Former Deputy Minister Speeches
It is indeed an honour and a privilege for me to launch the Internship Programme of the Department of Arts and Culture (DAC). Yesterday I was interviewed on “Morning Live” and, as could have been expected, I was tongue-tied – probably overwhelmed by the thought that it is finally happening. I am very excited that we too, as the Department of Arts and Culture (DAC) and its associated institutions, are going to be making this huge contribution to the skills development programme driven by our government. This is a very significant investment in human capital and I would like to thank all the institutions that are participating in this programme for making it possible.
Firstly, I would like to thank you for this opportunity to open the “Separate is not Equal” and sharing the platform with His Excellency United States Ambassador Eric Bost. Thank you for the story you have just shared with us. Almost a year ago I was at this Museum for the opening of the Towns and Trade Exhibition and the Learners Resource Centre. The exhibition and the Learner Resource Centre highlighted the important role of the museum in teaching about our history as part of our heritage and even going beyond the borders of our country.
I am, indeed, very happy that we are today celebrating the 2007 International Translation Day and I also wish to thank the organisers for inviting me to address this gathering.
It is, indeed, a privilege for me to be invited to open this conference. I am particularly happy that you did not ask me to do the keynote address as I am not an expert on the subject of toy libraries or, better still, active learning and leisure libraries. Let me, at the outset, congratulate Active Learning and Leisure Libraries – South Africa for the sterling work they have been doing since the establishment of the organisation in 1993. The role you have played and which you are still playing, as an organization as well as the role played by individual Toy Libraries that of ensuring that little children develop their full potential, is highly commendable.
It is, indeed, a privilege and an honour for me to address you this morning as we launch a book on the 19th and early 20th century African Intellectuals. This work on African intellectual history is yet another compelling demonstration that arts, culture and heritage is far more complex and nuanced than the way it is often perceived, that it is only about “song and dance”.
The year 2006 (last year) marked the National celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the 1956 Women’s Anti-pass March to the Union Building here in Pretoria. On 8 August last year we were here to launch the gaMohle/National Archives Oral History project which has as one of its objectives the documenting of the stories related to that historic march. We are here again today to conclude this project and to assess the information gathered during this period.
Origin of CACs – family units, skills e.g. weaving, passed on from generation to generation.
CACs set up by the British in the 1950s – to teach the natives European arts and craft
CACs during the apartheid era – Centres for political and cultural expression
CACs as space for young people (many displaced since 1976)
Bonsoir! Good evening! Welcome to this very special dinner. I trust that you enjoyed your stay in our beautiful country as much as you enjoyed the work that you had to do. You know, we just can’t have enough of you. We enjoyed your being here. If it were at all possible it would be wonderful if you could stay on for just another few days to experience more of our wonderful country with its rich variety of cultures, its natural splendours and, most importantly, it’s very special and friendly people (like me).
Today, I would like to preface my speech with some reflection and pay tribute to the history and heritage of our nation. Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to remind the House and the South African population at large, that on the 21 July we will commemorate the tragic death, which occurred 40 years ago, of the first African Nobel Peace Laureate and President of the African National Congress from 1952 until 1967, Nkosi Albert Lutuli. Nkosi Lutuli is recognised internationally as an outstanding visionary, leader, teacher and proponent of human rights and justice for all. He has been described by many as a “profound thinker”, a person of “powerful logic” and a person of “lofty principles”. Today, the legacy of Nkosi Lutuli is celebrated throughout South Africa and throughout the African continent and the world.
Thank you for inviting me to address you this evening and to share my thoughts on the subject I have been requested to speak on, namely,
“The contribution of arts and culture to issues of memory, healing and reconciliation of a nation”. Firstly, I wish to express my deep-felt sympathy and convey my sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones during the struggle for freedom. Also to pay tribute to the cadres of the liberation movements who fell during this very difficult period in our country. I also want to pay tribute to all fellow South Africans who toiled, resisted and fought the yoke of oppression. This evening we are gathered to affirm those noble efforts and the humanity in all of us.