Participants were left empowered and inspired at the culmination of the Articulate Africa Literary and Art Fair.
The event was held from 3 to 5 June and saw several creative ideas shared and motivational talks by influential speakers.
Chairperson of the Community and Emergency Services Committee Councillor Zama Sokhabase was impressed by the large turnout. “Articulate Africa has proven to be a significant platform for the creative sector and continues to grow in leaps and bounds,” she said.
There was an impressive line-up of speakers including soccer legend and former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Patson “Sparks” Banda. He launched his book Sparks of Fire while his talk inspired attendees to pursue sports if they were passionate about it. Also launches, was an Articulate Africa Book which is a compilation of stories penned by various authors.
There was also an empowerment seminar on mental illness, depression, and gender-based violence (GBV). Prominent speakers in the creative and health sector including actors, authors, doctors, and artists shared their experience on mental illness and depression as well as GBV and how they had to deal with it. Also on the line-up was children’s story telling, art masterclasses, a shark dissection, sand sculpturing, face painting, and food markets.
As part of unlocking opportunities for local creatives, the event ended on a high note with several exciting activities including live performances.
Head of the Parks, Recreation and Culture Unit Dr Simphiwe Ndlovu said with communities facing diverse challenges, Articulate Africa was an essential platform for creatives and audiences to connect. “This is an ideal platform to promote social and economic change and bring communities together,” he said. He added that the creative industry is a key driver of economic growth and that the unit will continue to invest in such programmes to grow the economy and promote social cohesion.
ENDS
Issued by the eThekwini Municipality’s Communications Unit. For media enquiries contact Municipality’s Spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela on 060 966 4220.
