The Joburg Carnival has, over the years, contributed immensely to the creative industries as a vehicle of employment and thus contributing to the City’s Economic Development Plan.
The 2017 rendition of the Joburg Carnival recorded growth in all facets, which included the number of participants, number of jobs created and number of SMMEs supported through the carnival. There was also an increase in the number of creative practitioners employed.
This year, despite fundraising efforts and the interest expressed by some corporates, the City was unable to raise sufficient funds on time to finance the carnival.
“It is thus with great regret that I inform the residents of Johannesburg, the arts community and our patrons that the 2018 version of the Joburg Carnival has been cancelled,” said Nonhlanhla Sifumba, MMC for Community Development.
Sifumba said the carnival was not only a celebration of Joburg’s collective identity and a platform for residents to showcase their unique cultures but also an opportunity for corporates to showcase their business offerings to the residents of the City.
“The cancellation of the carnival for 2018 does not take away from the City’s commitment to social cohesion and unity, but will give the City leeway to deliver a bigger carnival in 2019,” she said.
Sifumba said she was aware that the most adversely affected by the cancellation are the creative practitioners who look forward to the employment opportunities the City provides them.
“I would like to apologise to them – especially – for the inconvenience this cancellation causes. I would also like to appeal to the private sector to partner with us as sponsors – to not only give back to the people of the City but to also use the carnival as a showcase of their products and services.”
The City said it was committed to the development and advancement of arts, culture and heritage and has vowed to avail resources and continue fundraising for the 2019 version of the Joburg Carnival.
“The Joburg Carnival is one of the flagship programmes in the City and we will over the next three years invest in its growth and development,” Sifumba said.
