The Minister of Arts and Culture, Mr Nathi Mthethwa, will give a keynote address at the Chief Albert Luthuli Memorial Symposium hosted under the theme “Let My People Go: Celebrating Chief Albert Luthuli in the Foundations of our 20 Years of Freedom and Democracy”. The event will take place on Saturday, 29 November 2014 at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), Westville Campus in Durban.
The theme of the symposium is inspired by Chief Albert Luthuli’s autobiography, titled “Let My People Go.” He tells his own story of the journey within African National Congress, from the Defiance Campaign to the drafting of the Freedom Charter, the Treason Trial to the Alexander Bus Boycott, the 1957 Potato Boycott and the tragedies of Sharpeville, Langa and Nyanga. Chief Albert Luthuli became a beacon of hope during the darkest days of apartheid. In celebrating 20 years of freedom as a country, his journey provides us with the opportunity to reflect on where we come from as a country and tell stories that move South Africa forward.
This commemorative event will be hosted in the form of a symposium where notable speakers will participate. Among these are the following: Dr Jabulani Mzaliya, a Special Adviser to the Minister in the Presidency: Planning and Evaluation; Dr Simangaliso Kumalo, an Associate Professor: School of Religion and Governance at UKZN and Mr Jabulani Sithole, the Project Leader for the KZN Liberation Heritage Route.
The audience will have an opportunity to engage with the speakers and share their views on the life, values and actions of Chief Albert Luthuli. Sub-themes of the symposium include: How much do we as South Africans know about Chief Albert Luthuli, his values, his vision and leadership qualities? Does he provide a fitting model of study in the challenges faced in 21st century South Africa and the world?
“In an effort to transform the Heritage Sector and to ensure that the South African landscape reflects the role played by all communities and individuals in transforming the country irrespective of their cultural background, religion or gender, the Department of Arts and Culture, as tasked by the Cabinet in 1998, initiated a number of National Legacy Projects including Chief Albert Luthuli Memorial. These projects are commemorative symbols to acknowledge the role of all South Africans who dedicated their lives to the liberation of this country,” said Minister Mthethwa.
The symposium also contributes to the department’s mandate of facilitating social cohesion and nation building activities in the country.
The event will take place as follows:
Date: Saturday, 29 November 2014
Time: 13h00 – 15h00
Venue: GSB Hall, University of KwaZulu Natal, Westville Campus
RSVPs:
Obed Makgoale
Tel: 012 441 3713
Cell: 060 974 0789
E-mail: ObedM@dac.gov.za
Sejal Desai
Tel: 031 260 7829
Cell: 083 284 9333
E-mail: Desaisej@ukzn.ac.za
Enquiries:
Sandile Memela
Cell: 082 800 3750
E-mail: SandileM@dac.gov.za
Teresa Magidela
Cell: 072 222 3169
E-mail: TeresaM@dac.gov.za
