May marked Africa month - a moment for the continent to pause, reflect, and celebrate the unique African identity and cultural expression. Africa Day is celebrated annually to commemorate the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), founded on 25 May 1963. The National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) through the Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) initiative celebrated Africa month under the “Celebrating 30 Years of Freedom: Building a Better Africa and a Better World’. As part of the celebrations, an inter-cultural round table discussion workshop was organised which aimed at educating the targeted audience in the sector about the role the Cultural and Creative Industries in the SA economy.
South Africa was also celebrating 30 years of freedom and as part of these celebrations, people were invited to show their unity and the diversity of African cultures. One of the topics in the round table discussion was about the 2063 agenda. DSAC together with the MGE expressed that this agenda needs support from all those involved in the sector. The department stated that “Agenda 2063 reflects the aspirations of Africa as a continent with strong cultural identity, values, and ethics. In support of Agenda 2063 we can foster unity amongst all Africans across the continent. Future growth will be spurred by the continent’s commitment to Agenda 2063 to drive the social, economic and political rejuvenation of Africa.”
In conclusion, and as part of the Africa month celebration at Vilakazi street, Minister of Justice and Correctional Services Ronald Lamola gave a keynote speech and a summary of the African continent' countries and their strife, emphasising how SA is lucky to be at peace. The event was graced by the Legendary, Sipho "Hotsticks" Mabuse and Abigail Kubheka as they reflected on the event and how, as a nation, we have come so far after 30 years of Freedom.
Sporting events are more than moments of competition, national pride, and entertainment. They are economic activities that can stimulate tourism, create employment, support local businesses, and generate revenue across multiple sectors of the economy.
Umntwana womgquba a term traditionally used in the Nguni language that means “born out of wedlock,” but nowadays it is used to emphasise that one is born kwisintu. As lontwana, I look back on my own adventures: sometimes I pat myself on the back, and sometimes I wish I could redo them.
Each September, South Africa turns its attention to the rich cultural tapestry that defines our nation. Heritage Month is a time to honour the traditions, languages, histories, knowledge systems, customs and creative expressions that have been passed from generation to generation, while recognising that our heritage is not confined to the past.
My first encounter with heritage at the Mandela Bay Development Agency was, appropriately, somewhat uncomfortable. It began with cleaning. The Gale Monument, the Horse Memorial and the Queen Victoria statue became my first practical introduction to the business of preserving history.
