Minister Speeches 2020 - 2015
It is a great honour and a privilege for me to stand here in front of some of the most distinguished contributors to the South African arts, culture and heritage landscape. It is not every day that we find ourselves in company of such a cross-section of legends who have contributed immensely to the nation’s cultural heritage.
We cannot help but feel overwhelmed with emotions when we see our legends, many of whom have not been in the public eye for a very long time, gathered under one roof and talk about their contribution to the nation’s heritage.
On behalf of the South African Government and IFLA, the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all international and local delegates gathered here today in this vibrant yet rainy city of Cape Town, affectionately called the Mother City.
Welcome to the southern tip of the continent and the home of “The Cradle of Humankind”, the birthplace of the earliest hominids. I trust that you will also visit our heritage sites and experience our rich arts and cultural life.
In fact, the launch of this book is part of a slow but sure effort to bring together all the information, knowledge and self-understanding accumulated through the many long struggling generations of the past.Those of us who live and stand here tonight, especially at this event, are the heirs of all that has been done to tell our own story and write our own history as we know it.
In fact, the launch of this book is part of a slow but sure effort to bring together all the information, knowledge and self-understanding accumulated through the many long struggling generations of the past.
We gather here within the richest square mile of the South African economy. Despite the inequality and injustice, this stands as a testament to the power of Africa.
We are still confronted by challenges of prejudice and stereotypes, including racism, Afrophobia and sexism. Our people continue to see themselves as not part of Africa.
We are still confronted by challenges of prejudice and stereotypes, including racism, Afrophobia and sexism. Our people continue to see themselves as not part of Africa.
It is an honour and privilege to present this Budget Vote of the Department of Arts and Culture in the fifth democratic Parliament of the Republic of South Africa on this occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Freedom Charter.