Tributes to 16 Days Of Activism Echo at the 21st Annual Port St Johns Cultural Festival

Port St Johns, a serene town nestled along the Eastern Cape's rugged coastline, transformed into a hub of cultural exuberance and introspection this past weekend during the 21st Isingqisethu Cultural Festival. The annual event, which is a collaboration between the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture and Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA), brought together a mosaic of African print fashion, traditional dance, poetry, and music.

The festival, however, transcended mere entertainment, as artists and performers took to the stage with a mission—addressing the dark shadow of gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide that looms over the region. Xolelwa Gamndana, a soul-stirring poet, presented her work "Enough is Enough", depicting the grim reality of women treated as disposable objects, echoing the tragic tales that have become all too familiar, such as the recent shooting of Fort Hare University student Sivenathi Mazaleni.

Spectators were moved by the Qhama Afrika dance group, led by Ziphozihle Chithwa. Their performance was not just an artistic expression but a form of education on the devastating impact of femicide and GBV.

Nonceba Kontsiwe, MEC for the Department of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, expressed pride in the festival's growth over the years. It was a sentiment shared by Motsehoa Mahlatsi, ECPTA Executive Director for Destination Development, who highlighted the economic aspect of the festival's influence. From kayak training to massage therapy sessions, the festival aimed at equipping locals with skills increasing the allure of Port St Johns as a destination and promoting economic sustainability. Merchandise like t-shirts and hoodies, adorned with a cannabis motif, celebrated the town's heritage as a heartland of cannabis cultivation.

Still, it's the backdrop of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence that lent the festival a somber tone. It served as a reminder that while the region celebrates its culture and strides in development, there remains a critical need to address the pervasive issue of violence against women and children.

The Isingqisethu Cultural Festival is more than just a showcase of talents; it is a call to action—a reminder that the spirit of 'Ubuntu', must be restored and cherished. As the drums beat and voices rise in song, the community of Port St Johns stands united in the fight against GBV, honoring the lives affected and championing a future of respect, safety, and equality for all.