Artslink.co.za
*Africa Day 2010 in Ekurhuleni*
*Marang Setshwaelo**, Artslink, 14 May 2010*
The year 2010 represents a moment of infinite possibilities and proud
achievements for the African continent.
Indeed, as *Africa Day* draws nearer, Africans should take a moment to
reflect on where we are as a continent. The 2010 Africa Day celebrations
represent a range of incredible milestones for our continent. Ours is a
history replete with tales of achievement and triumph.
Fifty years ago, in the year 1960, 18 African nations attained their
independence from colonial rule. On *May 25th, 1963*, in a gesture of
unity and commitment to the ideal of African liberation, the 32
independent African nations at the time formed the *Organisation of
African Unity* - today known as the African Union.
Three of those nations celebrating their 50th anniversary of
independence this year, namely Cameroon, Nigeria and the Ivory Coast,
will be proudly flying the African flag as qualifying teams at the 2010
FIFA Soccer World Cup, the first Soccer World Cup ever to be played on
the African continent. An incredible African accomplishment, the soccer
tournament on African soil stands as a symbol of true African
collaboration.
This year's Africa Day celebrations, hosted by the Department of Arts &
Culture, in partnership with the Department of International Relations
and Cooperation, Gauteng Province, the City of Ekurhuleni and the SABC,
will be a demonstration of cooperation in action. Ekurhuleni's Dries
Niemandt Park will be the hub of activity on 29 May 2010. *President
Jacob Zuma* will address to the nation, followed by cultural activity
and a music concert featuring a range of artists from the famed "6-
Pack" (the African nations that have qualified for the World Cup
tournament). A development soccer match between a South African under-18
team and their counterparts from the continent will round off the day's
activities in Germiston.
"The 47th anniversary of Africa Day is an important landmark for us as
Africans" explains Minister of Arts & Culture *Lulama Xingwana*. As a
continent, we have demonstrated that working together we can more to
make our people proud. The theme of this year's Africa Day, "Promoting
and Maintaining Peace in Africa through Sports" takes on a real
significance in light of our role as hosts of the FIFA Soccer World
CupTM, and certainly reflects the spirit of unity that guided the
formation of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963. We must use this
day consolidate efforts for unity and prosperity in the continent as we
prepare to host the world and let them experience Africa's humanity."
*Dries Niemandt Park,* the venue for the Africa Day celebrations, has
been refurbished to serve as Ekurhuleni's Legacy Project. It will be
used as a Welcome Village - a site where locals and visitors can gather
for the duration of the World Cup to enjoy Africa's arts, culture and
heritage. The Department of Arts and Culture and the city of Ekurhuleni
will host the Welcome Village for the entire period of the World Cup.
Dries Niemandt Park will become a buzzing hive of activity,
characterized by music, street theatre, crafts, drumming and dance.
*Note to editors: *
* The *Africa Day* celebrations will be taking place on *May 29th*
at Dries Niemandt Park, Kempton Park Ekurhuleni
* The *concert*, which will also take place at Dries Niemandt Park,
is *free* and open to members of the public.
*Marang Setshwaelo*
*[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>***
*011 447 5655*
*082 559 1802*
*Department of Arts & Culture*
*Web site: http://www.dac.gov.za*
*From: http://www.artlink.co.za/news_article.htm?contentID=24683*
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