Mr Speaker, on 29 September 2013, at the Rydalvale Sports Complex in Phoenix in the eThekweni region in KwaZulu-Natal, the spirit of Madiba was celebrated at a cultural festival themed Many Cultures, One Nation.
The ANC recognises the intrinsic value of the rich cultural diversity that encompasses the life of South African people endorsed at our 53rd national conference. It also believes that cultural diversity must be preserved and must be relevant to the changing times. It must be cultivated and celebrated without sacrificing its true meaning. It must be used to promote patriotism with sensitivity, portraying our own culture as the mirror of the unique soul and character of the nation.
We further recognise the positive effects that creative activity has on individuals, providing enjoyment, enlivening spaces and enriching lives. Culture makes places distinctive, engendering pride in the local community. It also makes a practical contribution in terms of sustainability, providing employment, encouraging learning and inspiring people to adopt creative and active lifestyles.
Through culture, communities are better able to engage young people in constructive activity and attract the people and businesses essential for a prosperous local economy.
The festival was attended by close to 5000 people of the Phoenix community, all standing united, supporting the ANC statement that together, we can do more. Long live Madiba, long live! [Applause.]