A creative generation
When this festival was started 42 years ago some of us in this theatre were not born. But for those who are turning 42 this year shall I say "‘happy 42nd birthday to you and the National Arts Festival". Remember that life starts at 40. Thus jovial festinos, you aint seen nothing yet. The National Arts Festival is yet to become more of a dazzling internationally acclaimed 11 days spectacle of amazing.
Shall we also remind one another that it takes about 30 years to mark a generation. The National Arts Festival has seen a generation of people from all over the world being entertained and immersed in an artistic display of the first order.
Some of those people initially came here just to watch the Festival but today some have been coming back over the years as artists who have excelled in their chosen art fields. They also have in turn introduced and mentored others to realise the dreams of becoming artists who are worth participating in the National Arts Festival.
This festival has seen it all. Tried for 41 years. Tested for 41 years. It has also contributed in and provided a platform for the facilitation of the transformation of this country. Many a person exercised their freedom of expression at the various venues which spring up all over our city during the festival.
It became a meeting place for people from diverse backgrounds. Through such engagements people from different cultures learnt to tolerate one another. They came to ac- knowledge each other’s existence. To share spaces with one another. To speak to each other decently. They ultimately realised that they were all human beings. They soberly took a decision that they have to live with one another. Otherwise why would they come back to the same meeting place year after year for 41 years?
In keeping with the tradition over the years, as local government we have done all in our power to prepare the town for the arrival of all our guests. We have worked handin-hand with our colleagues to ensure that everything is ready.
The signs have gone up, the venues prepared, the Church Square has been transformed and all infrastructure systems checked and double checked. The major construction that has been long under way has been completed.
Deputy Minister (of Arts and Culture, Rejoice Mabhudafazi), the National Arts Festival will be known for many years to come as a typical and practical example of social cohesion. The national government has made social cohesion one of its cornerstones in enhanc- ing democracy.
Social cohesion is embedded in the African phenomenon called Ubuntu.
Look at how we greet one another with a smile, share with one another, give to each other, care for one another and empathise with one another as we mingle during the National Arts Festival. The old become young and the young become old if only just for a moment in a suspension of disbelief.
Gentlemen and ladies our festival is over-focus on the social aspect of its existence but also in economic development. Indeed we are now full participants in the Creative City vision – to bring the benefits and special skills of the National Arts Festival into our communities all year round.
At this point let me turn my attention to those who have come to our city to support the National Arts Festival for the first time.
Don’t ask anyone but just go out and observe the hospitality of the people of Makana. See the beautiful and historic buildings we have. Notice and reciprocate the warmth of other festinos.
They have taken a cue from the residents of Makana. Hospitality is what we pride ourselves in.
However, this place can be mercilessly cold. Please enjoy that too because it is part of the National Arts Festival!
To the organisers and sponsors of the National Arts Festival, my sincere word of appreciation for making it possible every year. The National Arts Festival must remain in Grahamstown for the next 42 years. No, I wanted to say it must stay here forever!
On that note it is my great pleasure to extend to you a very warm welcome to this 42nd edition of the National Arts Festival.
Makana Municipality – what a great place to be indeed.
Enkosi. Baie dankie. I thank you. • Nomhle Gaga is the Makana
Executive Mayor