PRE- Human Rights Day, the Gauteng Tourism Agency hosted a Dialogue at the Vaal University of Technology.
Held under the theme ‘Tlong Sekolong Human Rights Dialogue’ – loosely translated -come back to school, was held at the Desmond Tutu Great Hall.
Various topics where under the spotlight such as Destination Branding and Marketing, the re-awakening of Sharpeville and so forth.
But what caught my attention was a compelling message “Sharpeville is Not a Massacre” that threw spanner in the works and audience burning under the collar, as they aired their frustrations with poor services in the region.
‘Sharpeville is Not a Massacre’ refers to the massacre that took place on March 21, 1960, where 69 victims got shot by Apartheid Police.
Since then, nothing of significance can be attributed to such as basic services are nowhere near the community, according to those who attended the Dialogue.
Marketing guru Thebe Ikalafeng said it seems we don’t love ourselves hence the decay of cities.
“We can’t keep blaming colonialism, its upon us as citizens of this country, to wake up and smell the coffee, that things are not supposed to be how it is now,” he cited.
“It can’t be work as usual; we need to change our narrative, and very soon, or else Orania (boer area in NC) will take over our cities because its well-managed,” warned Ikalafeng, who is originally from the Northern Cape.
“Sharpeville must be the agents of change” alluded Barba Gaoganediwe, GTA head of Communication.
“Yes, we acknowledge things are not what they’re supposed to be from service delivery, but at the same time, the community must not fold their arms and expect Gvt to do things on their behalf, they must act now and show solidarity in remembrance of the fallen victims of 1960, especially the youth (students), who are the future and must carry the baton,” says Gaoganediwe.
Gogo Tsoana Nhlapo, who also formed part of the Dialogue said in tongue in cheek ‘crazy ones are those who make change’.
Professor Tebogo Pitso, who lecturers at VUT, asked why would the Dialogue be held at the varsity not in Sharpeville?
“The varsity system has captured you as students, and this should not be allowed. Lets’ do the right thing,” opined Prof Pitso, very worried, who insisted that next year the Dialogue should be held at its rightful venue.
Unfortunately, there weren’t many students who attended the Dialogue.
On a lighter note though, on Day-2 on an early morning of March 21, we took part in Heroes Walk at Sharpeville, with various civic organisations.
In the afternoon, as part of Kasi Tourism, invited media and other guests visited a local eatery in Sharpeville for lunch and refreshments. And later in the evening we headed off to a Block Party, where up and coming DJs showed their prowess on the stage.
Day 3, after breakfast, we were whisked-off to Emerald Casino for a wildlife experience- game drive. It was a fun-filled day, feeding animals who seemed very welcoming for Joburgers.
Our second stop was at Sasolburg at Action Sport (for action cricket and netball). Well, the less said what transpired during the activation, the better. These journos do need a lot of energy… dare I said it!
The third stop was Golf at Emfuleni Golf Estate. Must say from the onset the security in that part of the world are uncongenial and rude!
But after a lengthy back and forth- we manage to get through for Golf and lunch.
Unfortunately, we did not attend the Sharpeville Amapiano Experience, in the evening, thanks to those who ‘wield power’.
Day 4, various games were on offer, from paddle (first timers struggled to identify with the sport), to Putt Putt, which my team won overwhelmingly.
Thereafter, it was time to play with H20- having boarded a boat party along the Vaal River, sipping cold ones and spit braai on offer, that’s what we call LOCAL is mos LEKKER, finish & klaar!
Top Image SLM (From left to right- Barba Gaoganediwe, GTA head of Communication, Gogo Tsoana Nhlapo, marketing guru Thebe Ikalafeng and broadcaster McFarlane Moleli, who was an MC, at the ‘Tlong Sekolong Human Rights Dialogue’ held at VUT, last week).
Image Jacob MAWELA (Journos and guests depicted tucking into shisanyama fare at the Vuka Butchery in Sharpeville during GTA media excursion).
