Aug 28–31, 2014
20 Years of Democracy in South Africa
Concerts, Films, Talks
Aug 28–31, 2014
In 2014, the Republic of South Africa celebrates the 20th anniversary of the first democratic elections. The end of apartheid gave millions of previously disenfranchised people a new life horizon. Haus der Kulturen der Welt and the South African Embassy celebrate this jubilee by hosting a critical appraisal of the developments since 1994.
Protagonists of the anti-apartheid movement such as jazz musician Hugh Masekela, author Njabulo S Ndebele or poet Antjie Krog appear alongside representatives of the new generation including filmmaker Khalo Matabane or Afro-futurist trendsetter Nozinja. Films and discussions examine not only the successes of the transition to democracy but also the challenges the country has to face: the wounds of the past, growing inequality, persistent social intolerance. As a “test case in democracy,” the analysis of South Africa also grants insights into the promises and challenges democratic societies worldwide have to come to terms with.
