This document introduces the "Who Are We?" campaign, which aims to promote Afrophilia (love of African culture and people) through a creative dialogue event. The event will feature a panel of Africans from different fields engaging in a moderated conversation about embracing diversity and African identity. It will be followed by artistic performances and networking. The goals are to encourage tolerance and collaboration between Africans, challenge Afrophobia, and spread the message through community engagement after the event. Attendees will be asked to champion social cohesion in their own communities. The document provides details on partners, format, and invites participation in the event.
2. Strategic Insights
South Africa’s reputation as a xenophobic country was magnified when
violence erupted in townships across the country in 2008. Many African
nationals in these communities were victims of physical, emotional and
verbal abuse. As these incidences reoccurred it is interesting to note
however, that most if not all of these victims were people of African
descent.
This is a telling observation which could lead us to concluding that more
than anything, we are faced with Afrophobia – and not Xenophobia.
Our idea is not to focus on what is going wrong, but to encourage social
behavioural evolution through communicating and engaging with the
positive namely the dynamic of Afrophilia.
“Who are We?” will be the conduit for opening up the idea of
“Afrophilia”.
3. Concept
“Who Are We?” is a creative conversation which will feature artists from
different parts of the African continent and across different sectors and artistic
disciplines who will weave a thought-provoking narrative around how we as
Africans can be more tolerant, collaborative and open towards each other.
“Who Are We?” aims through a creative dialogue to unpack how love of self and
all things African can be packaged into a model for institutional replication.
“Who Are We?” will task all in the audience to essentially become “champions”
of social cohesion within their communities. In essence, all attendees are tasked
to be agents of change within their communities with the view that the ripple
effect will gradually influence communities at large.
Former President Thabo Mbeki’s famous “I am an African” best captures the
answer to “Who Are We?” – this is the seminal text which guides our work.
4. • Intercultural and community cooperation
• Ubuntu in modern context– What is your understanding thereof and do you
have the same philosophy in your country?
• Diversity & how we can learn to embrace our differences in such a way that it
benefits ALL
• Tribalism : Could it be the root of Afrophobia?
• Human rights sanctuary; How prepared can SA be to play this role with
integrity across all affected sectors and as a people?
• Shared heritage – what really makes us the same as Africans?
• Collaboration models; beyond the Apartheid exile training narrative, are there
other stories of successful African collaboration to be highlighted. I.e. Single
Passport.
Suggested Dialogue points
6. Format
• A panel of four Africans from across four sectors of society;
business, government, arts and education will lead the moderated
“Afrophilia” conversation from the Wits Faculty of Music 8th floor
University corner, for an hour; then engage crowd for 30 minutes.
• Art Disciplines that will make up performances will be Jazz,
Deejaying and spoken word.
• The Wits Arts Museum Café is to serve as networking and
refreshments area with a busking acoustic guitarist healing the
ambience.
#Afrophilia
7. Post Production
• The event will be video filmed
• The production will be produced into a DVD
• The DVD will be sent to all immigration, human rights and
governance entities accompanied by a transcript of dialogue with
hope to contribute to policy amendments.
• The dialogue points will be converted into an online Call-to-Action
for the audience. This will allow us to track the progress of the
#Afrophilia ripple effect as it transforms into a daily, weekly,
monthly ‘’WhoAreWe?’’campaign championed by communities.
#Afrophilia
9. Invitation
“WhoAreWe?” would really appreciate your involvement in this edition of the campaign in any of
the following capacities;
1. Panel Member
2. Donor ( branding opportunities available)
3. Venue/Host
4. Partner
5. Volunteer
6. Influencer
Please specify which role you’d love to play toward this great course and
successful production of this event on the 22nd April 27.
A letter of acceptance, acknowledgement would suffice to confirm your
commitment. #Afrophilia
#Afrophilia