ShareKUWAIT: Contemporary Art Platform (CAP) hosted a special dinner in honor of South African (SA) Ambassador to Kuwait Dr Manelisi Genge on Thursday. This event not only celebrated the cultural ties between South Africa and Kuwait but also underscored South Africa’s dedication to justice and human rights on a global scale. Genge highlighted South Africa’s commitment to contributing to the realization of a better Africa and a better world.
He emphasized initiatives such as the achievement of international human rights, the implementation of international law in an unbiased and fair manner, and the establishment of a rules-based international order for all. He also took the opportunity to highlight that 2024 marks the 30th anniversary of democracy in South Africa, which according to him, “not only presents an opportunity to reflect on the past 30 years but coincides with several historic milestones in the nation’s fight for fundamental rights and freedom.”
Speaking of South Africa-Kuwait relations, the ambassador said, “South Africa takes pride in its cultural and people-to-people diplomacy, where tourism and culture intertwine.” He pointed out the remarkable rise in South Africa’s tourism sector, especially from the Middle East. From January to December 2023, South Africa saw 54,339 arrivals from the Middle East, marking a 33.7 percent growth compared to the same period in 2022.
Specifically, inbound tourism from Kuwait increased to 1,477 travelers in 2023. Dr Genge noted this trend as an indicator that South Africa is becoming “a favorable destination of choice” for travelers from Kuwait and the expatriate community. Apart from tourism and culture, South Africa’s global commitment was echoed by Amer Huneidi, founder of the Contemporary Art Platform, who expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the South African government for its pioneering role in supporting the Palestinian people in their ongoing struggle.
He praised South Africa for having the moral courage to pose brave questions and shine a light on the state of justice in our world. Huneidi remarked, “Indeed, this is a continuation of Nelson Mandela’s profound support for the Palestinian people in their struggle against colonization and injustice, a deep commitment that has persisted to this day, even after his passing.”
Speaking on the social responsibility of CAP, Huneidi highlighted his long-held belief in art’s role as a fundamental element and catalyst in shaping the visions and components of human culture at large. He stated, “Art has indeed been able to create a more beautiful parallel world while, at the same time, serving as an outcry against violence, injustice, dictatorship, and tyranny.”
