National Storytelling Day makes history
The unsuspecting birthday girl was pleasantly surprised with a portrait by internationally acclaimed veteran cartoonist, Dr Nanda Soobben.
SOME of the country, continent and world’s finest minds in artistry, literature and everything in between converged at the Bluff Showgrounds for the first annual National Storytelling Day. At 11am sharp on Thursday, 24 October, South Africans witnessed history in the making as they honoured this day by telling or reading stories in classrooms, libraries and their places of work in all nine provinces. This day is also Dr Gcina Mhlophe’s birthday, who told guests in jest that she had ‘served’ her travelling duties and felt it important to be in her Durban hometown for the day of inauguration.
The free morning session kept in line with the African Stories Under the Storytelling Tree monthly events at the same venue and was well attended by emerging and notables in the creative space. In true storytelling fashion, all eyes were locked on the various performers who took the stage to extend their branches of knowledge under the large wild fig tree which is synonymous with life, such as the stories and art items shared on the day.
READ ALSO: First annual National Storytelling Day honours living legend Dr Gcina Mhlophe
“The day was phenomenal. So much talent was displayed by both school learners and professional artists. The dignitaries who came from Cape Town, Pretoria, East London, and Port Elizabeth made the day even more inspired. Indigenous musical instruments brought a special connection to our ancestral heritage. Teachers, librarians and storytellers from different parts of South Africa told stories. They lit candles and beat African drums to celebrate the day. Now we shall honour this day on 24 October every year,” said Dr Gcina.
The programme featured the likes of renowned guitarist and musician, Madala Kunene, Thandi Swaartbooi from Women Unite Cape Town, Bongiswa Kotta from Freedom Park, Indian storyteller, Mala Gounden, traditional instrumentalist, Bavikile Ngema, musicians Victor Sithole and Njabulo Shabalala, the Umlazi Comtech jazz band among others.
The unsuspecting birthday girl was pleasantly surprised with a portrait by internationally acclaimed veteran cartoonist, Dr Nanda Soobben.
The event was made possible by Gcinamasiko Arts and Heritage Trust (GAHT) in partnership with eThekwini Library Services, Department of Parks and Recreation. Dr. Gcina Mhlophe, South Africa’s renowned storyteller, believes in the isiZulu saying, a people without the knowledge of their past, origin and cultural heritage, are like trees with no roots.
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