GEORGE NEWS - An arts, culture and wellness festival to celebrate Africa Day awaits all communities at Witfontein Nature Reserve this weekend, Friday to Sunday, 23 to 25 May.

George Tourism is an official partner to the event.

Africa Day, which falls on Sunday, marks 62 years since the Organisation of African Unity started in 1963 and the African Union in 2002. 

This three-day event in George joins global celebrations with simple ceremonies, art displays, talks and performances to heal old wounds from colonialism and to bring all peoples together for a better African future.

The official opening is on Friday at 17:00, with live artists and music until the early hours of Saturday morning.

Saturday's programme includes horseback riding, healing massage sessions, a live art mural creation and workshops on ethnobotany serums.

A panel discussion will follow from 14:00 to 16:00. A highlight of Sunday's programme is the chanting and prayers with the celebration of Africa Day.

The 2025 African Union theme focuses on justice for Africans through fixing past wrongs with reparations and returning what was taken. The festival gathers thinkers, activists and locals for talks and fun, building unity and peace.

The George Municipality staff celebrate Africa Day in 2022. George Tourism is an official partner to the event.

Festival committee member Hein Scheepers of OutenikwaStat House of RasTafari said the festival aims to foster grassroots awareness about pan-African ideas in order to inspire movements for unity, peace and prosperity in Africa and beyond.

Tickets for the weekend cost R120 for adults and R80 for children under 15. Day tickets cost R80 (adults) and R50 (children under 15). For more information, contact Scheepers on 084 787 8033 or send an email to mr7hein@gmail.com.

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