Programme director
MEC’s here present
Honourable Members of the Provincial Legislature
The Regional Manager of SABC Limpopo, Vho Victor Ravhuanzwo
Organised business delegates
Choristers
Comrades and friends
Ladies and gentlemen
All protocol observed.
This month of February 2010, marks the 20th anniversary of the laying of the foundation for a truly truly democratic Republic of South Africa, which was preceded by the release of Isithalandwe comrade Rolihlahla Mandela, from prison.
This most significant and probably the most eagerly anticipated event was well celebrated with a lot of fanfare and songs. It therefore also places the event tonight, as a very significant one in the historical calendar of the SABC, the minds of the people of Limpopo and the whole SADC region. I feel much enthralled to be part of this very august occasion.
All musical genres to us, as South Africans, have always been a panacea for the good things that lay ahead in our lives. Accordingly also, music served as a cushion for whenever the road ahead became more challenging and called for a strategic retreat.
This happened in lieu of the definition most of us have encountered that “music” is the universal language through which we can express our innermost feelings such as joy, happiness, sorrow, hurt etc.
Music, in African societies, has a very strong degree of social cohesion and cannot be totally detached from culture and heritage. It is therefore not surprising to realise that compositions focused generally on social events like the letsema, leisure and any other collective activity.
Programme director,
One could easily gain an insight into the personal and social life of our individual cultures, as long as one has mastered the knowledge of traditional African music in its social content – be it cradle songs, historical songs, songs that tell a story or songs of reflection.
It therefore flows from the above that a song is not a form of speech utterance that arises from only stylistic considerations, but rather a medium of creative verbal expression which reflects both personal and social experiences. Accordingly, the themes of songs tend to centre on events and matters of common interest and concerns to the members of a community or social group.
I am convinced that this launch has been done at a convenient time. Through the choir, the SABC is strategically placed to extend its tentacles to play a more central role in enhancing government efforts for nation building, the promotion of regional integration within the SABC broadcast area and the offering of opportunities to the well-meaning people of Limpopo, to contribute through songs to countries that have been befallen by disasters. A case in point of this is the tragic aftermath of the Haiti earth quakes.
However, I shall have erred if I do not allude to the fact that music ultimately also creates a melody, relaxation and a stress-free community. Music also extends beyond this as a form of worship, calling to action, unbridled enthusiasm, happy labour and elation.
It is therefore well received by the audience when they respond through various forms like whistles, vuvuzelas, ululations or even the individual being whistling and singing while doing his or her daily chores.
The aforementioned can only be evoked when the choir practices, practices and practices event more. It has been discovered that, even the busiest figures who constanly perform before multitudes, experience stage fright at some or another time. Systematic rehearsal is insurance and it gives one command of the mind, to adapt to special features of association.
Programme director,
The country has been gripped by the 2010 euphoria. It is only when people take initiative, that they will be able to open doors for future engagement with the international community. The 2010 FIFA World Cup matches that will be hosted by the Polokwane Municipality at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, calls upon all our talented men and women of Limpopo to take a stand and strategically position themselves for future engagements also. The world is coming to Africa, South Africa and Limpopo province and they will want to hear a representation of all that represents Africa and her people.
In closure, programme director, I wish to emphasise that together we can return choral music to its rightful place within the communities.
Our people expect of us to nurture this partnership beyond the Mapungubwe Arts Festival and to hold this bond very dearly, for generations to come. They will judge us by the legacy that we shall have left behind.
Programme director, allow me to also extend an invitation to all the women in the house tonight, to grace the International Women’s Day Celebrations, that will be held on 6 and 7 March 2010 at the Oscar Mpheta Stadium. Limpopo has the honour to host this first ever day of historical significance on the international calendar of the United Nations.
Long live the melodic spirit of the SABC Northern Serenades Choir, long live!
I thank you!
Source: Limpopo Department of Sport, Arts and Culture
