The Inter-Ministerial Cultural Groups meeting that took place at Spier, Stellenbosch on 16 August 2013 aimed to share the cultural wealth of South Africa and support cultural groups in the Western Cape. The event followed up the National Social Cohesion Summit held by the national Department of Arts and Culture in Kliptown, Soweto last year.
Leaders of Khoi, San, Nama and other cultural groups attended the meeting, as well as officials of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS). Participants were given the opportunity to share their concerns about the preservation of their cultures.
MEC of Cultural Affairs and Sport Dr Ivan Meyer said that those attending the event were there to share, not to judge each other. “Culture must unite us, not divide us”, said Meyer. He revealed plans for a “Your Culture, My Culture, Our Heritage” campaign during Heritage Month in September.
Ms Hannetjie du Preez of DCAS spoke about the legislative framework for promoting the different cultures of the Western Cape and keeping cultural heritage alive. She described the role of the Western Cape Cultural Commission as one of the key programmes of the provincial government to preserve culture and the rights of cultural groups.
The Inter-Ministerial Cultural Groups meeting is a clear example of how the Western Cape Government and the people of the province are working better together to keep the rich cultures of the Western Cape alive.
Media enquiries:
Daniel Johnson
Spokesperson for the MEC of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 3261
E-mail: daniel.johnson@westerncape.gov.za
Clement Williams
DCAS Cultural Affairs
Tel: 021 483 9717
E-mail: Clement.Williams@westerncape.gov.za
