MEC Whitey Jacobs
7 November 2006
The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport has combined forces with
various stakeholders this year to ensure a spectacular exhibition of the Xhosa
traditions and practices during the week-long festival to be held at Langa from
13 to 19 November 2006.
The festival in line with the Western Cape Language Policy seeks to elevate
the status of isiXhosa within the province as one of the official languages.
Similarly, three weeks ago as part of that agenda to promote all official
languages, the Department hosted a successful Afrikaans Conference in Cape Town
to develop a strategic framework for the promotion of Afrikaans language in
consultation with the Western Cape communities.
To give practical effect to the vision of creating the Western Cape as a
home for all, we resolved to pull other partners to ensure a large variety of
shows to elevate this year's standard of the festival and attract a bigger
audience. Through the festival the Department in conjunction with the Western
Cape Language Committee will also contribute towards social cohesion and the
improvement of race relations.
We hope to attract several thousands of visitors during the week of the
festival. I want to acknowledge the important role played by some of our
partners to make this festival a success. International tourists will be
transported from the Waterfront every day to experience the African
culture.
Those interested in the festival will have a glimpse in a preview to be held
on the Amphitheatre in the Waterfront on 11 and 12 November, Saturday and
Sunday, during the lunch hour for both days.
The standard of the festival has improved significantly from the low-key
event we organised last year. We attribute this to the proactive approach
undertaken by ArtsCape, Zindala Zombili, the Commission for the Promotion and
Protection of Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL),
Pan South African Language Board (PANSALB), Icamagu, Western Cape Interim
Musicians Association and the Choral Association. We are confident that through
their partnership visitors will be kept entertained throughout.
Programme:
Monday, 13 November
There will be an official opening ceremony for invited guests only at the
Johnson Ngwevela Civic Hall in the evening.
Tuesday, 14 November
As from the 14 to 16 November we will be showcasing storytelling, indigenous
music, poetry, Xhosa films and creative writing. The highlight will be the
performance of Madosini on Tuesday and Dizu Plaatjie on Wednesday and Thursday
at Guga S'thebe.
Thursday, 16 November
Louis Moholo will be the highlight of the day, he will be workshopping the
youth on jazz then later there will be a Youth Jazz Jam Session.
Friday, 17 November
The Commission for the Promotion and Protection of Rights of Cultural,
Religious and Linguistic Communities will have a colloquium on the rites of
passage (initiation school) at Johnson Ngwevela Civic Hall.
The Ngcukana Brothers and Sylvia Mdunyelwa will have the night gig at
Johnson Ngwevela.
Saturday, 18 November
This will be one of the busiest days:
* Zindala Zombili Indigenous Dance Competition at Langa Sport Complex
* Xhosa symbols at Guga S'thebe
* Gospel Music Concert at St Francis Hall
* Jazz Jam Session at Maragana Square
* Indigenous Games at Langa Stadium.
Sunday, 19 November
The closing ceremony will be very vibrant, featuring the following: Zindala
Zombili Indigenous Dance Competition at Langa Sport Complex, choral music
concert at the Johnson Ngwevela Civic Hall, the gala event in the evening
featuring Louis Moholo, Zim Ngqawana, Mankunku Ngozi and others.
For further media enquiries please contact:
Mandla Yeki
Media Liaison Officer
Tel: (021) 483 9804
Fax: (021) 483 9801
Cell: 079 5112 087
E-mail: myeki@pgwc.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Western Cape Provincial
Government
7 November 2006
