Remarks by the Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture, Hon. Maggie Sotyu, at the media briefing of South Africa cultural season, at the Marriott hotel, Accra in Ghana: “Nelson Mandela Centenary-Be the legacy”
Programme Director:
Minister of Arts, Culture and Tourism of Ghana, Honourable Catherine Abelema Afeku, MP
High Commissioner, Her Excellency, Ms. L. Xingwana
Members of the media,
Artists & officials,
Ladies and gentlemen
Fellow Africans, I extend my warmest greetings to all of you. I stand before you today to do just one important assignment, to outline the South Africa Cultural Season programme as part of Department’s Africa Cultural Seasons Programme.
Ladies and gentleman, the main aim of this programme is to showcase South Africa’s artistic and cultural talent, promote regional integration in order to support efforts towards expanded trade of our cultural goods and services.
Fellow Africans, The Africa Cultural Seasons by the Department will contribute in the implementation of the African Union Charter for African Cultural Renaissance and African Union Agenda 2063, which both elaborate on the importance of Africa’s total emancipation and development, and call for Africa to unite in cultural diversity and African Renaissance through creative and cultural industries.
This year, South Africa marks the centenary of the life of our nation’s founding father Nelson Mandela under the theme: “Be the legacy”. This is also the theme for the Africa Cultural Seasons. In line with this theme, the programme will celebrate the Centenary of Nelson Mandela through music, dance, fashion and design, exhibition, craft, and other cultural expressions.
The programme will include sharing of experiences and expertise through Master Classes as Africa and the world at large continues to reflect on his contribution in the liberation struggle and to humanity. The Cultural Seasons will also celebrate and embrace the Centenary of Mama Albertina Sisulu, under theme, “A Woman of Fortitude”.
Ladies and gentlemen, you will remember that, in the life of every nation, there arise men and women who leave an indelible and eternal stamp on the history of their peoples; human beings who are both products and makers of history.
And when they pass they leave a vision of a new and better life and the tools with which to win and build it. Nelson Mandela and Mama Albertina Sisulu were such people that we need to immortalised.
Other key strategic objectives:
The objectives of the Africa Cultural Seasons are to-:
- strengthen Africa Bilateral Relations;
- implement and bring to life the Charter for African Cultural Renaissance;
- promote regional integration by strengthening people to people contact harmonize policies and share skills and expertise;
- support partnerships for SA cultural goods within the continent;
- serve as a vehicle to implement Cultural Agreements and relations with identified countries in the continent and create relations that are mutually beneficial and sustainable
- Promote cultural diplomacy for a broader Government socio-economic agenda.
Summary of the Programme:
South African Seasons in Ghana (15 – 19 October 2018)
15 October
10h00: Exhibition Opens – AICC
11h00: Official Opening Gala with Cultural Programme - The Marriott Hotel, hosted by the South Africa Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture, Magdalene Sotyu.
16 October
10h00: Opening of the Exhibition
10h00: Official Walk through by the South African Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture and Minister of Arts, Culture and Tourism of Ghana
11h00: Public Lecture Key Note address by the South African Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture, Magdalene Sotyu Theme Nelson Mandela – “Be the Legacy”.
18:30: Opening of the Film Screenings – AICC
17 October
10h00: Exhibitions continue – AICC
09h00: Workshop – Craft and Design – CYCC
09h00: Workshop – Dance – Accra National Theatre
17h00: Film Screening - AICC
18 October
10h00: Exhibitions Continue – AICC
09h00: Workshop – Craft and Design – CYCC
18:30: Dance extravaganza – Accra National Theatre
19 October
10h00: Exhibitions continue – AICC
19h00: Closing Concert – AICC
The programme will be accompanied with a strong audio visual narration depicting a strong South African story line.
The Africa Cultural Seasons includes a star studded line-up including Mafikizolo, Brenda Mthambo, Mbuso Khoza, Gaddafi the poet, Berita and Musical Director Zwai Bala; and talented dancers from Luthando Dance Academy
Come and Join us as we celebrate South Africa Cultural Season on the land of Africa’s icon and revolutionary, Kwame Nkrumah,
Thank you.
