Thursday 5 June 2014

The 10 most powerful Nelson Mandela quotes


Nelson Mandela, the late former President of South Africa was a global icon, who inspired countless individuals through his powerful words and actions. 

Here we will celebrate the great Madiba, by listing some of his most powerful words:
  1. "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."
  2. “For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”
  3. “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” 
  4. “It always seems impossible until it's done.” 
  5. "Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do."
  6. “A good head and good heart are always a formidable combination. But when you add to that a literate tongue or pen, then you have something very special.” 
  7. “No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”
    ― From, Long Walk to Freedom
  8. “As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn't leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I'd still be in prison.” 
  9. “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.” 
  10. “There is no passion to be found playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.” 


Sunday 2 March 2014

Arts and Culture supports the UNiTE Film Festival to End Violence against Women and Children

The Department of Arts and Culture in collaboration with United Nations Population Fund Activities (UNFPA), UNICEF and ENCOUNTERS-South African International Documentary Festival will host workshops and film festival programs to support UNiTE Film Festival to End Violence against Women and Children. 

The workshops will be held on Saturday, 01 March 2014 in Alexander, Johannesburg and Saturday, 08 March 2014 in Botshabelo, Bloemfontein.

The campaign is part of the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon’s Campaign to End Violence against Women and Girls. The workshops program will focus on mobilising civil society in preventing violence and supporting abused women and children.

The 2014 edition of the festival will include workshops and film screenings facilitated by South African activists and artists. 

The platform creates a forum for creativity and empowering discussions that focus on every day aspects of abuse and resistance, extending from 16 to 365 days of no violence against women and children campaign. As we mobilise society towards 20 years of freedom and democracy, the rights of women and children should continue to take a centre stage in our society.

Date: Saturday, 08 March 2014
Time: 09:00
Venue: Multi-functional Centre, Section E – Botshabelo, Bloemfontein

Enquiries: Teresa Magidela, TeresaS@dac.gov.za, 012 441 3626/ 0793118546

Vukile Batyi showcasing his Xhosa inspired iPhone cover designs

The Department of Arts and Culture continues to support young designers, such as Vukile Batyi, through the Emerging Creatives Programme. This is a  partnership between the Department and the Design Indaba.


Tribal printed sneakers


Arts and Culture creates a platform for emerging designers at the Design Indaba

The Department of Arts and Culture (DAC) continues its support for young designers through the Emerging Creatives Programme, a partnership between the Department and the Design Indaba. The programme was established in 2005 and it aims to nurture new talent and afford young designers an opportunity to showcase their work on an international platform. The Design Indaba Expo is held annually in Cape Town, the 2014 edition took place from 28 February to 2 March 2014. The DAC provides financial support for 40 young designers to participate in this dynamic platform.
The Emerging Creatives Programme focuses on design students enrolled at tertiary institutions and young designers who already own design businesses. The DAC also supports the Young Designer’s Simulcast Programme which offers design students and other youth with an opportunity to view the proceedings from the main plenary at a discounted rate by means of a live broadcast. The simulcasts are shown for the duration of the Expo at various venues in the country namely: Cape Town International Convention Centre, University of Johannesburg (FADA Auditorium), Northwest University (GKSA Auditorium) Port Elizabeth (Athenaeum Ford Little Theatre) and Durban (Blue Waters Hotel).
The 40 young designers who successfully enter the programme are offered a one-day workshop before the expo that offers them business support which includes branded exhibition stalls, marketing material, managing sales and networking. The package also includes accommodation, transport and daily stipend. The Department is excited to further announce that 8 designers who were not successful to be part of the Emerging Creatives Programme in 2013 received mentorship from different design companies and have consequently qualified to participate at this year’s programme.
Many young designers who participated in the programme attribute their accomplishments to this programme. These include Andile Dyalvane of Imiso Ceramics and Laduma Ngxokolo of Maxhosa who have since been able to showcase their work internationally.
The Department will continue to support developing talent through the Mzansi Golden Economy Strategy in an effort to kindle the creative economy.
For further information visit www.designindaba.com