Human dignity, heritage preservation and promoting the rights of the emerging artists to be afforded an opportunity of public exposure are the focus areas of this Human Rights month in Gauteng. This follows the review of the province’s approach to national days by the Exco which decided that these days should not only focus on celebrating or commemorating the days or events but translate their significance through impact and service delivery to the public.
“As Gauteng Exco we have identified the weaknesses of our National Days programmes which also highlighted that not only do they need to go beyond focusing on the day but should also reach all citizens in Gauteng”, says MEC Lebogang Maile.
“We are conscious of the fact that more still needs to be done to attract participation of other racial groups. However, with our own self evaluation and paving a way forward, the celebration of 2011, have begun the paradigm shift.”
“Further, we have aligned ourselves with the National Theme for Human Rights Month - Working together to protect human dignity for all. To this end human dignity will be restored to survivors and families of the 1960 Massacre when the Premier Nomvula Mokonyane hands over keys to their news homes,” Maile noted.
Various platforms have also been created to expose talent as well as arts and culture through the Puisano Festival and Pan African Craft Exhibition.
Puisano is a provincial programme intended to scout and develop emerging talent in the province. Seven emerging groups four of which had been auditioned through the departmental development programme all from Sedibeng will participate as well as three groups from other areas in Gauteng. The festival will be accessed free of charge by the public.
Pan African Craft Exhibition is opening its doors on Thursday for the duration of the month of March showcasing and promoting cultural diversity, whilst promoting emerging artists product.
“The exhibition is one way that as a province we are promoting co-existing with our cultural diversity. It calls for all of us to appreciate each other’s culture instead of seeing it as a dividing aspect of our existence. Various artists from Africa in the form of arts, poetry and craft will be exhibiting.
With regards to preserving our heritage, the Premier will declare six sites in Sharpville as Heritage sites. These include the old Sharpeville Police Station; Phelinda and Vuka cemeteries; the local Roman Catholic Church; Sharpeville Memorial and Exhibition Centre and the Kwa Dlomo Dam.
As part of Gauteng and South Africa’s legacy against apartheid “…Sharpeville has become an important part in the history of our human rights programme. Therefore the development of the Heritage Assets of Sharpeville and other related programmes are key in the preservation of the rich heritage of the area and for ensuring that the history of this day is not lost”, says MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Lebogang Maile.
Various other activities have been planned by the locals including the cleaning of graves at Phelandaba Cemetery, pre- night candle lighting event, and choral music festival.
The main event will be addressed by Premier Nomvula Mokonyane.
For more information please contact:
Nomazwe Ntlokwana
Cell: 082 5078068
E-mail: nomazwe.ntlokwana.gauteng.gov.za
Calendar of events
Event: Puisano Live Music:
Summary: Featuring seven developing bands from Sedibeng and around Gauteng with the aim to developing the culture of live music and arts performances in communities
Date: 19 March 2011
Time: 09h00
Venue: Dlomo Dam, Sharpeville
Summary: The programme is aimed at promoting live music performances in communities and to develop a culture of live music appreciation as an art form in townships.
Event: Pan African Craft Exhibition (PACE)
Summary: In an effort to promote cultural tourism and diversity, the department and the Sedibeng District Municipality have partnered with artists from Sedibeng to showcase their art and crafts. This event will also encourage networking and social cohesion amongst people of different ethnic backgrounds and will provide a platform for these artisans to showcase their work.
Date: 17 to 31 March 2011
Time: 09h00
Venue: Sharpeville Exhibition Centre
Event: Human Rights Day
Summary: The day is aimed at celebrating our human rights achievement as government and as people of Gauteng. Meanwhile the premier of the Province Ms Nomvula Mokonyane will hand over houses to survivors of the Sharpeville massacre during the proceedings.
The programme for the day will start with wreath-laying ceremonies at the Phelindaba Cemetery and then move to Sharpeville Memorial site where the premier is also expected to announce the six newly declared heritage sites. The keynote address by the Premier will be delivered at the cricket grounds next to George Thabe Stadium.
Time: 08h00
Venue: Sharpeville Cricket Pitch
