MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The Premier of the Western Cape, Helen Zille, lauded the Diaz & Port Festival as a three-day, family-friendly extravaganza that builds on the impressive successes of the Mossel Bay Municipality’s Dias Festival / Diasfees over the past 30 years.
Zille delivered the opening address at the opening concert that was themed A Night at the Museum, in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Dias Museum Complex.
"I am especially happy to be a part of the festival as its theme is “where cultures meet”, she said to townsfolk and delegates from foreign diplomatic missions in South Africa, among whom were the consuls general of Indonesia, Krishna Adi Poetranto, Germany's Herr Matthias Hansen, the acting consul-general of Madagascar Lydia Indrianjafy and the consul general of Portugal, José Carlos Arsénio.
The premier said the Dias & Port Festival had mastered the art of diversifying cultural expression at the festival as it was socially inclusivel. "You will soon be surrounded by different languages, sharing different cultures, learning about different life experiences, all of which are captured in this significant festival which draws us closer to one another.
Sense of identity
"The Western Cape Government, through the efforts of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, aims to create an enabling environment in which all who call the Western Cape home feel a sense of identity, belonging and unity," the premier said.
She added that there had been significant developments in the province’s commitment to identify, conserve, protect, manage and promote the heritage resources in the Western Cape so that we are aware of our cultural, historical landscape.
Mossel Bay executive mayor, Alderman Harry Levendal, left, with Western Cape Premier Helen Zille and municipal manager, Advocate Thys Giliomee. Photo: Julian Scholtz
Heritage sites
"One such development is through the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport’s Heritage Resource Services.
"They have worked to promote significant archaeological sites, as part of the country’s tentative listing of a World Heritage Site serial nomination for the Early Modern Humans: Pleistocene Occupation Sites, which includes three sites in the Western Cape: Diepkloof Rock Shelter, Blombos Cave and Pinnacle Point Site Complex.
"Our efforts form the basis for the further development of an Archaeological and Palaeontological Heritage Tourism Route, which aims to promote heritage tourism in the Western Cape."
Oral history
"Also, the Oral History Initiative, aimed at documenting the oral histories of Western Cape residents for future generations to celebrate their heritage, is going from strength to strength.
"Much of the history of our communities is preserved only in the minds of their storytellers. To truly understand our past from a unique perspective, it is important to drive a formal programme to capture the valuable stories beneath our social tapestry.
"Through the project, personal histories and community experiences become shared heritage and libraries, social hubs once again, promoting social inclusion and community development through sharing and understanding.
"Oral testimonies recorded on video are available at the participating libraries in Mossel Bbay and the Provincial Archives."
"Over the next three days, festival goers will be treated to exceptional performances by a variety of local talent and artists, exhibition stalls, culinary delights, activities and entertainment for the entire family.
"For this continued celebration of cultural diversity among the Mossel Bay and greater Southern Cape community by the municipality, the Western Cape Government wholeheartedly thanks you.
"My wish is that each of you will enjoy the festival and embrace all the festival and Mossel Bay has to offer," the premier concluded.
The premier was accompanied by the Western Cape Cabinet, which met in Mossel Bay for two days prior to the Dias Festival. With Zille was Minister Alan Winde who hopes to succeed Helen Zille as the premier of the Western Cape in May.
Also in attendance were Beverley Schäfer, MEC of Economic Development and Tourism; MEC Debbie Schäfer, Minister of Education; MEC Anroux Marais. Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport; Western Cape Education MEC Donald Grant; MEC for Local Government and Environmental Affairs Anton Bredell; and MEC for Social Development Albert Fritz.
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