African Design Magazine June 2016 | Page 2

Editor’s view Africa Month promotes an African identity The activities which celebrated Africa Month during May – under the theme “We are Africa – Opening the doors of learning and culture to promote peace and friendship from Cape to Cairo” – were used to promote the African identity, entrench African values and ethics, as well as strengthen existing collaborations in the continent. “We believe our programme will contribute to the attainment of the African Union’s vision 2063 which strives for an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena,” said Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa. Gregg Cocking The Department of Arts and Culture promoted the African Union flag and anthem during the month of May as part of nurturing our African identity. Included in the celebrations of Africa Month, the department hosted a programme of activities across South Africa through various forms of arts ,such as music, literature, theatre, film, fashion, cuisines, seminars, exhibitions, lectures and panel discussions. CREDITS Yet are we doing enough as people and as a continent to promote our African identity? Certainly in architecture there is a move towards creating buildings that look inwardly rather than to the Western world for inspiration, yet what are you doing in your day-to-day tasks that build a uniquely African identity in terms of design? Enjoy reading and sharing our latest issue of African Design Magazine! #AfricanDesign. Published by African Design Magazine (Pty) Ltd, PO Box 9802, Edenglen, Johannesburg, South Africa, 1613 Editorial Gregg Cocking Cell: +2782-870-6390 Email: gregg@africandesignmagazine. com Advertising Lesley Shapiro Cell: +2782-508-7338 Email: lesley@africandesignmagazine. com Cover photograph: Swawou Layout Community School for Girls, Sierra Leone. Photograph: Peter Dibdin While precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of its contents and information, neither the editor, publisher, or its agents can accept responsibility for damages or injury which may arise therefrom. All rights reserved. © African Design Magazine. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form, photocopying, electronic, mechanical or otherwise without the prior written permission of the copyright owners. OUR PARTNERS