South Africa: Western Cape gears for Xhosa Carnival

[Harold F. Schiffman]

Western Cape Gears for Xhosa Carnival

BuaNews (Tshwane)
Posted to the web November 7, 2006

By Themba Gadebe

The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, in conjunction
with other departments and various stakeholders, is preparing to exhibit
Xhosa culture during the Xhosa Carnival, next week in Langa. The
provincial government further explained the festival was in line with the
province's Language Policy that seeks to elevate the status of isiXhosa
within the province as one of the official languages. The department's MEC
Whitey Jacobs expressed confidence in the preparations for this year's
event, saying it had improved significantly from the preparations made for
the low-key event organised last year.

This, he attributed to the proactive approach of various stakeholders such
as Zindala Zombili, Commission for the Promotion and Protection of Rights
of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL) The Pan South
African Language Board (PANSALB), Icamagu, Western Cape Interim Musicians
Association and the Choral Association. "We are confident that through
their partnership visitors will be kept entertained throughout," the MEC
said.

Three weeks ago, in celebration of another of the country's cultural
groups, the department hosted a successful Afrikaans Conference in Cape
Town to develop a strategic framework for the promotion of Afrikaans
language in consultation with the Western Cape communities. "To give
practical effect to the vision of creating the Western Cape as a Home for
All, we resolved to pull other partners to ensure a large variety of shows
to elevate this year's standard of the festival and attract a bigger
audience," said Mr Jacobs. Through the Xhosa Carnival, the department, in
partnership with the Western Cape Language Committee aims to contribute
towards social cohesion and improved racial relations.

"We hope to attract several thousands of visitors during the week of the
festival. "International tourists will be transported from the Waterfront
every day to experience the African culture," the MEC said. He also
indicated a preview would be held on the Amphitheatre at the V and A
Waterfront this weekend. Next week's celebrations are set to include
storytelling, indigenous music, poetry, Xhosa films, creative writing, a
youth "Jazz Jam Session"  and gospel concert. In addition, the commission
for the Promotion and Protection of Rights of Cultural, Religious and
Linguistic Communities will have a colloquium on the rites of passage
(Initiation School) at Johnson Ngwevela Civic Hall.

http://allafrica.com/stories/200611070474.html

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