People & Lifestyle
Year of Return: The official lineup of events to expect from now till January 2020
The Year Of Return committee has released the official list of activities planned for the year, which ends with the This Is New Africa (TINA) Festival in January 2020.
The “Year of Return, Ghana 2019” is a major landmark spiritual and birth-right journey inviting the Global African family, home and abroad, to mark 400 years of the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in Jamestown, Virginia.
Here is the list of events from Now till January 2020″
18th – 22nd August
Jamestown to Jamestown & African American Business Investment, and Development Summit
Jamestown to Jamestown is a spiritual, historical, and reconciliatory journey from August 18 – 28, 2019 from Jamestown, Virginia to Jamestown, Accra Ghana West Africa to commemorate the 400-year anniversary with a week-long series of events dur- ing the Year of Return, Ghana 2019. The highlights include a trip to Jamestown, VA, Visit to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, AfricanAncestry.com DNA reveals and the African American Business, Investment and Development Summit.
Organiser:- Sunseekers Tours LTD. and The Adinkra Group
19th – 25th August
Congressional Black Caucus Homecoming
Since its establishment in 1971, the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) has been committed to using the full Constitutional power, statutory authority, and financial resources of the federal government to ensure that African Americans and other marginalized communities in the United States have the opportunity to achieve the American Dream.
14th – 25th August
Chale Wote
Chale Wote Street Art Festival also known as Chale Wote is an alternative platform that brings art, music, dance and performance out into the streets. The festival targets exchanges between scores of local and international artists and patrons by creating and appreciating art together
21st – 25th August
Black Star International Film Festival
BSIFF focuses on the business of film and advocacy in Ghana and Africa as a whole. It aims to connect the world through film and to bridge the gap between African Cinema and the rest of the world, hence positioning Ghana as a film festival and holiday destination for filmmakers, distributors, film enthusiasts, and holiday destination seekers across the globe.
Organiser:- Black Star International Film Institute
22nd – 23rd August
Benpaali Young Filmmakers Festival
Benpaali Young Filmmakers Festival was launched in Accra, Ghana as an annual event for trained and self-taught artists (15-30 years old) from Africa and the African Diaspora. Connoting a new dawn in the Bulilanguage of Northern Ghana, the goals of Benpaali are to:
Highlight the synergy between heritage & art, Provide a platform a forum for youth from diverse backgrounds to present stories that matter to them, and Connect emerging artists with more seasoned ones from Ghana/Africa & around the world.
Organiser:- Firebeads Media
23rd August
World Folklore Day
World Folklore Day is celebrated worldwide on the 22nd of August every year. The first edition was cele- brated in Ghana in 2018.The World Folklore Day 2019 Ghana slated for 23rd August 2019, will compromise a global village exhibition; a funfair displaying the rich beautiful culture of various countries.
Organiser:- National Folklore Board
23rd – 25th August
New York Kente Festival
A celebration that is based on the iconic Ghanaian artisanal fabric that is becoming quite popular.
Ghanaian Heritage and Culture Committee of New York
6th – 7th September
Voyajah Festival
In celebration of Ghana’s “Year of Return, Ghana 2019” The Voyajah Foundation will be launching their inaugural Homecoming Programme in Ghana. Highlights of the programme include a Voyajah Homecoming Festival, panel discussions, networking events, historical group tours, pop ups stores and live music performanc- es by both local and established high profile international artists. The Voyajah Foundation aims to inspire a generation by building bridges and legacies for generations to come.
Organiser:- Voyajah
21st September
Nkrumah Memorial Lecture Series
The Dubois-Padmore-Nkrumah Memorial lec- ture series is an initiative, which began in 2010. The lecture series was named by the aforemen- tioned (Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois, Mr. George Padmore and Dr. Kwame Nkrumah) for their immense contributions and achievement on Pan African- ism. The lecture commemorate the death and celebrate the achievements of political activists across the African Continent. The keynote speaker presents different topics in relation to Pan Africanism and how it relates to our lives during each organized series.
Organiser: W.E.B. Du Bois Center
20th – 23rd September
Wormanne African Ware Festival
Wormanne (meaning, Our Homeland) seeks to project the Korle Gonno as a community with a rich culture, a place of historic sites, a lineup of hotels and beach resorts. Thus, making it a tourist destination right in the city. The event is poised to popularize the sale and use of African made products/wares and simultaneously fused with entertainment ranging from folksongs and dance to Hi-life and Hip-life. The event is parked with different activities and a colourful display of artworks, crafts, clothing, jewellery, local foods, beverages and a rich traditional and cultural concept.
Organiser: Native Tribe Ghana
27th September
World Tourism Day
Celebration in honor of World Tourism Day
Organiser:- Ghana Tourism Authority
21st September
H.E.R Collective Presents Red, Black, and Gold Festival
Are you ready for the biggest event in Ghana?! H.E.R. Collective presents The RBG (real black gold) festival happening Sept 21, 2019. Hosted by the lovely ladies and founders of H.E.R(help- ing elevation rise) Collective, Queen Afia Khalia Tweneboa Kodua and Queen Nzali Johnet- ta Abraham. What can you expect? A day full of artist from all over the globe and some of Ghana’s very own local stars. Fun & games for the children such as arts & crafts, dancing competitions, food contest and so much more. There will be games and prizes for adults, raffles, icebreakers social mixer challenges, hidden fig- ures history trivia, battle of the sexes, masquerades, drum circles, folklore tales food and all kinds of fun for the entire family!!!!
Organiser:- H.E.R Collective
25th October
Madiba Humanitarian Award: Celebrating the Legacy Of Nelson Mandela.
Each October, BSMAA sponsors an annual fundraising gala to celebrate the life and legacy of Nelson “Madiba” Mandela. The South African-based Nelson Mandela Foundation has approved BSMAA’s event as: the Madiba Humanitarian Award: Celebrat- ing the Legacy Of Nelson Mandela. BSMAA’s Selection Awards Committee selects individuals who embody many of the princi- ples that guided his life.
Organiser:- The Bedford Stuyvesant Museum of African Art (BSMAA)
12th – 13th October
Ghana: Remember the Times
The exhibition will be divided into sections. The first focuses on showing the global reach that Ghanaian traditions, cultural practices and folk- lore have played outside of the country. Exam- ples include the Kwaku Ananse stories that are popular in the Caribbean; the consumption of dishes such as koose/akara/akaraje in Brazil. In parts of Jamaica, traditional practices known in Ghana are still practised including rites of pas- sage, ceremonies and libation pouring to the ancestors.z
Organiser:- The Calabash Hub
25th – 26th October
The Blueprint Conference Ghana 2019
The Jenniez School of African Interior Design (JSAID) in partnership with Blueprint Africa (BpA) will be co-host- ing the Blueprint Conference from October 25-26th in Accra, Ghana seeking to unite interior design pro- fessionals and enthusiasts around riveting panels, workshops and discussions on the role of design in the built environment. The Blueprint Conference is host- ed by JSAID, an accredited interior design vocational school based in Lagos, Nigeria. However, the Ghana- ian edition will be co-hosted with Blueprint Africa, an interior design consultancy based between Abidjan and Accra.
Organiser:- Jenniez School of African Interior Design in partnership with Blueprint Africa
2nd November
Ghana Carnival
The Ghana Carnival is an event to showcase Ghana- ian culture through vibrant costumes and dance
Organiser:-MMRS & Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture
29th – 30th November
Kids Fun Fair
The Kids In Tourism Annual KidsTourism Fair is an event aimed at introducing our kids to the Tourism Wealth of Mother Ghana. The maiden Edition was on the 19th of December 2017 at the Ghana Atomic Energy Park un- der the chairmanship of His Excellency Thomas Otchere, Hon Consul of Botswana. This event has been held an- nually under the chairmanship of Nii Okwei Kinka Dowu- na, Chief of OSU Traditional area in Accra on the 12 of December at the forecourt of the OSU palace.The 3rd edition was held at the Children’s park on the 8th of De- cember 2018, under the chairmanship of Hon Catherine Afeku, former Minster of Tourism.
The Theme for the Kids Tourism fair is Patriotism through Tourism. During the fair, there is a grand durbar of Chiefs and Queens of all the regions of Ghana by the kids. Also there are regional recitals on the Tourism wealth of each region by the kids.
Organiser:- Kids in Tourism
25th – 30th November
Ba Yili!
The Bureau of Ghana Languages has adopted an event to encourage the speaking of the indigenous Ghanaian languages among the citizens of Ghana and as well, create an avenue to introduce our return- ing brothers and sisters to them (indigenous Ghanaian languages). The event is dubbed “Ba Yili!”, a coinage from the fusion of two Ghanaian language words— Ga and Dagbani—translation of “Come Home!”.
Organiser:- Bureau of Ghana Languages
The Ghana Carnival is an event to showcase Ghana- ian culture through vibrant costumes and dance
Organiser:-MMRS & Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture
5th – 6th December
Kuenyehia Trust For Contemporary Art
Contemporary Art has through the Kuenyehia Prize identified 42 talented Ghanaian artists including in- ternationally acclaimed Bright Ackwerh, Yaw Owusu and Comfort Arthur. Artists will be selected from our shortlists to present artworks responding to the theme ”Diaspora – from local to foreign”, The artworks will be the artists’ interpretation of topical issues of “return”, resilience, identity and multiculturalism on a variety of mediums: paintings, illustrations, installations, sculp- ture, photography.
Organiser:- Kuenyehia Trust For Contemporary Art
20th December – 5th January
The V for Vanity Show: Neon Light Edition
The V for Vanity show is an interactive art experience. Following last year’s floral edition this year’s 2019 edi- tion focuses on the use of lights to illuminate the Af- rican progression from continuous subjugation and persecution to emancipation and greatness. Neon lights will be used as the primary vessel to deliver
ten interactive art installations, meticulously designed to engage and educate the audience on African culture and history.
Organiser:- Vernell Akyeampong
6th -7th December
Gold Coast Experience
This event will introduce Ghanaian festivals to African Americans and others. The rich display of culture, the Ghanaian heritage and all the intriguing activities that take place during the festivities will all be glorious sights to be part of.
Organiser:- EmergPR
21st December
AfroChic Cultural Arts Exhibit
The AfroChic Cultural Arts Exhibit is a multi-disciplined mobile event which highlights young and emerging talent of African descent through visual arts, music, technology, wellness activations while showcasing the diverse culture of the Afro community. AfroCh- ic Cultural Arts Exhibit is seeking to travel to Accra Ghana in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism to activate a once in a lifetime experience attracting a global audience. Set to take place on Saturday De- cember 21, 2019 and Sunday December 22, 2019 the vision for the AfroChic Diaspora Festival is a two-day tech and digital virtual reality inspired fest that will ex- plore where technology and design intersects with a focus on the arts, health, technology and political representation. Event curators, honoured guests and spectators alike will be probed to ask the question “what does a black Utopia look and feel like”? The event will attempt to answer this question.
Organiser:- AfroChic
14th December
The Creatives Art Show
“The Creatives Art Show”, an event of four plus years in the running, brings together Ghanaian and foreign artists living in the country. These individuals get to meet art devotees coming from various parts of the world, to interact, network amongst themselves in addition to share desires as artists and art lovers. Artists can market and in due course sell work pieces to possible buyers. The main goal for the event is to Promote Ghana through Creativity, to unify and highlight these great artists. NVA Marketing and Promotions was fortu- nate to have held its 1st and 2nd art show at the Afrikiko Lei- sure Center in Kanda, the 3rd at the Nubuke Foundation in East Legon and the most recent the 4th at the Ndoleb Event Center in Tesano all of Accra. The 4 past events proved suc- cessful with the help of a NVAMP’s marketing efforts, support from Ghana Tourism Authority, The Chinese Embassy, The Embassy of Ethiopian, Embassy of Malaysian, popular media houses and many others.
Organiser:- NVA Marketing and Promotions
24th December
PinexGinja
PinexGinja (Pine and Ginger) is the ultimate merger of Ghanaian and Jamaican cultures, using music and performance to curate a tropical themed party ex- perience for lovers of the vibrant parts of Jamaican culture, in Accra, Ghana.
Organiser:- Ford Communications
24th December – 4th January
Full Circle Festival
International celebrities, including Boris Kodjoe, Idris Elba, Naomi Campbell, Edward Enninful, An- thony Anderson and many other have convened in Ghana where they will be introduced to many facets of Ghanaian culture, through a bonanza of musical events, activities, empowering roundtable discussions, day trips showcasing Ghana and its rich culture.
Organiser:- Diaspora Affairs Office of The President
26th – 27th December
Sankofa Music Concert
Music concert with special guest from around the world
Organiser:- Minitry of Tourism Arts & Culture
26th December
Return Rumble
The event is called the Return Rumble and will feature International professional fighters from the diaspora returning to Africa to challenge some of the best fighters across the Ghana for WBF Pan Af- rican titles at Bukom Boxing Arena on boxing day 2019.
Organiser:- Future Proof Boxing
27th – 29th December
RE-CONNECT FEST 2019
RE-CONNECT FEST 2019 , is an experience that promotes wealth building, self-esteem, education, and en- tertainment for all people of color in Africa and in the dias- pora.
Organiser:- CLASS OF 83’ INC.
28th December
Afrochella
AFROCHELLA is a festival designed to highlight & elevate thrill- ing and thriving millennial talent from and within Africa. The festival is an interactive event that encourages collaboration, explains and explores culture with a pioneering approach. The day features a festive celebration of our culture in the form of: Art & Fashion Installations, Live painting, The Best of African Cuisine, Live performances.
The festival’s purposes is to tell the New Africa story from a na- tive’s perspective. All aspects of the festival from the theme to the production are an ode to the ingenuity and available services in Africa. Our goal is to optimize the experience & en- gage the attendees with the culture in an authentic yet inno- vative approach. We look forward to sharing this experience as a footstep into a new tradition of bringing people together in Africa for tourism and Pro-African development.
29th December
African Royalty Night: The Gala
Brought to you by the organizers of Afrochella. This will be an elegant night of dancing and entertaining. Organiser:- Culture Management Group
29th December
Accra Under The Stars
An elegant outdoor pop up dinner which will gather diasporans from all walks of life for a spectacular evening of dining and dancing.
Organiser: Accra (dot) Alt
1st – 3rd January
This is New Africa 2020
Dialogues, community service, and concert featuring Fuse ODG.
Organiser:- New Africa Nation
People & Lifestyle
Asakaa Boys & Gyakie Set to Headline DMV Party in the Park
The DMV Party in the Park, the highly anticipated outdoor event celebrating Afrobeats music and culture, is gearing up for its third edition with an electrifying lineup that promises to captivate Patron. Organized by StarBuzz Media, this year’s event will take place at The Bullpen in Washington DC on Sunday, July 14th.
Headlining the event are the ever blazing group, Asakaa Boys from Kumasi , who have taken the music scene by storm with their drill music and energetic performances. Joining them is the sensational singer Gyakie. In addition to the headliners, the lineup boasts of other talented artistes , including Sefa, Mr Drew, Lasmid, Kofi Mole, Rison, and Offei Music. These artists are known for delivering unforgettable performances that showcase the richness of African music.
Keeping the energy high throughout the day will be a lineup of talented DJs, including DJ K Crack, DJ Micsmith, DJ Aroma, TeaBee, and many others.
According to the organizer, Mr. Charles “Mc Coaches” Adu-Koranteng, this lineup was carefully curated to provide attendees with an unforgettable experience. “We wanted to bring together a diverse group of artists who represent the best of Afrobeats music,” said Mr. Adu-Koranteng. “We’re also planning some surprises, so patrons can expect even more excitement on the day of the event.”
The DMV Party in the Park has quickly become the biggest outdoor Afrobeats event in the DMV Area, drawing crowds from across the State with its electrifying performances and vibrant atmosphere. Previous editions have seen acclaimed artists like Sarkodie and King Promise take the stage, solidifying the event’s reputation as a must-attend celebration of African music and culture.
Tickets for the DMV Party in the Park are available here;
People & Lifestyle
Speed and Strategy: Unveiling the Apex of Racing Games
Speed freaks always adored video games. Video gamers prefer driving games. Fast-paced action, well-thought-out design, and immersive experiences that encapsulate racing make some racing games famous. Codemasters’ realistic, deep, and sport-accurate “F1” stands out. Because it blends Formula One driving with entertaining and interactive video games, this is the best racing game ever.
F1 by Codemasters
Codemasters’ 2009 “F1” series has made Formula 1 racing more entertaining and difficult. Some racing games emphasize speed or arcade-style gameplay. However, the “F1” series immerses gamers in Formula 1 racing, providing the best modeling experience. Real race tracks, detailed car models, and complex strategy make the game like F1. Attention to detail distinguishes the “F1” line.
The game’s cars, tracks, and racing conditions have Formula One-like mechanics and aerodynamics. Strategic decisions about weather, tire wear, fuel management, and aerodynamics affect race success. Career mode lets players practice, qualify, and race as an F1 driver while managing their time off the track and getting along with coworkers. Also great about “F1” is the AI.
Real-life F1 drivers protect their line, wait for mistakes, and arrange pit stops to emulate their gaming opponents. Better AI makes the game more realistic and difficult, so players must improve their driving and strategizing to win. . Better visuals and acoustics have made the “F1” series more entertaining.
The realistic sound effects, changing weather, and detailed automobiles and settings make racing exciting and authentic. Playing “F1” is thrilling since the graphics and acoustics make you feel quick. The series has also adapted to video game technology. Features are added and improved in each game. Adding the ERS (Energy Recovery System) to the game is like improving F1 car technology. Players should remember this for better race results. Online and multiplayer gaming has increased over time, allowing players from around the world to compete. It makes it more fun to play again and provides it an edge over other games.
Codemasters “F1” is popular among race fans and F1 teams and drivers. Since it’s so realistic, it’s a terrific way to practice and learn about race tracks and automobiles, blurring the line between simulation and real life. F1 teams and drivers improved the game. This keeps it authentic and gives fans a taste of F1. Codemasters’ “F1” series is the best racing game.
Complex, realistic, and immersive, it captures Formula 1 racing. It’s popular because it balances technical accuracy and pleasure, providing players a fresh and gratifying experience. Game simulates Formula 1 driving well, teaching you a lot. It’s fun and demonstrates how hard and exciting Formula 1 racing is.
Mario Kart is popular with all ages. In this narrative, fast-paced, action games replace racing games. This series has made exciting, easy-to-play driving games since the early 1990s. It makes you want to play against others because each track, power-up, and character is unique.
Mario Kart from Atari is the best driving game.
Everyone knows Mario Kart from arcade racing games. Its simple controls and complicated tactics make it stand out. Everyone likes it—why? Fun to race and easy to control. Thus, novice gamers enjoy it while old gamers appreciate its depth. Mario Kart adds tracks, characters, and power-ups with each game. This makes the game new and fun. Well-planned tracks with themes and places from bustling towns to fantasy vistas. Each has its own obstacles and shortcuts.
This makes every race entertaining and varied, and players must overcome course challenges. Mario Kart power-ups are great. Complications make the game harder to guess.
Shells, bananas, and the renowned blue shell can influence the outcome of a race, allowing participants a chance to rebound and fostering fierce competitiveness. This alters races since players must decide when and how to employ power-ups to gain an advantage or halt opponents. Each Mario Kart character has particular moves that influence how they race, so choosing a character is more than simply appearances. The character you choose affects racing and car handling.
Heavyweight characters can start slowly but stay fast. Lightweight characters accelerate faster but move slower. Mario Kart has always been popular because it can be played with others. Split-screen and online multiplayer allow players to compete. This makes the game ideal for family game nights and friend gatherings. Power-ups and course layouts make races unpredictable and competitive.
This is enjoyable and exciting whether played casually or competitively. Mario Kart has added customizable cars and enhanced online matchmaking throughout time. The game is more interesting to play and replay thanks to these changes. The line now includes mobile phones. “Mario Kart Tour” brings old-school racing to cellphones, so more people can play. Mario Kart is unique in the racing category because it makes racing fun, available to everyone, and competitive. Combining strategy, talent, and luck keeps players of all levels engaged. This is why gamers love the franchise. Mario Kart is the best arcade racer because it’s simple, fun, and engaging. The video gaming community reveres this iconic racing game. Its unique blend of easy gameplay, great strategic depth, and a colorful game world makes it popular.
The iconic racing game series “Gran Turismo” revolutionized racing simulations. The exact details, big car collection, and realistic driving experience are lauded. Since its release, “Gran Turismo” has been the best computer game to capture the spirit of vehicles and be exciting to play.
How Gran Turismo Changed Racing Games The Real Driving Simulator
“Gran Turismo,” appears most like a genuine car. This series attempts to accurately mimic how many vehicles drive and handle. All cars, from cheap to fast supercars, are meticulously modeled to appear and feel real. This comprises engine noise, car movement, and exhaust sound. The “Gran Turismo” series goes beyond cars. Real tunes from around the world are in the game. Each has been meticulously recreated to replicate the challenges and peculiarities of real race tracks. such race car drivers, players must adapt to track conditions such road surface, weather, and turn angle.
“Gran Turismo” is wonderful since you can play several driving segments. You may play as a car in arcade or simulation mode, so casual and racing lovers can enjoy it. To succeed in simulation mode, you must master racing methods, brakes, race lines, and car tuning. The game’s garage lets players adjust their cars’ tires, chassis, gear ratios, and dampers. Races feel more real due of this. Racing from “Gran Turismo” games has also come to life.
The “Gran Turismo” GT Academy teaches fans how to race cars like pros. Partnerships with automakers and racing groups enable these activities. This clever method created many good race car drivers by training them in a “Gran Turismo” game. This shows how realistic the simulator can teach.
“Gran Turismo” transformed how consumers view cars and the auto industry. The game has taught millions how to tune and race vehicles, making them appreciate automotive engineering and design. Carmakers have used it to showcase concept automobiles and future models, making it tougher to distinguish between advertising and interactive entertainment. The new technology in “Gran Turismo” has always pushed 2D and 3D graphics limits in video games. Realistic weather, dynamic lighting, and high-resolution models make the game look excellent.
The graphics complement the realistic driving controls. The “Gran Turismo” physics engine simulates genuine car movement, making driving more realistic and sophisticated. Players are constantly encouraged to improve their driving. “Gran Turismo” is a popular driving game simulator that depicts the real world of cars. Its realistic graphics, large number of cars and tracks, and rich driving experience have set the benchmark for racing simulations. It also influenced video games and automotive culture. People remember “Gran Turismo” as a racing game leader because it is still popular, influenced players and the industry, and is continuously changing in ways that keep racing fans worldwide interested and irritated.
People & Lifestyle
The Heartbeat of a Nation: Football’s Impact on South African Society
Football in South Africa is more than a pastime. Its cultural and social impact on the country’s history and identity is significant. From dusty township fields to massive stadiums that contain thousands, football reveals the enthusiasm, battles, and hopes of its people. This sport has united a diverse nation with a convoluted history. It has energized communities, showcased talent, and improved the country’s social and economic life. This study examines how football has influenced South African society, focusing on renowned players and venues.
Football Unites People
Football helped unite and normalize South Africa’s downtrodden majority during apartheid. Football, though played separately, was one of the few sports that mingled races throughout apartheid. It has brought people together and celebrated a new age of unity and acceptance since apartheid ended. The sport has broken down racism and fostered national identification among South Africans of all backgrounds.
People have come together thanks to the Zulu national team, Bafana Bafana, meaning “the boys”. Their accomplishments, especially qualifying for and hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup, made South Africa proud and put them on the world scene. The incident went beyond football. It showcased South Africa’s strength and diversity, improving its international image.
What Key SA Footballers Do
Several South African footballers are revered as symbols of optimism and sport. Lucas Radebe and Benni McCarthy, two South African footballers who have excelled internationally, have inspired many young athletes. Leeds United fans respect Lucas Radebe, who managed the club in the English Premier League, for his defense, leadership, and off-field behavior. His journey from Soweto to European arenas shows how sport can change lives.
South African all-time top scorer Benni McCarthy is another great player. His European career included winning the UEFA Champions League with FC Porto. His victory inspired many young South African footballers and showed that talent and dedication can overcome social and economic constraints.
The significance of these players stretches beyond sports. Their efforts to youth initiatives and community progress have improved their hometowns and the nation. Their engagement in these projects shows how football can improve the world and boost grassroots growth.
Football and Economy
In South Africa, football affects the economy. Football boosts the economy by providing jobs, attracting tourists, and increasing spending at games. Local leagues and international games make money from merchandising, tickets, and broadcasting. This money aids local businesses and communities.
These events often turn stadiums into economic hubs. Stadium visitors benefit local merchants and small businesses. Building and maintaining stadiums for events like the FIFA World Cup has improved infrastructure and created jobs, leaving a lasting impact on the communities involved.
FNB Stadium in Johannesburg Must See
Any South African football fan must visit Soccer City, the FNB Stadium. This stadium is Africa’s largest. The Johannesburg venue holds about 95,000 people. Its architecture is magnificent and old. It hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final and numerous significant national team games. FNB Stadium is a great place to explore South Africa’s vibrant football culture. The country’s identity is steeped in football, and its enthusiasm is evident.
Football has shaped South African culture, society, and economy. Millions dream about this sport, which is crucial to South Africa’s history and future. South African society has traditionally valued football because it unites and inspires. This boosts national pride and communal cohesion.
Let’s look at football’s school and personal growth opportunities for South African youth to understand its numerous effects. Football is a popular activity and a valuable tool for education and personal improvement, especially in underprivileged communities. Football may change lives and create well-rounded, talented people who are ready for life’s challenges.
South Africa uses football to teach and develop people.
Poverty and poor schooling plague many South African areas. Football is become a force for good, especially among youth. Sports engage youngsters and teens in exciting, educational activities that go beyond the rules.
Football-related education programs
Many South African schools and community institutions provide football classes. Fun technique to keep youngsters interested in school. These schools employ football to teach math, science, and critical thinking. Students can study math by looking at passing and shooting angles or physics by watching the ball move. Teaching these ideas through football makes learning more exciting and relevant, which helps students remember more.
Football-based schools also teach health, nutrition, collaboration, leadership, and decision-making. These programmes aim to teach kids life skills, enhance self-esteem, and instill responsibility. HIV/AIDS prevention is a major issue in South Africa, thus health education workshops may address it. Football may be used to discuss collaboration and safety.
Scholarships and Employment Options
Football also grants bright kids scholarships to help them go college. Many South African football clubs and academies provide school and sports scholarships. This all-around approach allows football players to finish school and pursue their aspirations. Football practice requires focus, regularity, and dedication, which many student-athletes use to improve their grades.
Good football players can become professionals in their home nation or abroad. This can impact their lives, families, and communities. Many young South Africans are inspired to work hard in school and training by the stories of underprivileged footballers who became world stars.
Community involvement and harmony
South African football schools go beyond education. They also unite and engage communities. Football allows kids in high-crime neighborhoods to hang out, communicate, and study in an organized setting. Sport unites people from all backgrounds, healing social and economic divides and building community pride. Tournaments and league games, frequently combined with community events, unite and enhance communal pride, strengthening society.
Football and gender equality
Football schools are increasingly important in South Africa for promoting gender equality. Football is traditionally played by men, but more programs are recruiting women. These programs challenge gender stereotypes and promote equality by giving girls the same football opportunities as males. This empowers young women and improves programs by introducing new ideas and skills.
Support and positive examples
Finally, South African football programs generally involve senior players and teachers mentoring younger players. These professors exhibit hard work, perseverance, and honesty. Role models who have experienced comparable things can inspire young players. This shows them they can succeed with hard work and commitment.
Football is important to South African education and development. Football schools nationwide are improving citizens and players by mixing athletics, academics, and life skills. These programmes provide football advantages to schools and neighbourhoods, improving the futures of many South African children.
Football has been crucial to South Africa’s political and social justice movements. Because of its popularity and ability to unite people, the sport has been utilized to discuss national issues including racial reconciliation, community representation, and public policy advocacy. This effect goes beyond fun and community involvement. Football is a powerful weapon for social change and a mirror of the nation’s accomplishments and problems.
The History of Anti-Apartheid Movements Through Football
Football was used to resist apartheid in South Africa. Rarely did anti-apartheid activists gather at football clubs and games to pretend to watch or play. They discussed political methods and united downtrodden people throughout these times. Sports stadiums and fields were often locations for protests and political expression.
Football matches were also protests against apartheid during these difficult times. Fans and players made political comments in games, which got them in problems but also raised awareness of South Africans worldwide. This publicity helped fight racism worldwide. Football can influence political discourse and action.
Football in Post-Apartheid Healing
After apartheid, South African football became about unity and peace. Many consider the 1996 African Cup of Nations, which South Africa hosted and won with Bafana Bafana, one of its most significant events following apartheid. South Africans of all races welcomed the win, which is considered as a major step toward a national identity. Nelson Mandela’s support and appearance in a Bafana Bafana shirt at the event show how football can unite generations.
Modern Community Advocacy and Representation
Football still raises awareness about health, education, and crime prevention in South Africa. With football clubs and associations, NGOs and government agencies establish projects that exploit the sport’s appeal to reach many people. Many of these activities involve youth and teach them about HIV/AIDS, drug misuse, and violence prevention.
These programs generally involve active and retired football stars, who use their reputation to promote change. Athletes are social change agents beyond their sports achievements because their participation can affect behaviour.
Impacting public policy
Football has affected South Africa’s public policies, not just grassroots efforts. The government includes sports in its public health, education, and youth development goals because it knows they can address societal issues. Policies that upgrade sports grounds and fund local clubs are seen as investments in sports and ways to make communities healthier and more integrated.
The intersection of sports, politics, and social justice in South Africa has issues despite its benefits. Corruption in sports administrations, insufficient funding for grassroots projects, and racial and economic disparities in sports benefits and participation must be addressed. Sports’ ability to improve politics and society is also debated. Too much football for social change may obscure larger systemic issues that require more extensive remedies, say opponents.
Finally, football’s significance in South Africa’s political campaigning and social justice shows how it may influence society. Football has been essential to South African culture since its usage to combat apartheid and now to promote social harmony and governmental policy. Football will undoubtedly continue to shape and represent the hopes and difficulties of its people as the country changes.
People & Lifestyle
Libraries Without Walls and Greatness In You partner to open GIU Innovation Center in Ayikuma
Libraries Without Walls and Greatness In You are pleased to announce the launch of the GIU Innovation Center in Ayikuma. The center aims to foster innovation, creativity, and digital learning opportunities for children and young people in the community and its surroundings. (more…)
People & Lifestyle
MTN GHANA COMMEMORATES INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR GIRLS IN ICT
MTN Ghana is celebrating the International Day of Girls in ICT with the theme “Leadership”. The focus this year is on the importance of strong female role models in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) careers. The International Day of Girls in ICT is observed on April 25th each year and is an initiative supported by ITU Member States to encourage girls and young women to pursue careers in the field of information and communication technologies (ICT).
This year, in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Digitalization, MTN Ghana hosted ICT students from Aburi Girls SHS at the MTN House for a facility visit and interaction with female engineers. Additionally, the MTN Ghana Foundation will partner with Mobile Web Ghana, an ICT company, to encourage girls in junior high schools in and around the Agbogba community to pursue STEM careers.
Adwoa Wiafe, the Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer of MTN Ghana, congratulated women and institutions in Ghana that are championing the cause of girls in ICT. She called on Corporate Ghana to join the efforts in increasing female representation in ICT/STEM. She emphasized MTN Ghana’s commitment to ensuring that women and girls have equal opportunities to participate in the digital economy, noting that providing girls with equal access to digital training and education is crucial in shaping a strong digital future.
MTN Ghana has been promoting Girls in ICT in basic and senior high schools as well as the tertiary institutions for several years now. The company has so far invested GHs 12.6 million to support the Girls in ICT project led by the Ministry of Communications and Digitalization, benefiting over 8,000 girls across Ghana.
The MTN Ghana Foundation has also established Robotics and ICT facilities in collaboration with institutions and communities to bridge the digital gap. Recently, the MTN Ghana Foundation handed over a state-of-the-art Robotics Centre to the Mamfe Methodist Girls SHS at a cost of GHC2,280,489. The facility includes a 100-seater hall for Robotics training and practice, a research room equipped with computers for teachers and students, robotics equipment, furniture, and internet access. MTN Ghana Foundation also provides training and coding workshops for girls in Basic and Senior High Schools.
The Foundation’s strategy is to focus largely on digital skills training and facilitation with the goal of preparing the youth for emerging job opportunities.
People & Lifestyle
ROSEY MUSIQ GRABS 3 NOMINATIONS AT GMA USA
Sensational Gospel singer and songwriter Rosey grab three nominations at the 5th edition of Ghana Music Awards, USA.
The US-based Ghanaian vocalist is the author and voice behind numerous hits, including ‘Storm’, ‘Testimony,’ ‘Nagode’, ‘Power’ and ‘His Name’.
Rosey has been nominated in not just one, but three categories! She’s up for Female Artiste of the Year, Best Gospel Song of the Year (His Name), and Music Video of the Year. It’s a testament to her incredible talent and hard work.
The talented singer has been making waves in the music industry lately. She was recently awarded the USA Artist of the Year Award at the prestigious Modern Gospel Awards. Additionally, she has released a new single titled ‘STORM’, which has been receiving positive reviews from music critics and fans alike.
The voting process for the GMA USA will be communicated soon. Rosey’s songs are available on all major streaming platforms.
Check out her song ‘His Name’ that got nominated.
YouTube:
BOOMPLAY:
https://www.boomplay.com/share/music/125382628?srModel=COPYLINK&srList=IOS
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