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Africa
Day is celebrated each year on the 25th May in many African states
to commemorate the achievement of their liberation from the colonial
powers. Its purpose is to mark, annually, the progress of the Liberation
Movement throughout Africa, and to remind the peoples of Africa of
their determination to free themselves from foreign domination and
exploitation. Unfortunately, not much has been done locally to create awareness about the importance and meaning of this significant day for our continent. Until now. The Soweto Hotel, in collaboration with Kliptown Artist Impact & Funda Art Centre, have decided to introduce Africa Day to the Soweto community by hosting a week long program of cultural activities. |
These will commence on Monday evening, 23 May 2011at 18h30 with the launch of an art exhibition, “Celebrating African Art – Expression without Borders.” Current and past students of Funda, amongst others, will have their work on display. Apart from some inspiring speeches, visitors can look forward to a recital by the Baratuwa Ba Morena choir, followed by a guided tour of the exhibition. Guided tours of the art exhibition will be happening on a daily basis for the duration of the week.
From Tuesday 24 May until Thursday 26 May the Soweto Hotel will be transformed into a festival venue where all manner of African art will be featured, not only painting and sculpture, but also music, dance and the oral arts of story telling and poetry, by a variety of artists in and around Kliptown. High schools and cultural groups have been invited to attend the activities to learn more about Africa Day and also to take part in the cultural and musical performances.
The General Manager of the hotel, Mrs Lindiwe Sangweni-Siddo remarked: “It is occasions like these that allow us to know and understand our history. We have to reflect where we come from, as South Africans, and what we have achieved since 1994. There is still a lot to be done to ensure that we appreciate our arts and culture here on home ground, before exporting it to other countries. This art exhitition also showcases a new aspect of tourism – cultural tourism”.
Since opening in 2007, the Soweto Hotel has been doing just that. They have made it their mission to engage with the community on a cultural level by creating opportunities for local talent. “Jazz on the Stoep” on the last Sunday of every month is an example of their nurturing of the local music scene.
The hotel’s management recognise the fact that they have an integral part to play in the celebration of artistic expression in and around Soweto, given their unique location on the Walter Sisulu Square of Dedication, which is a National Heritage site. The Soweto Hotel is the first four star hotel in Soweto and has hosted presidents, cultural leaders and ministers, and was a favourite destination of international soccer and rugby tourists during 2010.
As a tribute to the 1950’s and a reminder of those first years of the Liberation Movement, the Soweto Hotel has a permanent exhibition of the work of acclaimed photographer, Alf Khumalo, on display. Mr. Khumalo has documented the life and times of an evolving and multi-cultural South Africa from the apartheid years till now. During the World Cup, tourists from all over the world were moved and impressed by his work.
The week’s festivities will be concluded on Friday 27th May with a gala evening of fine dining and dancing. Elemotho and Mam’ Dorothy Masuku with her fantastic African sound will feature as guest artists at this very special event.
Admission to all the events from 23 May to 26 May is free
of charge.
Admission to the final gala event on 27 May is R450-00 per couple.
Reservations can be made at events@sowetohotel.co.za.
Vicky Kente
Media Relations
Telephone: 011 527 7300
Fax: 011 527 7330
Cell: 0836013040
E-mail: events@sowetohotel.co.za
