Amanda Khoza, News24

Pietermaritzburg - KwaZulu-Natal Premier Senzo Mchunu launched the 2015 African Renaissance Festival and Conference in Pietermaritzburg on Thursday.

In a statement, Mchunu said: "As the government of KwaZulu-Natal we continue to support this initiative because it provides a vital link for us to be able to communicate with the rest of the continent.

"The dialogue that will be created is important for us in continuing efforts to fight violence against foreign nationals as witnessed over the past couple of weeks."

The African Renaissance Conference will take place on May 25 and 26. The programme includes addresses by Minister in the Presidency Jeff Radebe, Minister of Small Business Development Lindiwe Zulu and US Consulate-General Frances Chisholm.

The conference will also host the annual Africa Day Concert on Saturday May 23 at the Durban International Convention Centre.

Vice Chairperson of the African Renaissance Trust Professor Sihawu Ngubane said Africa Day marked the founding day of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963.

“The commemoration is internationally renowned, as regardless of their location, Africans from all over the world celebrate the concept of African unison and revive their heritage.”

He said the annual African Renaissance Festival, which is in its 17th year, is a celebration of progress and opportunity on the African continent.

Giving details about the concert he said: “The concert is a highlight event of the festival programme and will showcase an eclectic mix of superb artists that will entertain everyone in the audience.

"These include DJ Sgqemeza, the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra in collaboration with [artists such as] Sfiso Ncwane; Toya Delazy and Donald.”


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