Pictures from Kwanzaa 2008

Kwanzaa Celebrations 2008 became another success, gathering more than 200 guests from all over the Gauteng Province. On the 26th December, young and old gathered in the community of Fietas, Johannesburg, to celebrate the Umoja (unity) Day of Kwanzaa, under the slogan "Reclaiming Afrika's Greatness". The program featured ceremonial rituals, poets, singers, drummers and messages from children and parents. Also, an Afrikan Play Skool was provided for knowledge-hungry children.

Program contributions were made by Thobile Disemelo, Della Tamin, Killimanjarah, Khanyi Nguni, Falicia Goodman, Ntlomu Koka, Widsom Gumede, Sipho Gideon Mantula, Mbali Langeni, Talla Niang, Mama Kenalemang Kgoroeadira, Moleshiwe Magana, Vusumzi Dolla I, Dr. Samba Buri Mboup, Brother Buntu and many others, under the eminent convenorship of Mama Barati Modirwa and Atef Karabo Mosala. The catering side was masterly coordinated by Mama Tebogo Buntu and her team of health conscious Sisters.

Also, on the 30th December, about 40 sisters and brothers gathered at Ebukhosini to discuss "How can I become a better woman / man?" This became an intense and open sharing session for introspection and mutual learning.

A warm thank you to everyone who helped making Kwanzaa so successful! Contact us if you want to get involved in the planning of the next Kwanzaa Celebreations, December 2009, e-mail: gacsecretariat [at] gmail.com

All photos courtesy of Shane Tshegofatso Evans: www.shaneevans.com/blog

Welcome to KWANZAA CELEBRATIONS 2008

Do not miss out on this year’s Kwanzaa Celebration taking place on Friday 26th December in Vrededorp/Fietas, Johannesburg, South Afrika, at 12h00 noon.

Kwanzaa is a Pan-Afrikan celebration, based on the various First Fruits Festivals observed in Afrikan cultures around the continent. The theme for this year is “Reclaiming Afrika’s Greatness”, an important reminder in times of many negative sentiments alluded to Afrika. The program contains a traditional ceremony, music, songs, greetings and a children’s program which unites Afrikan people across divisions in language, cultural background, faith and nationality.

2008 will mark the 7th consecutive year of this Annual Celebration hosted by Ebukhosini Solutions and Global Afrikan Congress, and supported by many community structures and organizations.

Read more about Kwanzaa here:
http://brotherbuntu.blogspot.com/2007/12/what-is-kwanzaa.html
http://brotherbuntu.blogspot.com/2007/12/south-african-basis-for-kwanzaa.html


KWANZAA CELEBRATION 2008

Theme: Reclaiming Afrika’s Greatness

Date: Friday 26th December 2008

Time: 12 noon

Address: 7th Str., Vrededorp (Fietas) (between Braamfontein and Brixton, off De La Rey Str)

Get directions online from Google Maps here:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=ebukhosini,+johannesburg,+south+africa&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=57.947788,112.5&ie=UTF8&ll=-26.187945,28.016768&spn=0.032503,0.054932&z=14&iwloc=A

Wear: Afrikan Royal Pride

Bring: Food for the Common Table (vegetarian dishes and foods, fruits, juice etc).

Afrikan Market: There will also be an Afrikan Market with books, fabrics, incense and artefacts, so bring some MOOLA!

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

Info: 011 830 2546 – 072 350 9765 – gacsecretariat@gmail.com

Media liaison: Ras Sipho Gideon Mantula; 084 781 5587

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Note: Please, also note that on Tuesday 30 December, there will be the NIA SEMINAR - a seminar/discussion on how to become great Afrikan women and men. There will be separate sessions for men and for women, and then a plenary summary. More information to follow.


Kwanzaa Invitation 2008

Kwanzaa Celebrations Map

Annual Kwanzaa celebrations have been coordinated by Ebukhosini Solutions and Global Afrikan Congress since 2002.

From Boys to Men

In November 2008 I was invited by South African Men's Action Group (SAMAG) in Mafikeng, North West Province. This organization, under the skilful leadership of Governor Jabu oa-Afrika focuses on services related to HIV/AIDS, gender based violence, counselling, mentorship and peer-education. SAMAG specifically seeks to develop a forum where men's issues are dealth with in a genuine and solution-oriented way.

I was invited to coordinate their first Young Men's Camp, which was held in Rustenburg with 16 young men who had invited their Father Figures (male role models) along. During the three days program, participants worked from morning until late evening on issues of self understanding, boyhood vs manhood, fatherhood, violence, family, Afrikan history, sexuality and relationships. Several of the father figures shared some lessons from how they had dealt with past problems such as crime, rape, gang violence and abuse.

All the young men agreed that their ideal MAN is one who is responsible, family oriented, trustworthy, respectful and faithful. By admittance, most participants agreed that they had not necissarily spent much time in their life with men who fit this description. My task was to open their minds up to Understanding of Self and realizing that they can make choices to master Self, even in desperate situations.

The most striking element in the camp was that there was such diversity in personalities and characters, and, yet they managed to work together harmoniously and constructively. An atmosphere of trust, openness and honesty was soon established and there was ample room for fun, seriousness, learning and engaging. The Father Figures played a very important part in giving their "sons" encouragement and support. The program will continue for the next four months and I can't wait to see the results.

Colloquium on Afrikan History in Rio De Janeiro

10-14 November 2008 I was invited to present a paper at the International Colloquium on "Teaching and Propagating Afrikan History and Culture to the Diaspora and Teaching Diaspora History and Culture to Afrika" in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. The colloquium was organized by CBAAC (Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization) in Nigeria and the Secretariat for the Promotion of Racial Equality in the President's Office of Brazil.

The colloquium gathered scholars and practitioners from around the Pan-Afrikan world and it was very exciting to meet so many visionaries propagating the importance of Afrikan history and culture. Themes were varied and included language, litterature, ancient and recent history, music, racism, arts, spirituality and identity. My presentation was on creative methodology in teaching history in communities, especially to young people.

What struck me was how the gap between Afrika and the Afrikan Diaspora have both been partly bridged and partly further widened. The discourse on Afrikan commonalities and bonds between the continent and its' diaspora is better understood and informs a Pan-Afrikan identity. Yet, at the same time, from an academic point of view, it is evident that our research, bibliography and methodological developments still exists in pockets without reaching out to the different countries, communities and institutions we operate within. Hopefully, this gap is made more narrow by initiatives like this colloquium.

This was my first time in Brazil and it was a humbling experience meeting many of the Afrikan Brazilian scholars and activists. Brazil has one of the largest Afrikan populations in the world (app. 100 million people of Afrikan descent), yet they are made virtually invisible and powerless. I met three community education colleagues, Fabio Gomes, Andre Luiz and Robson Cruz, who I spent time with and visited two favelas ("ghettos"). We exchanged information, methodology and teaching modules. Also, through meeting journalist Thais Zimbwe, I was able to visit a Black Film Festival and meet some of the organizers in Brazil's Afrikan community.

Visiting Brazil was en eye opener (especially in terms of how desperately we need to bridge the language gap in the Pan-Afrikan world) and great experience, it was only frustrating to stay so short. So, obviously, I want to go back!

Some of the participating scholars and audience in the Rio Colloqium

Panel presentation on Afrikan culture and development

With community educators Robson Cruz, Andre Luiz and Fabio Gomes in one of Rio's favelas.

Favela community in Rio De Janeiro

With Sister Chi (Brazil) , Brother Bankie (Ghana/Namibia) and Sister Thais (Brazil) at opening night of the Black Film Festival in Rio.

Workshops in Oslo with Kwani Experience

In October 2008 I was asked by Off The Hook Productions to help coordinate an artist exchange program with South Afrikan group Kwani Experience to Oslo, Norway. The program included workshops, performances and meeting with artists and organizations in the community of Oslo. Although Oslo was VERY cold, it was a great exchange program.

I have a lot of respect for Kwani Experience. The members are young, and SO dedicated to their art and expression. They literally do not want to go off stage when they play live! And, although they were quite unknown in Norway, they soon built a gang of fans through their intense performances. The workshops were with students in primary and secondary schools, and were both vibey and educational.

Our host in Oslo was Nordic Black Theatre and MS Innvik, the incredible cultural ship located at the harbour next to the Oslo Opera House.

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/

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.

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!

Kwanzaa Celebrations at Ebukhosini 2006

KWANZAA - the Pan-Afrikan holiday of The First Fruits was held on 26 December 2006, at Ebukhosini. Young and old from different communities, walks of life, language groups and faith backgrounds came together as a united family.

Opening Statement

Greetings world, I am about to start launching my blog posts and will do my best to post interesting, relevant and inspiring information. My intention is to share some of the work, experiences, content and practices I engage with through the company of which I am a Founder and Director, Ebukhosini Solutions. We are dedicated to Afrikan traditions, history and liverty and want to make our legacies relevant and practical in these modern times.

Comments and discussion will be very welcome. Looking forward to engaging exchange of wisdom.

To read more about the work I do, go to www.myspace.com/brothabuntu

Peaceful Blessings, Brother Buntu



BROTHER BUNTU, Director, Ebukhosini Solutions, Johannesburg, Azania (South Afrika)