AFRICA WEEK CELEBRATION REPORT

Transcription

1 African Diaspora Forum NPO Number: NPO 24 Rockey Street, Office No 18, Rockey Alley s place, Bellevue East Johannesburg South Africa Tel: Hotline Fax: africandiasporaforum@gmail.com Website: AFRICA WEEK CELEBRATION REPORT INTRODUCTION The Africa Week Carnival and Festival is a celebration of the many cultures in Africa to promote the ideals of human rights and social cohesion. The aim of the week is to promote democracy and to combat all forms of discrimination; including racism, sexism, and xenophobia. The celebration of the richness and diversity of African and international culture was displayed in song, dance, music, art, film, craft, clothing and food. All of this came together in events organized to foster dialogue and discussion on a variety of themes regarding overall human rights, Africa, the African Diaspora, culture, democracy, youth empowerment, and the economy. The week serves a continental function as well: as a celebration of Africa Day and the African Union. In addition, it serves to encourage dynamic links between the continental body and communities in member states with South African-based African Embassies, High Commissions, and community organisations in the host country. Finally, there is a socio-economic dimension to the week, which aims to promote Yeoville Bellevue as a pan-african cultural destination in a revitalised and developing Johannesburg. The celebration also contributes to the sustained economic revival of Yeoville Bellevue by promoting enterprises, creating jobs, and highlighting the marketability of Yeoville Bellevue as a desirable place to live and do business. The 2015 Africa week celebrations were some of the most challenging events for the African Diaspora community, as they took place during a time of tension and

2 animosity following the recent xenophobic attacks. The attacks put the organizations in a difficult situation in deciding whether or not to go through with the celebrations or to participate in a boycott of them. There was also the tension of not wanting to celebrate the attacks, but still making sure to celebrate unity in Africa Day. The celebrations were also difficult to plan because the preparations were delayed as there was more work to do as well as most partners not wanting to get involved because of the tension. We are very grateful that the attacks were brought under control a few weeks prior to the event. Summary The 2015 Africa Week celebrations began with two dialogues on the 19 th and 20 th of May in Yeoville and Ekurhuleni. These two communities were targeted in order to sensitize them especially to xenophobia and the efforts the communities can make to combat the xenophobic attacks. These events were followed by the celebration of Africa day on the 23 rd of May. The dialogues which occurred on the 19 th and 20 th of May involved the screening of a documentary titled, Where Do I Stand?. Afterwards, the participants, coming from both local and migrant communities, engaged in discussions about the documentary and their experiences. These dialogues were filled with many concerns from both local and migrant communities, as the opinions between the two were not always the same. The participants who came from local communities stated very clearly that they were not xenophobic but were concerned about the ignorance of the government involving service delivery and leadership. The 23 rd was the major day of celebration where the communities came together to showcase the diversity of African culture and the ideal of ubuntu, which is the main theme of the day. The event ran smoothly, despite a misunderstanding early in the morning with JMPD regarding the route of the parade. The parade route was slightly shortened, but nonetheless it was a great day, drawing a crowd of over 3,000 people!

3 Over the course of the week and through planning, we have come to understand the importance of celebrating our humanity, values, and our freedom. We also learnt that diversity and togetherness are great assets to our communities and our country. The participation of our local schools shows that there is great hope for the African future and its future governments. The coming together of local stakeholders such as the police, community policing forum, Foundation for Human Rights, as well as the ordinary citizen of Yeoville and other communities added to the successes of our 2015 Africa Day celebration. The event officially ended at 17:50 pm. CHALLENGES A major challenge we faced in setting up this event was the lack of full support from the government and other institutions. Along this same line, the late approval of funding from our partners only added to the difficulty in putting on this event. An event of this magnitude requires long-term funding, that of which we currently do not have. Another challenge we faced was the multitude of Africa Day events which took place in many local communities on the 23 rd, thus decreasing the participation at our event. Opportunity This event proved to us that we can create unity in our community, as well as bringing about awareness of the African Diaspora Forum. It also created job opportunity in the community, without overshadowing local businesses. MOVING FORWARD We propose that this event should have long-term funding, both from the government, local institutions, and our partners. This will allow for the expansion of more permanent job opportunities for our temporary employees, as well as allowing for more freedom in planning the event and creating a more dynamic celebration in our communities. Our intention is to have enough funding to support a staff that can prepare for this event over a longer period of time, rather than cramming all of the extensive work into a couple of weeks. This would

4 ensure a better event and the achievement of more positive results. This approach is necessary in order to increase the donors and sponsors of African Diaspora Forum. Section 1: PROJECT OVERVIEW Project Description: Workshop on anti-xenophobia campaign THEME: WHERE DO I STAND Date: Venue: Yeoville Recreation Centre Time: 10:00-12:00pm Facilitators: STANLY EGWAUTU and PAPI PAPI Number of participants: 70 Implementing organization: African Diaspora Forum in partnership with the Foundation for Human Rights (FHR) and Etuka Legal Advise Center SUMMARY The workshop was centered around the themes brought up by the screening of the documentary, Where Do I Stand? that showcases experiences of xenophobia. The discussion focused on expressing feelings about xenophobia, its reality, as well as its impacts on community. The screening took about 45 minutes and a conversation followed. Reflection and Discussion on the Movie The reflections on the movie highlight some factors that tend to cause tension in a community. These include, but are not limited to; xenophobic violence, criminality, and discrimination of the migrants labeled as foreigners in our community and in the country. The perspectives of the participants include: Lack of Education: Many participants felt as though there are not enough programs or lessons in schools that teach African and South African origin, history, and culture to both migrant and local communities.

5 Poverty and ignorance: there was a shared idea that foreigners lack social norms and basics of local disadvantaged communities, which results in ignited anger and disinterest by the local community. Everyone is fighting for their own personal interest. Unemployment (High rate of cheap labor): employers prefer the foreigners to locals because their labor is cheaper, without care that their rights in the country are violated without action being taken by both employee and employer. Contrarily, locals use their rights to their advantage. The role of media: there is lack of programs and articles that talks directly about African culture and its people. Fear of foreigners as illegal migrants: The locals fear that migrants are advanced in terms of skills, which creates a sense of fear and tension as the local believes himself or herself inferior. Community leadership (discriminatory attitudes): leaders in the community who do not promote unity, especial politicians who want to gain power use sentiments and words that fuel xenophobia in the community Political undertone: it came out many times from different participants that politicians do not tell stories of how other countries assisted in fighting apartheid and gaining freedom. Monopoly of business and jobs by the foreigner: there is a strong belief by locals that the migrants are starting to dominate the small informal business trade, while they also do not empower or employ locals. Lack of skills from the locals: the participants were all in agreement that there is lack of skills program that can empower local or prepare them to enter different business markets. Lack of government policy implementation: it was raised that even though we have the best constitution in the world, the government does not implement it, so it is just a paper that is used when it suits certain individuals or institutions.

6 Promotion of illicit substance in the community by the migrants (Drugs): the participants were in argument in this regard as locals alleged that it is the migrant who brings drugs into the community. The migrants argued that not all migrants are drug dealers; also that in every migrant dealer there is a local involved. This issue is for the law to manage, though, as they are criminal acts. These topics were identified as the root causes of xenophobic attacks on foreigners in our communities. We engaged in discussions about them and were able to share perspectives and the responses of the community to them. We also discussed how violence has ended up taking place as the solution instead of creating a platform for continuous dialogue. Effects of Xenophobia in our Communities, Society and the Country The effects of xenophobia are directed on the negative impact it creates in our community and to the country. These are the negative impacts. 1) It dents the image of the country to the rest of the world 2) The foreign investors see it as a risk to invest their money in the country 3) It possess danger to South African citizens and investment around the globe 4) It causes destruction of lives and properties 5) It affects the economy of the country negatively Solutions to Create Conflict Resolution; Mechanism Platform to Fight Xenophobia The government, civil organizations, NPOs, and leaderships of the communities and media will have to play important roles to eradicate xenophobia from the country. The Platform of education must be put in place to educate the communities on human rights, integration and social cohesion in our society. The role of media in our community must be to promote social cohesion and create awareness and educate the migrants and the locals on their rights in the constitution, which is stipulated in the Bill of Rights and the Freedom Charter in the South African laws. The enforcement agencies must be sanitized for

7 accountability and transparency in their service to the community and the country at large. The Way Forward: 1) Awareness of human rights laws must be visible in government policies, and the policies have to be implemented. 2) Positive transformational initiatives within the education system 3) Media to disseminate legal and information on constitutional rights to our community 4) Integrated community projects that positively feed locals and migrants 5) Workshops and seminars for awareness and to campaign for antixenophobia programs 6) Amendment of labor laws 7) Immigration laws to be accessible Remarks from South Africa Broadcasting Co-operation (Channel Africa) The SABC Channel Africa sheds light on the unity in diversity of the African people, particularly the importance of embracing one another to promote harmonious social cohesion. SABC Channel Africa advises the community to read and access the information in the educative material issued to them by the Foundation for Human Rights (FHR). The government has to create programs to address the community to use dialogues as a positive, legal, and rightful platform aimed at resolving the issues between migrants and locals. Humanitarian agencies must establish organs to interpret the past, to inform the present, and to define the future on our great continent, Africa. This information will be of great importance to our locals in accessing the migrant s position, plights, and predicaments in our community. The constitutional rights of every human being living in South Africa must be respected and must comply for both migrants and the locals. South Africa, as a nation, operates on the principles of democracy that is based on Constitutional rights.

8 Remark from Foundation for Human Rights The FHR encourages communities to work with migrants, to support programs and initiatives that stimulate social cohesion, solidarity, integration, and antixenophobia. FHR shared information to partner with any organization that embarks on anti-xenophobic programs and initiatives that address topics on education, poverty and social cohesion. The FHR issued to the community educational materials to the individuals present in the workshop to instill and to inculcate into their mindset a transforming spirit to be the custodian of human rights in their community. Section 2 Project Description: THEME: Workshop on anti-xenophobia WHERE DO I STAND Date: Time: 10:00-12:00pm Venue: Facilitators: Ekurhuleni Tshepo Kutumela Number of participants: 60 NARRATIVE The concept of the workshop was based on a documentary screening of a movie titled, Where Do I Stand. The film showcases the act of xenophobia and portrays feelings, reality, and effects on our community. The screening itself took about 45 minutes. Afterwards, we started discussions with the community based on themes from the documentary. In general, the goal of the discussions about xenophobia was to gauge the community s responses and reactions to the film. The difference between this section and Section 1 is that in this section, we held the workshop at Ekurhuleni, one of the primary locations that has been affected by xenophobic violence. Further, only locals participated in this workshop. The

9 xenophobic tensions were still fresh on the day of the workshop migrants that live around the site were still scared to join dialogues as they felt unsafe, which is also due to service delivery process that had taken place a day before the workshop. Reflection and Discussion on the Movie The discussion following the movie highlighted some elementary causes for xenophobic violence, criminality and discrimination towards migrants deemed as foreigners in our community and in the country. Listed below are some of the factors from the discussion that foster xenophobia from the views of the participants: Lack of Education: Most participants expressed this concern. Overall, they felt that there are no programs that address African origin and its culture to both communities, especially locals. Poverty and ignorance: the lack of social basics in disadvantaged communities ignites anger and demotes interest on matters of humanity as everyone fights for their personal interests Unemployment (high rate of cheap labor): employers prefer foreigners over locals because they can pay them less and because they know that foreigners rights in the country are violated without punishment for both employer and employee, while locals use their rights to their advantage The Role of Media: there is a lack of both programs and articles that directly address African culture and its people. Fear of Foreigners as illegal migrants: locals fear that migrants are way advanced in terms of skills which stimulates fear for locals that they might not be able to compete. Community leadership (discriminatory attitudes): leaders in the community who do not promote unity, especial politicians who want to gain power, use sentiments and words that fuel xenophobia Political undertone: it was said many times from different participants that politicians do not tell stories of how other countries assisted in fighting apartheid and gaining freedom.

10 Monopoly of businesses and jobs by the foreigner: there is a strong belief in locals that migrants are starting to dominate the small, informal business trade, and that they also do not empower or employ locals. Lack of skills: the participants were all in agreement with the sentiment that there is lack of skills-building programs that can empower the local or prepare them to enter different business markets. Also, landlords should restrict their spaces to foreigners who want to build a bigger structure, as this is a sign that they are here to stay. Lack of government policy implementation: it was raised that even though we have the best Constitution in the world, the government does not implement it; it is just a paper, which is used when it suits certain individuals or institutions. Promotion of illicit substance abuse in the community by migrants (Drugs): the participants argued about this as locals alleged that it is migrants who bring drugs in the community, migrants who say that not all migrants are drug dealers, and also that for migrant dealer, there is a local involved, but in this, the law must take its place since these are criminal acts. Family values: the community agreed that the promotion of parenthood is non- existent in our community, and this has lead to poor discipline of youth. Arts, sports, and culture are not promoted: a point was raised that the lack of facilities and programs that promote such activities leaves people loitering. Corruption: the local community was very angry that government officials are corrupt, and they feel it is better if the community can receive permission to take care of some duties, such as guarding the borders themselves. Youth: the participants stated clearly that local youth faces the challenge of not being exposed to work environment until after

11 graduation, leading to the misconception that the local youth are lazy. These youth face problems after graduation from universities due to the immediate demand for experience in the work force. These core elements were identified as the root cause of xenophobic attacks on Foreigners in our communities. We engaged in discussions surrounding these issues and were able to change many misconceptions as well as how the community responds to them. By changing people s perspectives, it will steer issues towards creating a platform for dialogue with migrants rather than resorting to violence. Effects of Xenophobia in our Communities, Society and the Country The following list explains the negative impacts of xenophobia that have been causing problems in our community and country as a whole. 1) It morphs the image of South Africa to the rest of the World 2) Foreign investors see xenophobia as a risk to invest their money in the country 3) It creates danger for South African citizens 4) It causes destruction of lives and properties 5) It negatively affects the economy of the country Solutions to create conflict resolution, mechanism platform to fight xenophobia The government, civil organizations, and NPOs as well as the leadership of the communities and media, will have to play important roles to eradicate xenophobia from the country. The platform of education must be put in place to educate the communities on Human Rights, integration, and social cohesion in our society. Media in our community must be used to promote social cohesion and create awareness as well. Media can also be utilized to educate migrants and locals on their rights in the constitution, which is stipulated in the Bill of Rights and the Freedom Charter in the South African laws. The enforcement agencies must be investigated and critiqued for accountability and transparency in their service to the community and the country at large.

12 THE WAY FORWARD/RECOMMENDATIONS Awareness of human rights laws must be visible in government policies and have to be implemented, especially in the disadvantaged communities Positive transformational initiatives on education scheme that seek to promote skills development and African history Media to publicize the legal and constitutional rights information to our community as well as to promote programs of unity and history of our continent Integrated Community projects that feed locals and migrants positively Workshops and seminars for awareness campaign on anti-xenophobia programs and to create unity among diversity Amendment of labor policies that will suit the employee and employer, also introduce a national minimum wage Immigration laws to be accessible and enforced for all Mechanisms that will deal with corruption quickly Remark from Foundation for Human Rights The FHR encourages communities to work together with migrants and to engage in more program initiatives that support social cohesion, solidarity, integration and anti-xenophobia. FHR gave information regarding partnering with any organization that embarks on anti-xenophobic program initiatives that address the topics of education, poverty and social cohesion. The FHR issued educational materials to individuals from different communities who were present in the workshop to instill into their mindset a transforming spirit, encouraging them to be the custodian of human rights in our community.

13 SECTION 3 Africa Day Celebration Theme: WE ARE ONE Date: 23 May 2015 Venue: Time: Yeoville Recreation Centre 09:00-17:30pm Direct participants: 3000 Indirect participants: 5000 Speakers Ward Councilor: SIHLWELI MYEKI African Diaspora Chairperson: MARC GBAFFOU NARRATIVE The event started with a parade, comprised of different institutions and community members that shared the passion of African significance in the global context. Most of the material used during the parade demonstrated a call for unity and living together within our diversity. The parade showed the true value of African people in regard to its culture, music, dance and more. It was an exercise of expressing our humanity. The parade began at 9:30am to 10:30am across Rockey and Hunter Street, the most prominent streets of Yeoville. Yeoville can be described as an area that emulates the epicenter of Africa because of its diversity in regard to communities residing there. In Yeoville there are people of many nationalities, including Zimbabweans, Congolese, Nigerians, Malawians, South Africans as well as many more. The parade was led by children from local schools including Yeoville Community School, Yeoville Boys, Sheikh AntaDiop school, and the International African school. All of these schools are the pride of our community because they consist of students from many African countries. Along with the school children, there were community leaders from many different countries who attended the celebrations and participated.

14 After the parade the celebrations proceeded to live music performances. Music, another marvelous aspect of African culture, brings good melodies and helps unify its people. The music was a collection of African artists from different cultural background which including African jazz, Zulu dance, Congolese dance, Reggae, and many more genres. People danced and celebrated the love and unity of African society. Africa Day marked the beginning of new era for the African society as it clearly showed that xenophobia has no room in our midst. It is because of this day that we have come to understanding the importance of celebrating our humanity, values, and our freedom. Through this day we realized that diversity and togetherness is a great tool for positive results. The participation of local schools shows that there is hope for African future and its future governments. The unification of local stakeholders such as the police, community policing forum, and Foundation for Human Rights, as well as citizens of Yeoville and other communities played a pivotal role towards the success of our 2015 Africa Day celebration. The event officially ended at 17:50 pm. Participation The event attracted over 3,000 people from the Yeoville community. The majority of participants were the students from the various schools in Yeoville. Because of the students participation, the event was extremely informative and educative. Through its diversity, the event stressed the need for our students to understand the origins of African society, which will help students work with and understand diverse groups of people in the future. The participation of students showed the possibility of a united and peaceful African society, free from any discriminative system such as xenophobia and racism. It is important to mention that this event happened on a weekend, which means that families attended together, showing that Africa celebration has become part of our community values. Community benefits African celebration requires a lot of coordination and planning. The work force to assist in the implementation process was drawn from the community of Yeoville and those who helped received a stipend to appreciate their efforts. The exposure of the community of Yeoville as a result of hosting the Africa day creates opportunities for the future, spreading the ideals of unification among diversity.

15 AFRICA DAY IN PICTURES PICTURES BELOW SHOWS HOW OUR AFRICA DAY CELEBRATION WERE:

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18 Opportunities This event shows that we can unite our community while raising awareness and creating jobs that will not overshadow the growth of income among local businesses. Summary Africa day in Yeoville symbolizes the progression towards African renaissance, a dimension where Africa can exist without violating the rights of its people. The Africa Day celebration was something that everybody wanted to be associated with. The music was uniting in the sense that people who were just passing by would stop and listen to the sounds of African sons and daughters. It was an event that embraced diversity for the advancement of African principles of Ubuntu. During the event, speeches were made; they all stressed the importance of unity, solidarity, peace and Ubuntu for the advancement of our common goal, a united African society. The event gave the local musicians the opportunity to express their talents via a celebration of our African roots. The artists included the following; Duze Naye, Rico, Zakes, Pinky, DJ Phoyisa, Boss, Criminal, Bongani AKA Bongs, Shutters and Tydal waves. All of the artists came from different cultural backgrounds. Africa Day marked the beginning of new era for the African society as it showed that xenophobia has no room in our society. It is because of this day that we have come to realize the importance of celebrating our humanity, values and our freedom. Furthermore, we learned that diversity and togetherness is a powerful tool for creating positive results. The participation of local schools and a multitude of students shows that there is great hope for the future of the African community in South Africa. The cooperation of local stakeholders, such as the police, community policing forum, and the Foundation for Human Rights, as well as the citizens of Yeoville and other communities, played a pivotal role towards the success of our 2015 Africa Day celebration. Moving forward, all organizations and partners involved with the 2015 Africa Day celebration must work together in the future to create and conduct more celebrations. Such collaboration will be magnificent and ground breaking, such that the global community will realize that Africa is a continent of great

19 excellence. CLOSURE We would like extend our humble appreciation to our partners and thank them for contributing to the success of the Africa week celebration 2015: FOUNDATION FOR HUMAN RIGHTS (FHR) FRENCH INSTITUTE OF SOUTH AFRICA (IFAS) SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE (SAPS) SABC AFRICA CHANNEL THE YOUTH DESK ETUKA LEGAL ADVICE CENTER SCHOOLS AND INSTITUTIONS COMMUNITY LEADERS COMMUNITY MEMBERS SERVICE PROVIDERS The 2015 Africa week celebrations would not have been possible without the contributions and involvement of these groups and individuals.