Diverse Cultures Meet at Africa Day Celebrations

A series of traditional African food and cultural displays brought members of the public together to celebrate Africa Day in Cape Town on Sunday, 26 May 2013. Structured around this year’s theme, “Pan-Africanism and the African Renaissance”, the day formed part of the annual Africa Day celebrations, hosted by Western Cape Government and the St Mary’s Cathedral Church.

The annual Mass flag procession was opened by the church and preceded the main celebrations where tables were set up, displaying aspects of the continent’s richest cultural items. The traditional food and accompanying music created a warm and vibrant atmosphere. Countries such as Angola, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia and South Africa displayed items.

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) is committed to provide the public with access to archival records. The Western Cape Archives and Records Services displayed its services at the event. An exhibition provided detailed information regarding the previous presidents and prime ministers of the abovementioned African countries. 

Mr Thando Bukwana of the Western Cape Archives and Records Services said that the exhibitions brought members closer to their countries. “They were touched by the exhibition and felt proud to see the histories of their countries on display,” he said.

Members from the African countries were happy to be part of the celebrations. Ms Cathleen Jack of the Namibian Consulate in Cape Town said that the warm atmosphere at the event made everyone proud to be African. “Although our heritage and cultures may differ, we felt connected. It was really interesting to taste food, for instance, from a different origin. Ayoba Africa!” she said enthusiastically.

The event highlighted the importance of the provincial government’s continued drive to accelerate growth and create jobs, through positioning the regions to benefit from the untapped trade and economic opportunities available in the rest of sub-Saharan Africa.