The Department of Arts and Culture invites members of the media to the Seminar which will take place on the 3rd and 4th May 2016 at the Cradle of Humankind hosted by the Department of Arts and Culture in partnership with the African World Heritage Fund (AWHF). 

The month of May 2016 marks the 10th Anniversary since the Fund was launched on 5th May 2006 at Sterkfontein in South Africa with the mandate to contribute to the effective conservation and management of cultural and natural heritage of outstanding universal value on the African continent.

This provides the African World Heritage Fund and the South African Government and stakeholders with an opportunity to reflect on some achievements and on future strategies and the overall journey over the last ten years. To commemorate the creation of the African World Heritage Fund, a series of events and activities are planned which include the Regional Youth Forum which is currently underway in Robben Island.

The seminar on “African World Heritage …Thinking Ahead will aim to reflect on the past and future of the African World Heritage, natural and cultural.

The seminar will gather participants including heritage professionals, policy makers, academics, private sector, civil society, community representative and experts to discuss thematic areas focusing on harmonising heritage conservation and development initiatives, enhancing the role of private sector, civil society and local communities, world heritage in armed (post) conflict regions, effects and management of climate change and capacity building strategies for World Heritage in Africa.

The discussion will focus on the achievements and the challenges since 2006 and most importantly explore new targets for the next ten years. The outcomes of the seminar will be published.

Another key event themed “Night of the African Legends” will take place on 5th May where the Minister of Arts and Culture, Honorable Nathi Mthethwa will deliver a keynote address. This event will involve artistic performance by high caliber musicians and a ceremony of award in recognition of individuals and companies who have played an outstanding role in heritage conservation and sustainable development in Africa.

It will bring together representatives from African Governments, business and industry leaders, heritage institutions, local communities and the development sector of Africa.

Members of the media are invited as follows:

Seminar:
Date: 3 to 4 May 2016
Time: 8h00
Venue: Cradle of Humankind

Night of the African Legends
Date: 5 May 2016
Time: 18h00
Venue: Cradle of Humankind

Media RSVPs:
James Mathibeng
Tel: 0124413639
E-mail: JamesMa@dac.gov.za

Media enquiries:
Teresa Magidela:
Tel: 012 441 362
E-mail: TeresaM@dac.gov.za

Luyanda Sithole
Tel: 011 313 5035
Cell: 079 746 1539
E-mail: LuyandaS@dbsa.org