) acknowledges that the month honours the importance of black achievements and contribution in the United States;
4) further acknowledges that the release of Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners makes February the South African history month, worthy of annual celebration, and would assist our youth and children not to forget where they come from and the sacrifices that were made to give us the freedom that we enjoy today;
5) recalls that the American Diaspora is the sixth region of the African Union;
6) supports the call to extend the United Nations' resolution declaring 2011 the International Year for People of African Descent;
7) encourages all to take an active part in celebrating our South African, African and diaspora history to familiarise ourselves with the intertwining of our history with that of the African Diaspora; and
8) further encourages all South Africans, both black and white, to celebrate our South African and African unity in diversity to enhance nation-building and social cohesion.
Agreed to.