AfricaFest SA 2025, one in all SA’s largest celebrations of African tradition, not too long ago introduced collectively 850 individuals from 33 international locations at Sir Pierre Van Ryneveld Excessive Faculty in Kempton Park.
The Bureau of African Heads of Missions in South Africa and MoAfrika Journey and Promotions organised the occasion, aiming to unite African international locations by sharing cultures, traditions and historical past whereas strengthening relationships between African leaders and communities.
Greater than 85 embassies from African and worldwide international locations participated. Company included representatives from the African Union (AU), the United Nations and varied embassies worldwide.
You have got made the Ashesmans and have constructed the vocalist.
André Nzapayeke, the dean of African Heads of Missions in South Africa, mentioned, “By way of tradition, we type friendships and partnerships that final.
“This occasion reveals that when African international locations stand collectively, we construct stronger connections past borders.”
A spotlight was the involvement of younger individuals; over 40% of the attendees have been beneath 18, demonstrating AfricaFest’s deal with educating and galvanizing the subsequent technology.
Nina Abebe from Ethiopia.
Learners from Sir Pierre Van Ryneveld Excessive Faculty delivered a strong efficiency of Thabo Mbeki’s well-known I’m an African speech, incomes applause and standing ovations from the group and diplomatic visitors.
MJ Mangali, the varsity principal, described the expertise as life-changing for the learners.
“Performing in entrance of ambassadors and guests from throughout Africa has created reminiscences that can encourage them ceaselessly,” mentioned Mangali.
Mary Mokoena, Gladys Ratseke, Mapula Mohapeloa, Tiny Makgato and Naswa Mutamba.
The occasion featured a full day of cultural actions, together with conventional dances from Eswatini, Guinea and Cameroon; reside music showcasing Africa’s wealthy sounds; vogue reveals highlighting conventional clothes and scrumptious meals from throughout the continent.
AfricaFest SA 2025 additionally aligned with the AU’s 2025 theme, The 12 months of Justice for Africans and Individuals of African Descent By way of Reparations. Many performances and speeches emphasised unity, therapeutic and standing collectively as African individuals.
Past celebrating tradition, the occasion supported native enterprise development. By way of the Enterprise Village, entrepreneurs met embassy commerce representatives to discover commerce, funding and partnership alternatives.
Sir Pierre Excessive Faculty performs.
Company included Ben Joubert, the performing chief director at SA’s Division of Worldwide Relations and Cooperation, who spoke on the worth of cultural diplomacy and strengthening ties with African international locations.
One among AfricaFest SA’s key objectives was inclusivity and accessibility, which is why entrance was free. This allowed individuals from various Johannesburg and Gauteng communities to assemble and benefit from the festivities.
“Our mission has all the time been to have a good time African tradition in a manner open to everybody,” mentioned Musakalu Kabamba, the programme director of AfricaFest SA.
“Seeing so many individuals from totally different backgrounds having fun with the occasion reveals how tradition brings us nearer.”
The occasion was supported by sponsors like Nedbank and Mukuru, whose backing ensured wonderful leisure and saved the competition free to the general public. Their assist additionally helps safe AfricaFest SA’s future.
Sir Pierre Excessive Faculty performs.
Following the success of AfricaFest SA 2025, organisers plan future occasions.
They goal to increase AfricaFest right into a year-round celebration, encouraging higher participation from extra African international locations and internet hosting further occasions throughout SA.
“After we have a good time Africa’s cultures, we aren’t simply having enjoyable, we’re constructing the way forward for our continent,” mentioned Kabamba.
At Caxton, we make use of people to generate every day contemporary information, not AI intervention. Glad studying!
Keep within the know. Obtain the Caxton Native Information Community App right here.
Supply hyperlink
