Mohalenyane Phakela
EVENTS company, Papatso Exposee will host the One Africa event on 25 May at a local hotel in Maseru with the aim of spreading unity, mutual respect and cultural exchange among different African nationalities.
The event is expected to see various nationalities showcasing their cultural products through regalia and cuisine among other things to promote the intercultural spirit.
There will be stalls displaying clothes and food from the participating countries and there will also be performances from a Cameroonian band as well as Lesotho’s Senqu Jazz Band.
The One Africa event will coincide with Africa Day celebrations which are held annually on the continent on 25 May to commemorate the founding of the African Union (formerly the Organisation of African Unity).
The AU was founded on 25 May 1963 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to promote among other things the fight for the independence of African countries from colonial rule.
Papatso Exposee representative, ‘Mateboho Du Vivier said it was against the background of the Africa Day commemorations that they had decided to host their event to foster and promote the spirit of Ubuntu (humanity and brotherhood) among different African nationalities in Lesotho.
“We realised that 25 May is a holiday in Lesotho and many other African countries to celebrate Africaness, the essence of Ubuntu,” Du Vivier said, adding they saw it as an opportunity to unite Africans in Lesotho in a fun-filled environment.
“We combine fun and education, spicing it up with music which is the universal language understood by all irrespective of the language of the lyrics.
“All Africans in and outside Lesotho are welcome as this is a platform for them to showcase African fashion, food and music. They will be able to enjoy harmony, interaction, education, socialisation in an African manner.”
Du Vivier said nationalities from 10 countries had so far confirmed their participation, adding they hoped others would come on board.
“We first held the event in 2015 and attracted 15 African countries through their associations in Lesotho.
“This will be the second edition as we did not have one last year and so far only 10 have confirmed participation. But our dream is to have all African countries so that we can stand together in unity because divided we fall,” she said.