10 Dec 2023

The introduction of multiple languages in African schools could have a positive impact on the younger generation.

As such the willingness of young people to embrace and explore their cultural heritage is critical, hence the importance of enabling them to do so.

Chief Executive Officer of the Human Resource Development Council, Professor Alinah Segobye said during a panel discussion titled; The Big Culture Debate, at the just-ended Kusi Ideas Festival in Tlokweng.

“Africa is a diverse continent, stretching from Cairo to the Cape. It is crucial to recognise and celebrate this diversity. Fortunately, we have international agreements, such as the UNESCO convention on respecting cultural and language diversity, that support our efforts,” Prof. Segobye stated.

She confirmed that Africa already had national policies in place that encouraged and celebrated language diversity that enabled multiple languages to thrive.

When discussing African culture and art, Ms Ayisha Osori, Director of the Executive Vice President’s office at Open Society Foundations, who was debating virtually, emphasised the increasing representation of Africans on a global scale.

This she said raised the important question about the effectiveness of African culture and art in generating wealth.

“African culture has been intricately woven into various cultures worldwide for centuries. As Africans travel and explore diverse cultures, languages, and traditions, the impact of their rich heritage becomes evident,” she said

She said recognising the importance of culture, ministries of arts and culture in Africa should play a significant role in addressing challenges and promoting economic growth.

“They can support artists and cultural entrepreneurs by providing resources, funding, and platforms for their work to reach a broader audience,” she advisedMs Osori added that the rise in global representation of Africans was a positive trend that contributed to the mainstreaming of African fashion and culture.

“However, it is crucial to examine the extent to which this representation translates into economic prosperity. This brings forth both challenges and opportunities,” she said

Ms Jinna Odede, Founder of Pegg Entertainment, said she believed in the power of collaboration.

She emphasised that Africans needed each other and must open up to the idea that they could only achieve greatness together, rather than individually.

Furthermore, Odede highlighted the importance of combining different art forms and creative identities.

She said by doing so, Africans could achieve remarkable success.

Ms Odede said she wanted to emphasise the progressive nature of culture.

She acknowledged that Africa possessed some progressive cultural practices, saying it was crucial to allow for the free flow and evolution of these practices.

Discussing the topic further, Architect and Professor Omar Degan from DO Architecture group who also joined online expressed his confidence over Africa being the future having been a dormant force for quite some time.

He said he envisioned Africa rising and taking centre stage and dominating the world scene.

Professor Degan stressed that collaboration, synergy, and mutual support were essential in achieving this goal.

According to Professor Degan, working together could shape the future of the world in harmony with the environment, nature, and the community.

“I see this as an opportunity to be proud of our heritage and create a better world,” he said. ENDS