Editing H.E. Amb. Vika M. Khumalo
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| − | + | Cultural Diplomacy in South Africa | |
By H.E. Amb. Vika M. Khumalo (Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to Turkey) | By H.E. Amb. Vika M. Khumalo (Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to Turkey) | ||
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A Comment on Cultural Diplomacy by H.E. Amb. Vika M. Khumalo (Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to Turkey) | A Comment on Cultural Diplomacy by H.E. Amb. Vika M. Khumalo (Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to Turkey) | ||
| − | We have used our different | + | We have used our different cultures to create harmony within our nation. Prior to 1994, people thought with the ANC [African National Congress] coming into power, there would be chaos- things would change for the worst. But what we did was use the different cultures to unite the cultures; each one of us has a role to play, and different cultures have a role to play. Everybody wanted a successful South Africa, irrespective of their culture, so that was used to make South Africa a success. Hence, we have been called a rainbow nation because of the different cultures, the different people, and the different complexions that you find in the country. We used these cultures in dance and in song to unite people- when they sing, when they dance, when they talk to each other, it makes each one of us proud to see any group participating. |
| − | In Southern Africa for instance, South Africa shares the same culture with a number of the countries around us, so that already makes us or creates a common denominator for everybody. We all have the same base, so to speak. We share this culture, so we see ourselves as one people, even though we are separated by superficial international boundaries. So that has helped. And South Africa has not only stopped by sitting at home; we’ve gone out into our neighboring countries to assist in whatever way we could: to build their economies, and to entrench the culture of | + | In Southern Africa for instance, South Africa shares the same culture with a number of the countries around us, so that already makes us or creates a common denominator for everybody. We all have the same base, so to speak. We share this culture, so we see ourselves as one people, even though we are separated by superficial international boundaries. So that has helped. And South Africa has not only stopped by sitting at home; we’ve gone out into our neighboring countries to assist in whatever way we could: to build their economies, and to entrench the culture of human rights using our own culture. If we have the same culture, it makes sense then that if human rights are acceptable to us, they should be acceptable to the rest of our neighbors as we have the same culture and we subscribe to the Bill of Human Rights, which does not distinguish the color, creed, or religion of anyone. |
For the Shanghai World Expo we brought cultural groups from South Africa that came to perform, that showcased our culture and showed people who we are and what we do, which assisted us in changing negative perceptions. People went into our pavilion and saw the things that South Africa is able to do, and the kind of culture that we have. For example, some of our movies have won international awards, [and we used that] as part of showcasing our culture. We have global culture- things that we can share things that are common with everybody anywhere in the world- and our culture is successful. | For the Shanghai World Expo we brought cultural groups from South Africa that came to perform, that showcased our culture and showed people who we are and what we do, which assisted us in changing negative perceptions. People went into our pavilion and saw the things that South Africa is able to do, and the kind of culture that we have. For example, some of our movies have won international awards, [and we used that] as part of showcasing our culture. We have global culture- things that we can share things that are common with everybody anywhere in the world- and our culture is successful. | ||
