Isingqisethu Cultural Festival: A Catalyst for Social Cohesion and Economic Development in Port St Johns and Surrounding Areas
The Eastern Cape Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe led the annual cultural festival, Isingqisethu in Port St Johns over two days on 2nd to 3rd December 2023.
MEC Kontsiwe believes that Isingqisethu helps the province promote its unique identity through arts and culture. Furthermore, it enables the province to celebrate unity in diversity and brings people from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and diverse ethnic groups together.
The festival saw performances from renowned artists and local artists sharing the stage and expressing their talents through art, dance, and music. The national artists inspired, interacted, and engaged with emerging artists in the form of motivation and capacitation.
The festival featured an outdoor setup encompassing craft displays, a diverse array of African cuisine, and performances ranging from indigenous to contemporary renditions.
The event entailed kiddies entertainment, fashion show with designers representing the Districts and the Metros of the EC, and crafters.
The objectives of Isingqisethu Cultural Festival are to preserve the rich artistic tapestry of Eastern Cape through arts and culture, improve market access and grow the economy through creation of job opportunities.
The cultural tourism aspect was lifted as performances attracted music revellers from all over the province and beyond, bringing much needed economic stimulus to the area.