South Africa and Algeria launch the first leg of cultural seasons in Algeria
The Department of Arts and Culture in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture of Algeria will launch cultural seasons in Algiers on the 24th of February 2017 and the Seasons will continue from the launch date until 3 March 2017.
The programme is aimed at showcasing South Africa’s artistic talent to create an inter-cultural and inter-generational dialogue between the two countries, to strengthen cultural and people-to-people relations, lay a basis for expanded trade and promote cultural diplomacy as part of Government’s broader socio-economic agenda.
The year 2017 marks the centenary celebrations of Oliver Reginald Tambo, the liberation struggle icon and the longest serving President of the African National Congress (ANC) from 1969 and 1991. The Algerian Democratic Government played a pivotal role during the liberation struggle of South Africa.
It provided training to revolutionaries fighting oppressive regimes on the continent, including the ANC military wing, uMkhonto We Sizwe to receive military training and operate in their country. This history now forms part of our collective liberation heritage and the liberation heritage of the African continent.
The programme for Algeria SA Cultural Seasons will include opening reception on 24 February, OR Tambo exhibitions, craft, food and design exhibitions at the Palais of Culture for the duration of the programme, South African Cuisine at D’Zair Hotel on 25 February and the closing concert on the 3rd of March.
The OR Tambo Memorial Lecture taking place on the 25th February at a University, which is yet to be confirmed and the South African film screening are critical parts of the programme especially in educating the youth about the shared memory of liberation between the two countries.
The Government of South Africa and the Government of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria signed an agreement on co-operation in the fields of Arts and Culture in 2009. The agreement is in line with SA’s foreign policy imperative on regional integration and places arts, culture and heritage at the centre of the economic growth agenda, skills development amongst others.
“We have a golden thread that links us all as brothers and sisters. It is through culture that we are able to articulate and reflect the wishes and aspirations of the people for a united continent. The ties that bind us are greater than what separates us. Therefore we look forward to the first cultural seasons of South Africa in Algeria.” said Minister Mthethwa.
South African artists from various disciplines are expected to be part of the programme. Young and emerging creative participating include Mavis Taole, a craft producer and an emerging curator, Chef Gugu Mandlakazi, designers Bokang Lehabe and Machere Pokane including Marimba Vibration from Cape Town and Soweto All Stars as well as prominent DJs and musicians will display their skills in Algeria.
A similar programme of cultural activities will take place in Gabon from 09 -17 March 2017.
The cultural seasons will also strengthen collaboration on the Africa Month programme of activities that takes place in the month of May to celebrate the formation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), celebrating African identity and culture and the building of a better Africa in a better world.
Media enquiries:
Teresa Magidela
Tel: 012 441 3626
Cell: 060 601 7724
E-mail: TeresaM@dac.gov.za
For more information, please contact:
Ms Zimasa Velaphi
Cell: 072 172 8925
Ms Lisa Combrinck
Cell: 082 821 4886
