Message from Ambassador Sibusiso Ndebele, High Commissioner to Australia and Chair of the African
Renaissance Festival.

We welcome you all to this 18th African Renaissance Festival 2016. I would like to thank the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Mr Senzo Mchunu; Mayor of eThekwini Municipality Mr James Nxumalo; Chairperson
of the organising committee Prof Sihawu Ngubane and all members of the committee for continuing to promote and uphold the spirit of the African Renaissance movement.

The African Renaissance organisation’s goals include promoting the development of Africa and its people. These goals are well reflected in the current theme ‘Entrepreneurs of Africa’. Empowering the youth by developing an entrepreneurial culture is essential to economic and social development. In addition, the promotion of study opportunities available to youth through funding mechanisms such as international bursaries is vital for our ongoing progress.  We live in a global world and exposure to new ideas and experiences is essential to the future development and well being of our people.

To this end, the KZN Ebandla campaign launched in 2005 by the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government, as part of its African Renaissance initiative is aimed at engaging with South Africans, and particularly those from KwaZulu-Natal, now living abroad. Ebandla means ‘Council of the Wise’ and is based on
the ancient Zulu custom of the elders sitting together and discussing issues of community interest.

The recent KZN Ebandla Reunion Dinner held in Sydney, Australia, provided an opportunity to unite and
celebrate the successes of former alumni from KwaZulu-Natal.  In the past similar occasions have been celebrated in London, New York and Dubai. The goal of the campaign is to share new developments, investment opportunities, promotion of tourism, schooling, conferences and exhibitions, and other areas of interest. The involvement of the Province’s successful alumni in its socioeconomic development may
be crucial to KwaZulu-Natal’s ongoing success story as a key component of the South African economy.

Like the Ebandla Dinner, the African Renaissance Festival provides an opportunity to learn about South African policy and strategy, share new ideas, hear of successes and be provoked to take up opportunities. I wish you well over the events and hope that our youth are inspired to reach further in their
studies and in their business and professional lives. Apply yourselves to the acquisition of knowledge and do not overlook the many resources that are available to help you on the path to success.