News from Berlin

News from Berlin – The Republic of South Africa is soon celebrating twenty years of democracy as the anniversary of the country’s first democratic elections is approaching. German Foreign Minister Steinmeier and Ambassador Stofile will open the 4-day-long festival about South Africa which will be hosted by the Haus der Kulturen der Welt of Berlin and the South African Embassy from the 28th of August.  

Haus der Kulturen der Welt and the Embassy of South Africa will host a critical review of developments in South Africa since 1994. The program opens on Thursday, 28th of August, with opening remarks by Foreign Minister Steinmeier and Ambassador Stofile, followed by a keynote speech by cultural scholar and publicist Njabulo S Ndebele and a musical highlight: a concert by jazz legend Hugh Masekela, whose song "Bring Him Back Home" (1987) became the anthem for Nelson Mandela's liberation.

Protagonists of the anti-apartheid movement will meet with representatives of the new generation for a symposium held on Friday, 29th of August. Participants will examine the successes in areas including economy, law, education, and culture during the transition to democracy as well as the challenges the country faces today: the wounds of the past, persisting inequality, and social intolerance. The participation requires registration at: symposium.suedafrika(at)hkw.de

Over the four days, a program of documentary films will address highly topical themes of South African society, such as Khalo Matabane's Nelson Mandela: The Myth & Me (2013) which questions the myth of Mandela and his policy of reconciliation. For the film program visit the official website.

Admission is free for the keynote, reading, symposium, and video exhibition.

News from Berlin – Berlin Global