University of South Africa (UNISA) and Freedom Park commemorate Nelson Mandela Day 18 July 2015 through recitation of 67 freedom poems by 20 poets
67 Poems for Freedom: The College of Human Sciences at Unisa in collaboration with the Department of Afrikaans and Theory of Literature and Freedom Park are planning a poetry event in commemoration of Nelson Mandela Day on Saturday, 18 July 2015 from 12h30 to 16h30 at Freedom Park.
Twenty poets will participate in the event by reciting a poem on the theme of freedom in the South African context. This will be the poets’ way of showing their support for the 67 minutes initiative in commemoration of Nelson Mandela Day.
The event emphasises the importance of engaging with the concept of freedom in the South African context. What is the meaning of freedom twenty years after South Africa’s first democratic election? How is freedom expressed in our daily lives as South Africans? The project is not only about celebrating freedom in its historical context, but also reinterpreting the concept of freedom in our daily lives as citizens of the country.
Poets who will perform at the event amongst others include Natalia Molebatsi, Marlize Hobbs, Raphael d’Abdon, Allan Horwitz, Mongane Wally Serote, and Andries Oliphant.
“Freedom Park is a monument that epitomises all the hard struggles for humanity and freedom and thus the choice for the venue for this event could not have been better”, says Ms Jane Mufamadi, acting CEO of Freedom Park.
The event will unfold as follows:
Date: Saturday, 18 July 2015
Time: 12h30 for 13h00 to 16h30
Place: Freedom Park, Salvokop, City of Tshwane
RSVP: 67poemsforfreedom@gmail.com before or on Wednesday 15 July for free entrance
(Note: Only 150 free tickets available – includes a tour of Freedom Park)
Additional information about the event, together with details about how to get to the venue at the Freedom Park at Salvokop, will be provided on request. Please note that all media queries should be directed to Freedom Park’s PRO Ms Naomi Madima and her contact number is 012 336 4000 or 060 961 3851.
Enquiries:
Mr Ayanda Mkutshulwa
Cell: 060 636 9997
Mr Alwyn Roux
Tel: 012 429 64 01
Cell: 082 595 5596
