This week, history will be made in South Africa’s literature industry through various activities at some parts of the country in support of the signing of a cultural partnership agreement between NWASA (National Writers Association of South Africa) and GUPW (General Union of Palestinian Writers) on Human Rights Day (21 March 2024) in the City of Tshwane.
The highlights of the official signing ceremony, in addition to the actual signing of the memorandum of agreement between the two writers’ organisations, will be the reading of a joint declaration, as well as the bestowing of The Medal of Culture, Science and Arts Award to the South African National Poet Laureate, Dr. Mongane Wally Serote. The Award is one of the highest in Palestine bestowed for brilliance to exceptional recipients by the State of Palestine President Mahmoud Abbas. Both these activities will be beamed live in Ramallah, West Bank, State of Palestine. The ceremony will then close with performances by local artists in genres such as poetry, music and documentaries.
The GUPW entourage, consisting of the organisation’s President Mohammad Mahmoud Mohammad Khodour and Secretary-General Murad Al-Sudani, will then undertake a two-days roads show to Durban (on Friday 22 March) and Cape Town (on Saturday 23 March) where they will interact with various stakeholders and take part in literary activities. The tour in Cape Town will end of Sunday 24 March with a visit to the Muslim Museum at the Castle in the city and other activities.
Issued by the Office of the Secretary-General, Dr. Lebogang Lance Nawa.
For enquiries, contact Malik Arafat, NWASA-Palestine Solidary Task Team Member @ 079-839-0701