Villiersdorp Talents Come Alive at Africa Month Community Festival

The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) in partnership with the Department of Arts and Culture (DAC), Theewaterskloof Municipality and Violence Prevention through Urban Upgrading (VPUU) hosted an Africa Month Community Festival in Villiersdorp on Saturday 28 May 2016. The festival is a part of DCAS and DAC’s Africa Month programme, which was held in communities across the province in commemoration of Africa Day, which is celebrated on 25 May each year.

During the opening ceremony Mlulami Tshaka, councillor for Theewaterskloof Municipality, welcomed guests to the festival. “In celebration of Africa Month government is harnessing the talent of our community and it will be showcased today through arts, song, dance and storytelling,” said Tshaka. He concluded by saying that the day’s celebration was testament to building a united community.

Guests were in for entertaining performances from local schools namely, Villiersdorp High School, Elandsrivier Primary School, Kosie De Wet Primary School as well as local groups such as the Mirryclay Creations, Thembi’s Dance Group and ABC Dance Group. As part of the headline act guests were treated to a riel dance performance by Die Nuwe Graskoue Trappers from Wuppertal.

Villiersdorp community member, Jennifer du Plessis, thoroughly enjoyed the festival. “It was really interesting learning about other cultures through the performances. Events such as these are important to taking us back to our roots and African heritage,” said Du Plessis.  

Africa has a rich and diverse heritage and is a key partner for development. Come celebrate our dynamic opportunities and achievements. Let us inspire a united sense of African Pride, BETTER TOGETHER.