Published by the government of Zimbabwe
Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
6 July 2009
Harare — The second Pan-African Festival will give Zimbabwe an opportunity to showcase to the world its rich cultural background and its true image, Algerian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Ali Mokrani has said.
Speaking at a fundraising dinner held in Harare last week, Ambassador Mokrani said Zimbabwe and Algeria shared the same history and cultural background.
"I am happy that Zimbabwe is taking part in the Pan-African Festival which will give Zimbabwean artists an opportunity to showcase to the world their rich cultural background and showcase the true image about the country not the one that is portrayed by some section of the media," he said.
Ambassador Mokrani applauded the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Education, Arts, Sports and Culture for facilitating the 60-member delegation that was expected to travel to Algeria last Friday
"This is an achievement as Zimbabwe did not participate in the first edition which was held in 1969 because then it had not attained its independence. Algeria and Zimbabwe share the same struggle and destiny," Ambassador Mokrani said.
He said he was happy that his government had prioritised culture at a time the world was grappling with a serous recession in recent years.
"My country has taken the first step to recognise culture as a priority although the world over is concerned about the economic recession.
"We hope the festival would give African countries the space to be heard that it is not a continent of violence, illness or poverty but that it is going forward," he said.
The festival whose theme is "African Culture Renaissance" seeks to reinforce the spirit of friendship and unity among the Africans.
Ambassador Mokrani wished the Zimbabwean delegation a happy stay in Algeria adding that they had much to show at the festival including the national airline -- Air Zimbabwe, which would also fly Zambian and Malawian artistes.
A traditional outfit Nyamuzeya entertained guests among them the Deputy Minister of Education, Arts, Sport and Culture, Lazarus Dokora, the Permanent Secretary, Stephen Mahere and the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe director Elvas Mari.
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