As someone true to her roots, an ambassador for energy conservation, and an all-round nice girl, Zizo Beda has already done us proud. Here, she pushes her cool rating off the charts in telling us about how she celebrates Africa Day.

“I've been celebrating Africa Day formally for about three years now. I have always believed in the power of the people on our continent and this day is a reminder of what we can achieve if we work together and not against each other.

“The initial idea behind Africa Day is celebrating the formation of the Organisation of African Unity. Now, because I'm not a political figure who can host workshops and give talks on such a huge platform to continue its ideals, I live it everyday in my personal life. Whether it’s through learning different African languages, reading African authors, wearing African designers or other such things that are more attainable for a regular African. On the day itself, I challenge myself to learn about a new country and culture that I know little about. This year, it will be Tanzania.

“More awareness needs to be created around the day, and I find radio commercials and TV specials are very effective in communicating messages to the masses. But on a more long-lasting basis, we should be encouraged to travel our continent. That is the best way for us to gain a true appreciation of each other's contributions to the world’s perception of our continent, and the diverse cultures we have, which can help us become well-rounded and enriched ambassadors of Africa.

“Ours is a continent to be proud of and we need to remember that. We have for far too long been labelled the ‘dark continent’, yet the gems of people that come from our continent will blow your mind. Our people, and own personal experiences, have shown how adversity can propel one to success.

I am in love with the infinite number of languages that are unique to Africa, and our textile and craft industries are rivals to none. So, we all know what great things happen here, and what potential lies in the pipelines, and anyone who thinks otherwise must catch a wake up!”