A year of celebration begins

SA chosen to participate in Jamaica's 50th year of independence activities

WHILE it seems most party planners are still enjoying their summer break, it was back to normal for most of us this week. My first gig of the new year was the launch of a range of activities to celebrate 50 years of Jamaican independence.

The event was hosted by Jamaican high commissioner Norma Taylor Roberts at the University of South Africa.

The country's Independence Day, August 6, will be celebrated with a ball to be held in Johannesburg, but we're being promised a range of fun and cultural activities throughout the year, including reggae month in February.

Taylor Roberts said Jamaica was one the countries at the forefront of South Africa's fight against apartheid, so they felt it fitting to have some celebrations here.

Guests at the launch included Unisa vice-chancellor Professor Narend Baijnath, the Department of International Relations's Louis Pienaar, and the international relations director of the Department of Arts and Culture, John Mogashoa.

Also spotted was filmmaker Sarah Manley, the daughter of former Jamaican prime minister Michael Manley, a previous recipient of the Order of the Companions of Oliver Tambo (Gold) for his role in promoting the interests and aspirations of the Republic of South Africa.

Sarah said she had been travelling around the continent interviewing Jamaicans, and other people who had been influenced by her country, for her Independence Day documentary.

The doccie, OnePeople,is scheduled for release on August 6. Reportedly former president Thabo Mbeki will also be featured.

She said South Africa had always been close to her heart. The first book she read when she was in her teens was the biography of the late Steve Biko.

I was thoroughly impressed with the menu.

We sipped pink Jamaican punch - made with their famous rum - while enjoying a lovely spread of grilled drumsticks, succulent beef kebabs, chicken and vegetarian wraps, and cottage cheese and salmon on rye. My favourite was the dessert, super moist and decadent brownies. I did not get to the fruit kebabs, because the brownies were out of this world - Jah man!

Thursday night took me at another rather serious do for Azikhwelwa, a play about the 1957 Alexandra township bus boycotts.

The sneak preview of the play at the Victory Theatre in Orange Grove tied in with this year's centenary of Alexandra township.

Playwright Shoki Maredi looked satisfied with the big turnout.

Guests included Alex's very own elder, author and poet Dr Wally Serote, who wrote a book about the famous township. Unfortunately, he disappeared as soon as the show was over. It would have been nice to hear him reflect on 100 years of Alex. Also in attendance was the Deputy Director-General of arts and culture, Dr Mbulelo Jokweni.

Producer Pascal Damoyi said the grand "Hollywood style" opening would be on February 17. He has been working tirelessly to prepare for the big day.

Celebrations for 100 years of Alex will include an economic forum, a music festival, photographic exhibitions and unveiling of heritage sites.

I was told that the dashing Minister of Arts and Culture, Paul Mashatile, also an Alex boy, will be spearheading many of the forthcoming events.