Community Liaison

	Zoom on: Press Statement on Carnival Postponement
	Zoom on: Invitation to Community meeting on 27 September
	Zoom on: Programme of Events
	Zoom on: Local Economic Development
	Zoom on: 18 Schools Workshops
	Carnival date to be advised A carnival procession through the streets of Alexandra (date to be advised), culminating at the Alexandra stadium, will showcase the best visual aspects of all fifty-two participating nations. Grouped representatives in national dress will parade between decorated floats and respected members of the community to illustrate Alex’s cultural diversity and capacity for tolerance of different cultures. The day will be concluded in the stadium with a display of traditional dances, story telling, poetry and art while traditionally prepared cuisine from participating nations will be available for sampling.

Alexandra Pan African Carnival

Dated: Aug./Sep. 2008 | Source: African Diaspora Forum

An African Diaspora Forum initiative
in partnership with the
Alexandra Community Policing Forum

Specific Objective:

To illustrate the historical interaction of all Africa’s nations in the history of South Africa while showcasing the potential for the dynamic and harmonious coexistence of all African cultures into the future while presenting Alexandra as a symbol for spearheading the reconciliation and healing processes.

The children and youth of Alexandra will be at the core of the reconciliation process. The Pan African Carnival will be an investment in their education process and mark the start of a long term exposure to all African cultures.

This will be achieved through the celebration of South Africa’s historical diversity through traditional costumes, food, stories and songs in the format of a carnival. The Carnival will be a yearly event.

Participants:

Associations of locally based immigrants from each of Africa’s 52 nations together with their Embassy’s, the City of Johannesburg, Alex Renewal Project, the SAPS and CPF, Gauteng Department of Education, Home Affairs and Foreign Affairs representatives from South Africa, Alexandra’s 18 Schools, Places of Worship and NGO’s, the Alexandra Business community, civic organisations, representatives from hostels, youth forums, the Johannesburg Mini City Council, representatives from local and provincial government and corporate sponsors.

Preparation:

A program of community interaction is planned for the two months prior to carnival day. Participating schools and community organizations will be exposed to a program of education relating to all African countries, their norms, cultures and traditions. Participating embassies will host groups from Alexandra in an effort to showcase their countries work in South Africa. Diplomatic staff will be invited back to Alexandra for a reciprocal visit to showcase Alexandra to their foreign guests.

Event Procurement:

Materials, equipment and skills, where possible, will be sourced from businesses in Alexandra thus providing a welcome capital contribution to their economy. An example is the use of tailors and seamstresses to make the carnival costumes and local food outlets to prepare traditional meals from each country.

Legacy:

With the support of local city agency’s and corporate sponsorship, Alexandra will be left in a state of repair unlike it has ever been before. This coupled with a new found understanding and tolerance for people of all cultures and creeds will mean the residents of Alexandra can at last feel justifiably proud of.

Sponsorship:

The Carnival is already supported by a number of sponsorships, but still needs additional funding to cover the many costs involved. If your organization would like to participate in this initiative, please contact: Gabriel Hertis on 083-471-7180 or craglr@yahoo.com.