Pretoria – The activities planned to celebrate Africa Month will be used to promote the African identity, entrench African values and ethics, as well as strengthen existing collaborations in the continent.
“We believe our programme will contribute to the attainment of the African Union’s vision 2063 which strives for an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena,” said Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa.
As part of nurturing African Identity, the Department of Arts and Culture will promote the African Union flag and anthem during the month.
Minister Mthethwa believes the month-long programme will also strengthen culture and creative industries and their value-add in socio-economic development, as well as provide a platform to promote the African Union institutions and policies.
Africa Month will be celebrated under the theme “We are Africa - Opening the doors of learning and culture to promote peace and friendship from Cape to Cairo”.
Department spokesperson Sandile Memela said the inaugural Africa Month celebration seeks to strengthen social, cultural, economic and political integration among African nations.
“As part of the celebrations, the department has planned an exciting programme of activities placed across the country through various forms of arts such as music, literature, theatre, visual arts, film, fashion, cuisines, seminars, exhibitions, lectures and panel discussions,” Memela said.
On Wednesday, the Africa Month Lecture and Colloquium titled “Writing Africa” will take place at the Eastern Star Gallery, 4 Anglo African Street, Grahamstown. This is a collaboration between the Department of Arts and Culture and the National English Literary Museum. The internationally acclaimed Nigerian writer, Helon Habila, will be in conversation with Professor Muxe Nkondo and Professor Kole Omotoso.
From 13 to 16 May, the South African Roadies Association (SARA) will host Africa’s first-ever Live Event Technical and Production Conference at the Sunnyside Park Hotel in Parktown, Johannesburg. The Minister is expected to open the conference on Thursday.
On Thursday, the “We Are Africa” Design and Innovation Exhibition will open at the KwaZulu-Natal Society of Arts in KZN. The exhibition will run until 7 June.
From 16 to 23 May, the “We Are Africa” Fashion Spectacular: Top South African fashion designers will join their Pan-African counterparts for two provincial shows in Nelspruit and Durban. – SAnews.gov.za
