Cultures merge at Gauteng social cohesion carnival in Pta

“Next year we want to attract over 50 000 participants".

September 27, 2017

Tshegofatso Ngobeni 2 minutes read

Masses join in at the Gauteng Social Cohesion Carnival. Photo: Gauteng Provincial Government

More than 25 000 people from various parts of the world participated in the Gauteng Social Cohesion Carnival in Pretoria at the weekend.

https://twitter.com/JustKholii_/status/911906889902051328

The carnival which coincided with Heritage day celebrations, attracted many dressed in bright colours, traditional wear, costumes and uniforms as they danced the day away.

ALSO READ: People of the world showcase their cultures

#GSCC2017 I love my country pic.twitter.com/LhABbkxk3B

— STOP ALBINISM KILLINGS (@kuliroberts) September 24, 2017

Gauteng premier David Makhura joined the fun under the theme Celebrating Our Living Heritage: Treasure, The Year of O.R. Tambo

https://twitter.com/JustKholii_/status/911905031653351424

Makhura said his administration wanted to see carnival grow to the same proportion as the Rio carnival.

ALSO READ: Mams school celebrates heritage month

Some highlights from the #GautengCarnival #HeritageDay @CityTshwane @GautengSACR @TheCarnivalCo pic.twitter.com/yeYGWGwnmz

— Gauteng Provincial Gov (@GautengProvince) September 24, 2017

“Next year we want to attract over 50 000 participants.

We want to make sure that schools in the province also become part of the carnival because when young people are involved the celebration will continue for coming generations,” said Makhura.

#GSCC2017 pic.twitter.com/iFL2RefFrd

— STOP ALBINISM KILLINGS (@kuliroberts) September 24, 2017

Tourism and business benefitted from the carnival as this year’s carnival created more than 3500 work opportunities.

“There is an economic impact, increase in tourism and more entrepreneurs who emerge from such an occasion,” he said.

Makhura said his administration was also considering encouraging Gautengers to speak Swahili – a language spoken by more than half of the people on the continent.

ALSO READ: Trevor Noah: It’s My Culture – Springbok Bafana

“People in the province must know all the 11 African languages. You must also know Swahili because this is Africa.

We want to make sure in all our schools in Gauteng one of the things we introduce is Swahili so that we can talk among ourselves,” he said.

Makhura also urged the crowd to be more accepting and tolerant of one another.

CEO of the Carnival Company Rachel Tambo described the carnival as Africa’s biggest street party.

“We all look forward to celebrating our unity in diversity together on Heritage day, through mass participation in the Gauteng Social Cohesion Carnival 2017, Africa’s biggest street party,” said Tambo.