Minister Nathi Mthethwa, of the Department Of Sport, Arts and Culture, South Africa leads a delegation of artists in the creative sector to the Dubai EXPO2020
The Ministry and the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture (DSAC) will participate in the Dubai EXPO2020 taking place from 1 October 2021. This is the first delegation among other representations of the South African Government participation in the Dubai Expo 2020 programme starting from 01 October to 31 March 2022.
Team South Africa for the EXPO2020 inauguration programme will be a representation of the various parts of South Africa, showcasing amongst others; history and heritage, cultural diversity, creativity and innovation as well as sport dynamism.
The theme of this year's Expo is "Connecting Minds and Creating the Future via Sustainability, Mobility, and Opportunity". This Expo will place a greater emphasis on bringing global corporate delegations together to shape a future based on sustainability, mobility, and emerging opportunities.
South Africa’s theme derived from the above is “Think Opportunity. Think South Africa”. Under this theme, the country will participate in the Expo with the intention to position South Africa as a globally relevant player and a nation capable of competing with the best; highlighting South Africa's capabilities as well as its strategic importance in the world; highlighting the country's reputation as “open for business” and “an investment destination of choice”; and reinforce South Africa’s position as an attractive and competitive business, investment and tourism destination.
Dubai EXPO2020, held in a global gateway and one of the world's most dynamic and forward-thinking economies, as well as a center for international trade, will serve as a platform for people to interact and do business. This world's greatest meeting of trade, culture, and industry will also provide firms with opportunities to interact with a worldwide audience. It will foster cooperation, encourage innovation, and provide concrete possibilities for South African enterprises.
The Sport, Arts, and Culture sectoral emphasis at the Expo is to emphasize the significance of building relationships with arts and culture Export markets for local artists in the visual, creative, and performing arts sectors.
Rooted in excellence and opportunities; South Africa’s presence in the media programme for the Expo serves to expand our message of a country with limitless opportunities, Arts & Culture excellence through proudly South African fashion, art, sports and all that best represents us today and tomorrow; where everyone wins as a team, generating economic value from innovative creativity and partnership with the best. “A tale of regeneration, development, and opportunities”.
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture’s presence at the Expo will therefore set the way for expanding an unexplored route in the digital world, with a particular emphasis on innovative digital commerce and investment.
The exhibition space for October Month will emphasise the contribution that South Africa has made to the world, informing not only our knowledge about the natural and cultural world but our understanding of what it means to be human in a global space.
The exhibition led by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture will strongly portray South African culture, heritage, identity, and sports excellence and present the country’s offerings as a partner with several prospects in the Gulf area and beyond. The Expo is an excellent venue for South African creative industries to showcase their finest and most distinctive skills in the world of business and trade possibilities.
Minister Nathi Mthethwa cited that, “participation in the Dubai Expo is designed as the SA Recovery Plan post Covid-19 Pandemic, and artists participation, particularly emerging artists (youth and women) taking up international platforms, is viewed as a positive story to tell and, in turn, upliftment to the SA economy.”
For media enquiries, please contact:
Ms Zimasa Velaphi
Head of Communications & Marketing
Cell: 072 172 8925
E-mail: ZimasaV@dsac.gov.za
