Programme Director
Our partners and sponsors of the Festival
Members of the media
Ladies and gentlemen.
Allow me to join many in the international community in condemning the recent burning of buildings containing priceless and historic manuscripts in Timbuktu, Mali.
These scripts, some of which date back to the 13th century, documented Africa’s civilization in the pre-colonial era.
Their destruction is therefore a major blow not only to the Malian heritage but also the heritage of our continent and indeed world heritage. We take this opportunity to reiterate that; everything possible must be done to protect our heritage sites.
Allow me also to, once more, send our deepest condolences to the family of our Jazz legend and composer Victor Ntoni, who passed away yesterday.
We will always remember Bra Vic as a pioneer whose music will continue to inspire current and future generations.
It is particularly saddening that Bra Vic was due to perform at this year’s Cape Town International Jazz Festival.
On behalf of all of us in the arts, culture and heritage sector we say; akwehlanga lungehlanga. May his music live on.
Programme Director today we are announcing the artists’ line up for the 14th Cape Town International Jazz Festival.
As a department we are encouraged that the line up features a significant number of local artists.
This we believe is important because it will offer opportunities for our artists to share a platform with some of the world’s finest musicians; opening avenues for exchange of best practice.
We also note that a major component of the Festival, the Training and Development programme, has grown over the years, offering opportunities for skills transfer and development particularly for our emerging artists.
We also applaud the partnerships that continue to develop as we deliver one successful festival after another.
These include our partnership with the SABC, through which we will raise the profile of our sector, as not only catering for the entertainment needs of society but also as a key contributor to the economy, job creation, promoting social cohesion, nation building and national healing.
Our support for the Cape Town International jazz festival is part of implementing the Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) strategy.
In the coming months of this year; the year of the MGE, we will move with speed in implementing the strategy.
We therefore urge you to watch this space as we reposition our sector; ensuring that it contributes meaningfully to the national effort to grow the economy and create jobs.
We wish the organisers of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival all the best in their endeavours.
May the festival continue to grow and contribute even more to the economy and to job creation.
Thank you.
