Pretoria – Algerians will get an opportunity to sample South Africa’s artistic talent when the cultural seasons is launched in that country on 24 February.
The cultural programme will be launched in Algeria’s capital, Algiers, and will run until 3 March.
The programme is aimed at showcasing South Africa’s artistic talent to create an inter-cultural and inter-generational dialogue between the two countries. It is also a platform to strengthen cultural and people-to-people relations, lay the basis for expanded trade and promote cultural diplomacy as part of government’s broader socio-economic agenda.
“We have a golden thread that links us all as brothers and sisters. It is through culture that we are able to articulate and reflect the wishes and aspirations of the people for a united continent.
“The ties that bind us are greater than what separates us. Therefore we look forward to the first cultural seasons of South Africa in Algeria,” said Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa said on Tuesday.
The government of South Africa and the government of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria signed an agreement on cooperation in the fields of arts and culture in 2009.
“The agreement is in line with SA’s foreign policy imperative on regional integration and places arts, culture and heritage at the centre of the economic growth agenda and skills development, amongst others,” the Department of Arts and Culture said.
The cultural seasons will also strengthen collaboration on the Africa Month programme of activities that takes place in May to celebrate the formation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), celebrating African identity and culture and the building of a better Africa in a better world. – SAnews.gov.za
