Gauteng Launches the 2017 Heritage and Carnival Programme
To officially welcome the beginning of spring and summer seasons, the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, the City Of Tshwane and the Carnival Company jointly launched the 2017 Gauteng Social Cohesion Carnival programme earlier today in Newtown Newscafe, Johannesburg.
Leading the launch, Gauteng Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation HOD, Ms. Monica Newton unveiled planned activities for this year’s Heritage Month programme, with the highlight being the Gauteng Social Cohesion Carnival which also coincides with Heritage Day on 24 September. On the day, over 25 000 participants are expected to take to the streets on a 6,7km route which will begin and end at Tshwane Events Centre in Tshwane.
Held under the theme “Celebrating Our Living Heritage: Treasure, The Year of O.R. Tambo”, the Gauteng Social Cohesion Carnival is an important vehicle which takes forward the provincial government’s commitment towards nation building and social cohesion.
Stated MEC Faith Mazibuko; “This year’s heritage celebrations are significant in all of us taking pride in promoting and preserving our heritage. Embracing our shared heritage signals the beginning of acceptance of one another, which is important towards social cohesion and unity. We need a united Africa and a united World, hence we want to make the Gauteng Social Cohesion Carnival a never to miss occasion where everyone should gather, learn from each other and celebrate together”.
“For all the people living in Gauteng this is an opportunity to work together in bringing to life the phrase “South Africa belongs to all who live in it”, added MEC Mazibuko.
At the Carnival street parade the public will see mesmerizing designs with costumes and floats measuring up to 5 meters in height; enthralling dance moves, music and more. Troupes from DRC, Botswana, China and Peru will take part in the carnival. Other Embassies that have confirmed their participation include Tanzania, Congo, Ivory Coast, Lesotho, Somalia, Nigeria, Zambia, Bulgaria and Portugal.
“As we celebrate the year of Oliver Tambo, the Carnival Company is in full production creating dynamic and exciting costumes, as well as large backpacks, giant trolleys and floats. We all look forward to celebrating our unity in diversity together on Heritage Day, through mass participation in the Gauteng Social Cohesion Carnival 2017. Africa’s biggest street party!” says Rachel Tambo, CEO at the Carnival Company.
Following the street parade that will be led by among others the Gauteng Premier David Makhura, his executive team and City of Tshwane Mayor.
For the public, provision has been made to watch the parade along the route with activations and entertainment in strategic areas. At these the public can bring along their camp chairs and picnic baskets and enjoy the party on the street. The patrons can then later join the festivities at the Tshwane Event Centre for more entertainment and fun.
For media queries contact:
Nomazwe Ntlokwana
Cell: 083 507 8068
E-mail: nomazwen@gpg.gov.za
Elisha Bholanath
Cell: 076 972 0312
E-mail: elishabh@icloud.com
For Media inquiries contact
Nomazwe Ntlokwana
Cell: 083 507 8068
Tel: 011 355 2578
E-mail: nomazwen@gpg.gov.za
