Invitation to KWANZAA CLOSING CEREMONY, 1 January 2008

Dearest Afrikan Family,

 

Kwanzaa 2007 has proven to bring many blessings and inspiration. The 7 day celebration also marks the transition into a new calendar year, for which we need to prepare accordingly. On the 7th day of Kwanzaa, the day of IMANI (faith), we will remind ourselves and each other to learn from our past experiences and recommit to the greatness inherited from our Ancestors.

 

Sister Nonhlanhla Ngozi has graciously offered her yard as a suitable venue for this year's Kwanzaa closing ceremony. Please, pass on the details below, as you know there is no greater way to start 2008 than an exciting Kwanzaa celebration!

 

Date: Tuesday 1 January 2008

 

Time: 12 noon

 

Address: 60 Langenhoven Road, Montgomery Park

 

Directions: The house is near Main gates at West Park cemetery on Bayers Naude towards Cresta. Turn left into West Park Road, then take first right into Hugo Naude Street and then 2nd turn left into Langenhoven Road.

 

Wear: Afrikan Royal Pride

 

Bring: Food for the Communal Table (vegetarian dishes, fruits, juice etc)

 

Prepare: Creative gifts to share (poetry, greetings, songs – NOT speeches!)

 

Theme: Preserving Our Afrikan Cultural Heritage: Committing to Greatness in 2008

 

 

The event is organized in collaboration with GAC (Global Afrikan Congress), R.U.M. (Rastafari United Movement) and Ebukhosini Solutions.

 

----------------------------------

 

For more INFORMATION, please phone Sister Nonhlanhla on 072 386 7255

 

 

 

 

Next Kwanzaa event: NIA SEMINAR, 30 Dec. 2007

In the continuation of this year's KWANZAA theme, "Preserving Our Afrikan Cultural Heritage", we now invite to an interactive seminar where, in unity, we will look for answers to the question: "What Is Wrong With The Afrikan Family?". This focus derives from an awareness that family is the foundation of Afrikan culture. If our families are not healthy, well-functioning and balanced, it follows that our culture will be crippled and dismantled.

 

NIA DAY is the 5th Day of Kwanzaa, and reminds us of our purpose: "As Afrikans we will be focused, work to develop our community, respect our traditions and restore our people to their traditional greatness."

 

The seminar will gather young and old to carefully examine challenges and solutions. More than speeches and lectures, this day will be a "family reasoning" based on dialogue, sharing and participation. As part of the seminar, the family will split into a SISTERS CONVENTION and a BROTHERS CONVENTION, where specific challenges related to women and men will be looked at in an honest and practical way.

 

Date: Sunday 30 December 2007

 

Time: 12 noon

 

Venue: "Ebukhosini"

 

Address: 24 – 6th Street, Fietas (Vrededorp), Johannesburg, South Afrika

 

Wear: Afrikan Royal Pride

 

Bring: Fruits, nuts, snacks and juice

 

Prepare: …yourself to share, learn and be open for growth

 

Theme: What's Wrong With The Afrikan Family

 

Info: 011 830 2546

More than 200 people celebrated the first day of Kwanzaa!

The celebration of UMOJA (=Unity) DAY, the first day of Kwanzaa, on the 26 December 2007, became an event of joy, reunion and inspiration for young and old. More than 200 people from different parts of Gauteng province gathered in the community of Fietas to enjoy greetings, thanks giving, songs, music, poetry, good food - and the company of each other. The celebrations left children, youth, adults and Elders with a sense of renewed togetherness and commitment to uplifting our Pan-Afrikan community - at home and abroad. On the picture you see some of the enthusiastic Kwanzaa attendees.

ORGANIC LOUNGE - Pre-Kwanzaa Exhibition and Performances

B.P. Quality Management invites to ORGANIC LOUNGE on 25 December at 99 Clulee Road, corner 3rd Avenue, Linbro Park, Johannesburg. There will introductory presentations on KWANZAA, exhibitions, live artists and DJs. L.A.P., Impande Core, Castro B., Born Afrikan, Selecta Kreenebula, Selecta Mud Lion, Alka, 2Lani and Hempza are scheduled to perform. For transport information, call 076 178 1323

Press Release, KWANZAA 2007

Media release for Kwanzaa Celebration 2007

South Africans are getting ready to celebrate KWANZAA this December

The Global Afrikan Congress of Azania, in collaboration with Amen Ra Institute, U.N.I.A. South Africa, Sounds of Edutainment, R.I.S.E. Mzansi/Phakamani, cultural entrepreneurs and community organizations is currently preparing for the 6th annual celebration of Kwanzaa; a Celebration of the Afrikan Family, Our Community and Achievements.

The celebration will take place on 26th December from 12h00 noon, on 7th Street in the famous community known as Fietas (Vrededorp) next to Auckland Park. The program will include spiritual processions, presentations by children, short speeches from community Elders, poetry and music. The guests will come from all over Gauteng and are all expected to bring some food for the Common Table, from which everyone will feast together, before dancing away to cultural sounds.

Preserving Our Afrikan Cultural Heritage

The theme for 2007 is ‘Preserving our Afrikan Cultural Heritage’. We have chosen the theme “Preserving our Afrikan Cultural Heritage”. But, what is meant by “preserving”, and what is our Afrikan cultural heritage anyway? According to Brother Buntu - Secretary General, Global Afrikan Congress: ‘In our recent Afrikan experience (over the last 500 years), our culture has been ridiculed, suppressed and made to appear non-functional and remote. And this is, sadly, a view many of us have adopted ourselves. Some of us now think we are clever because we excel in European languages, look fly in Western suits and feel powerful for driving the latest Japanese car. It is almost like some of us believe we have “transcended” Afrikan-ness; this backward, non-sensical culture of mambo-jambo! That’s how many of us feel today. Our culture is under siege, and needs to be defended. Hence, part of our “preserving” action is to analyze what Westernization has done to us, psychologically, spiritually and economically. And find practical means and ways to rebuild our cultural foundation.”

7 days of yet another Kwanzaa Celebration

The Pan Afrikan Holiday of Kwanzaa will be observed by millions of Afrikans and Afrikan Descendants around the world this year. The holiday is observed from 26 December until 1 January. We call all Afrikans in Gauteng and other provinces to unite and gather around the seven principles of Kwanzaa, Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity) and Imani (Faith).

South Afrikans in Gauteng are ready to celebrate Kwanzaa

It is estimated that more than 25 million Afrikan People around the world are celebrating Kwanzaa. Also many South Afrikans are celebrating this significant ceremony, with deep roots in Southern Afrikan culture.. The Global Afrikan Congress has every year since 2002, hosted and engaged children, youth, women, adults and elders in and around Gauteng townships and locations, to remember this celebration of unity and oneness, ‘Matunda ya Kwanzaa’.

Afrikan culture must be transmitted to the youth

One of well respected radio personalities, Mama Kenalemang Kgoreadira, attested that “Culture and heritage must be transmitted and shared to the young generation and that in terms of the Batswana practice Kwanzaa means “Go Loma” or “Letlhabula” and that the role of the King/Kgosi and the tillers\Balemi of the soil is the highest significance.’

Remembering our heroes

In advocating and representing the youth of today, former Pan Africanist youth congress of Azania (PAYCO) President Sbusiso Xaba said: “This Pan Afrikan cultural holiday reminds us where were come from and where we are going, this year is significant in the sense that we remember Steve Bantu Biko 30 years on and now 2008 will mark 30 years since Mangaliso Sobukwe passed on -27th February 1978.

Kwanzaa 2007 quotes

“Kgosi ke Kgosi ka Batho”

“A people without their history or culture are lifeless leaves, drafting aimlessly over the oceans of time”

Ntate Kgalushi Koka

“Among the principles of Afrikan Culture the following are to be noted: Hospitality, Respect-especially to Elders, Importance of Woman-especially in cases of inheritance, Humane treatment of law breakers, Spiritual reflection, Common use of land, Constant employment of music-especially drums and bright colours"

Walter Rodney

“One of the most difficult things to do these days is to talk with authority on anything to do with Afrikan Culture. Somehow Afrikans are not expected to have any deep understanding of their own culture or even of themselves”

Steve Bantu Biko

“Culture: The manifestation and expression of the Afrikan spirit through cultural mediums, eg language, names, garments, rituals, ceremonies, music, dance, value systems, art, aesthetics, agriculture, politics, economics and education. This culminates into a process which gives a people a general design for living and patterns for interpreting their reality”

AAD WCAR 2002 Official Report



INFO & CONTACT:

Contact: Ras Sipho Gideon Mantula, Media and Liaison Coordinator, GAC Azania

Phone: 084 781 5587 or 011 830 2546

E-Mail: gacsecretariat [at] gmail [dot] com

Blog info and updates: Read more info about Kwanzaa and daily updates on other events during this year’s celebrations at http://www.brotherbuntu.blogspot.com/

Why should Afrikans preserve their Afrikan cultural heritage?

For this year’s Kwanzaa celebrations in Johannesburg, South Afrika, we have chosen the theme “Preserving our Afrikan Cultural Heritage”. But, what is meant by “preserving”, and what is our Afrikan cultural heritage anyway?

Let us start by history. It is a sad fact to notice that a majority of South Afrikans today do not have much knowledge about their own history, let alone Pan-Afrikan history. Also, most are not really that interested in knowing history. History is, in most minds, associated with boring lectures on years, names and facts of no relevance to modern day life. What is the point of studying history?, many ask themselves. Hon. Marcus Mosiah Garvey provides a thoughtful reminder:

“…history is the landmark by which we are directed into the true course of life…”

This means that without knowing history we cannot really grow, expand, develop or understand our mission in life. To use the Garvey quote differently, we can say that by not knowing our history we will be directed into the WRONG course of life. Knowledge of history is a foundation in cultural identity because it locates us, it tells us where we came from and how we ended up where we are now. It gives us direction. Frantz Fanon told us that

“…every generation, out of relative obscurity, must seek to redefine itself, discover its mission, fulfil it or betray it…”

History is, of course, not the only aspect of cultural identity, but it is a fundamental one. Other aspects include ideology, behaviour, values and attitudes – which, in the Afrikan sense, is taught and developed through symbolism, practices and ritual ceremonies. Aspects that many of us have lost, forgotten or neglected. Dr Wade Nobles defined culture as:

“…a process which gives people a general design for living and patterns for interpreting their reality…”

In our recent Afrikan experience (over the last 500 years), our culture has been ridiculed, suppressed and made to appear non-functional and remote. A view many of us have adopted. Some of us now think we are clever because we excel in European languages, look fly in Western suits and drive the latest Japanese car. It is almost like some of us believe we have “transcended” Afrikan-ness; this backward, non-sensical culture of mambo-jambo. That’s how many of us feel today. Our culture is under siege, and needs to be defended. Hence, part of our “preserving” actions is to analyze what Westernization has done to us, psychologically, spiritually and economically. And this, in turn, becomes a process of rejection, as Steve Bantu Biko pointed out:

“…In rejecting Western values, therefore, we are rejecting those things that are not only foreign to us but that seek to destroy the most cherished of our beliefs – that the corner-stone of society is man himself – not just his welfare, not his material wellbeing but just man himself with all his ramifications…”

But our cultural development cannot focus only on rejection. We must be very clear about what we want to embrace. And to know that, we need to understand more about our cultural heritage. South Afrikans, psychologically and spiritually, are still wounded and scarred today. And looking for identity. This creates a platform for opportunity. An arena to operate from. To do more research. To develop and grow. But this growth must be linked with the heritage of the past, so that cultural development becomes a continuation. “Going back” does not have to mean getting stuck in the past. But to re-link with the profound knowledge or our Foremothers and Forefathers. And during Kwanzaa 2007 we want to re-link, re-awaken and re-discover. So that our wounds can be healed and we can progress to higher levels. Like Dr Amos Wilson reminded us:

“…to discover our history is to discover our somethingness (beingness) before someone else created us […and we will…] be in charge of our own becoming.”

Have a blessed and Happy Kwanzaa 2007!

The South African Basis for Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is a holiday that unites all Afrikan people across divisions of language, faith, ideology, status, gender, age, nationality and citizenship. From a Pan-Afrikan point of view, as a uniting force, Kwanzaa becomes particularly meaningful in that it provides a solution to one of the major challenges hindering progress among Afrikan people; Disunity. This disunity is historically rooted and imposed, but the tools to solve the problems it has caused must be taken up by Afrikan hands.

Kwanzaa is meaningful to more than 25 million Afrikans around the world who observe this 7 day ceremony where thanks is given for achievements made. Although seen by many as exclusively an African American holiday, it is by origin and in nature a Pan-African ceremony based on ancient rituals of renewal and nationhood.

Having hosted Kwanzaa celebrations in Azania (South Afrika) - through my company Ebukhosini Solutions - since 2002, I would like to share some of the particular basis in Southern Afrikan culture from which Kwanzaa is drawn:

“First Fruits Festivals” are celebrated all over the Afrikan continent. These ceremonies, which essentially celebrate the first crops, are significant in that they focus on leadership, unity, achievements and preparations for the future. All over the world Afrikans and Afrikan Descendants today are celebrating Kwanzaa – a modernized version of ancient Afrikan “First Fruits Festivals”. In researching how these celebrations were observed traditionally in southern Afrika, it becomes evident that these ceremonies share common bonds throughout the continent. The following is a brief outline of how the festivals are still observed in the southern region.


Zululand
UMKHOSI WOKWESHWAMA – The Celebration of the First Fruits

The annual First Fruits Celebration Ceremony (Umkhosi Wokweshwama) is a very important occasion in the Zulu Nation. Traditionally, the Zulu Monarch, King Goodwill Zwelithini, has to eat the first produce and pray to God (uMvelinqangi) to bless the land to produce abundant good food for His people. During this event, young men (amabutho) are invited by the King to participate in different rituals.

What also makes this ceremony very important is the strong belief that it strengthens the King and his Kingdom. The Zulu Monarch uses this opportunity to talk to the Nation, more especially, to young and old men, focusing on issues such as HIV/Aids, moral regeneration and fighting poverty. Furthermore he addresses men on how they should conduct themselves as heads of their families and as role models in their communities. He also encourages them to lead their communities in agricultural practices in order to fight poverty.

In 2004 the Umkhosi Wokweshwama celebration was organised by the KZN Department of Education and Culture at Enyokeni Royal Palace, KwaNongoma. It started on 11th December. The ceremony of the King having talks with his men was staged as workshops conducted in collaboration with local government and traditional leadership structures.


Swaziland
INCWALA – The Kingship Ceremony

One of the most important festivals of the Swazi Nation is the Incwala or “Festival of the First Fruits”. This ceremony, which essentially is a Kingship Ceremony, brings the country together to gain the blessing of ancestors, sanctify the kingship and celebrate the beginning the harvest season. Incwala is observed in December/January and features two festivals: Little Incwala (2 days) and Big Incwala (6 days).

Incwala is held in December/January of each year. At a time of the new moon preceding the event, officials visit the main rivers of Swaziland and return to the Nations ancestral home, on the shores of the Indian Ocean near Maputo, to gather sea water. At this time the King goes into seclusion.

Every Swazi may take part in the public parts of the Incwala. The key figures are the King, Queen Mother, royal wives and children, the royal governors (indunas), the chiefs, the regiments, and the "bemanti" (the ‘water people’).


The Marula Fruit
Other “First Fruits Festivals” in Southern Afrika coincide with the ripening of the Marula fruit. The Tsonga people call the kernel of the Marula “Food of the Kings”. The Northern Sotho people see the tree as a gift from the spirits and regard it as sacred. The tree is dioecious, meaning there are separate male and female trees. Hence the Marula tree is also associated with fertility.



Photo: Afrikans of many backgrounds and differences came together at Ebukhosini in Johannesburg, South Afrika, to celebrate Kwanzaa in 2006

What Is Kwanzaa?

Some critical voices have dismissed the holiday of KWANZAA as a constructed, Americanized substitute for Christmas, adapted to Black people interests. But the same people who write Kwanzaa off as shallow and unfounded have failed to research their claims themselves. Here is some background on KWANZAA:

Established in the 1966, Kwanzaa is a holiday based on the various “First Fruits Festivals” found around the African continent (Umkhosi among the Zulu, Incwala among the Swazi, Incwala among the Thonga, Odwira among the Ashanti, Eje among the Yoruba etc.). The African American scholar, Dr. Maulana Karenga, together with other researchers, undertook studies to look at commonalities between celebrations around Africa. Out of this research evolved the Kwanzaa holiday which is celebrated 26th December – 1st January by millions of African and African Descendant people around the world. As the holiday draws on pan-African traditions it serves as a unique opportunity for African people – regardless of faith, nationality, language and birthplace – to come together in unity.

The meaning of the word “Kwanzaa” is “the first fruits of the harvest” and derives from the Ki-Swahili language spoken by millions of Africans in Eastern Africa. The significance of the festival today is that, although, many of us are not necessarily farmers, we still need to take stock of what we have produced, achieved and accomplished so far and set ourselves goals for overcoming challenges we are facing in the future. The practices central to the celebration are ingathering, reverence, commemoration, recommitment and celebration. The foundation of Kwanzaa is expressed through seven principles, the Nguzo Saba.

Nguzo Saba articulates seven principles of particular importance to Afrikan communities. The principles serve as reminders of what we need to uphold in order to build ourselves, our families and our communities:

1. UMOJA (Unity)
2. KUJICHAGULIA (Self determination)
3. UJIMA (Collective work and responsibility)
4. UJMAA (Cooperative Economics)
5. NIA (Purpose)
6. KUUMBA (Creativity)
7. IMANI (Faith)



Photo: Part of the Pan-Afrikan family celebrating Kwanzaa at Ebukhosini in Johannesburg, South Africa, 2004

Developing leaders for tomorrow in Port Elizabeth

In 2006 and 2007 I have been invited to develop and teach a youth leadership program in Port Elizabeth in Eastern Cape. It is called "Ukuzimisela" (= self determination) and is based on a 2 year program for high school students with modules coinciding with the shool terms.

The invitation was extended by Stephen Tobias Leadership Development Initiatives (STLDI), the brainchild of Sister Bernice Alexander, a South Afrikan who lived most of her life in exile and now wants to give something back to the community she originally came from. The schools involved were Chapman, Cowan, Newell and Paterson high schools, from which 20 students in each school were selected to take part in the program. My task was to design the program, train the four facilitators and provide support for the roll-out.

The program addresses leadership from a different angle than most leadership programs. It rests on the belief that, in order to be a good leader, you must start with yourself, know your community and understand the challenges facing it. Included in this process is dealing with self, family, identity, culture and history. This was quite a new approach for both facilitators and students, but they really immersed themselves in the tasks and exercises in the program. The training and roll-out was masterfully managed by the project coordinator, Sister Estelle Fraser.

I was impressed with facilitators who, in addition to full time employment, worked so hard to roll out the program, and students who showed such enthusiasm and eagerness to learn new things.

Leadership training with youth leaders

In July 2007 I was invited to do a one week Train-The-Trainer program with 30 young leaders from around South Afrika. They all work for the organization HOPE Worldwide, which focuses on awareness work around HIV/AIDS and life skills in high schools. I had packaged a version of my program, "Ukuzimisela" (= self determination) specifically for their needs. They were all well experienced facilitators, organizers and project workers and wanted more input on leadership.

We spent five days doing intense, interactive and process driven learning, creative methodology, theoretical input and developmental work from 8am in the morning to 11pm at night! The group was very enthusiastic and willing to work hard. After this week they all went back to their respective communities to teach the content to other youth leaders. An uplifting and hectic week!

Celebrating Afrikan History Week in Norway

In 2005, together with my good colleagues Lamisi Gurah and Asta Busingye Lydersen, I helped to found AFRIKAN HISTORY WEEK (AHW) in Norway. This has grown to become a Pan-Afrikan cultural festival with emphasis on Afrikan history through arts and culture.

Every year I am invited from South Afrika to be the Artistic Director. The festival is beautiful in that it brings together diverse audiences, creates unity in the Afrikan community of Norway and brings together artists, musicians, scholars, dancers, film makers and cultural workers from different genres, national backgrounds and expressions. And, you bet, the festival is of critical importance. Norway has an Afrikan community of about 50 000 people, and they are largely invisible in media, politics and the public sphere. Yet, there is such a wealth of talent in the community.

In May 2007 I helped the team in Norway to set off the 3rd annual AHW. The program included film screenings, a dance production, concerts, cultural events, seminars, workshops and an outdoor event. The festival is produced as a co-effort between different organizations and resource people in the Afrikan community. One of the artists this year, Umar Bin Hassan from The Last Poets, had been invited for three days, but refused to leave on his day of departure - he just enjoyed the festival too much and decided to stay in Oslo for another three days, on his own account! That is a great testimony to the worth, pride and greatness of AHW.














Feelin' de vibe: Audience at AHW "Chill & Grill" outdoor concert in the Sofienberg Park

Music from the future: Pops Mohamed (in centre, behind microphone) from South Afrika spent four weeks in Norway rehearsing with Afrikan musicians based in Oslo.

The Father of Afrocentrism: Dr. Molefi Kete Asante delivered a lecture on how to address issues of identity and culture in the workplace.

Rappers Delight: Hip-Hop artists Dirrty, STL (both based in Norway) and two members of Hip-Hop collective Kalamashaka (from Kenya) on the streets of Oslo.

Sister Voice: Nomkhubulwane from South Afrika was one of the Artists in Residence and spent four weeks doing workshops and performances with artists in Oslo.

Working with young men for change

In May 2007 I was invited to do some work in Oslo, Norway with a project called "Torsdagsklubben" (= The Thursday Club). The project is by and for young men who, for one reason or another, have had to face great challenges in life and have decided to turn their lives away from trouble. The project was initiated by a good friend and colleague of mine, Brother Moses Kuvoame. They guys meet every Thursday to discuss, share and plan projects related to their life situations. I have met the young men many times and have developed a great respect for their willingness to work for change and improvement in a society that does not regard them much.

The work I have been doing with the project has been on motivation, personal development, manhood, life skills, identity and project planning. Im always inspired when Im around these young guys, they remind me that our purpose in life must always be to move towards greater heights of achievements. Big up to Brother Moses Kuvoame for his consistent work!

Teaching Afrikan History in Cameroon

In March 2007 I was invited for three weeks to teach Afrikan history at the African American Academy (AAA) in Doula, Cameroon. AAA is an Afrikan-Centred school founded by Mrs and Mr Tchameni, two great Pan-Afrikanists.

The shool has 50 students from pre-school to high school level. A very dedicated staff work day and night (literally!) to impart knowledge in all general school subjects. Only that these students go further than your average curriculum. They are taught critical thinking and are given practical assignments.




The school uniforms have Kente designs and the call out the Afrikan Pledge at morning assembly every day. Class rooms are all decorated with pictures of Afrikan heroes and charts displaying information about Afrika. A truly stimulating learning environment for Afrikan children.

My assignment was to take all classes through seminars on Afrikan history and culture, culminating in a presentation for parents and family members. I was greatly inspired by the incredible enthusiasm showed by the pre-school students. They were just extatic whenever I came into the classroom; Another session about Afrika - yeeeeaaaahhh! My job was to get the older students just as excited. And, although many did not exactly jump with excitement in the beginning, they asked very good questions and gradually woke up to the fact that Afrikan history is relevant and can be enjoyable.



AAA is a golden example of how enlightened, engaged and knowledgable our children become when they are in a learning enviornment that affirms them and continuously reminds them of who they are. I just know that when these students go out in the working world, they will create some radical, positive changes.

I owe big thank you's to all the students, the Tchameni's and the hard working teachers for the inspiration they gave me. Merci!