SA: Artscape and Swedish embassy to launch activist portal

The portal will be launched virtually in 10 African countries, including South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Angola. It was developed by the Embassy of Sweden in South Africa, the Swedish Institute and Liliesleaf Foundation.

Pamoja aims to strengthen engagement, activism and agency among young people. It is designed to create a space to discuss issues around what young people need to tackle the challenges of today and inspire them to take action. Challenges to be addressed include inequality, racism and prejudice, climate change, and solidarity during the pandemic.

The launch will feature an exhibition, panel discussion, a walk-through of the Pamoja experience and a jazz concert. It will be accompanied by an exhibition featuring portraits of an intersectional group of activists from each African country as well as from Sweden. The physical exhibition will be accessible to patrons at Artscape Resource Centre after the launch until 15 December.

“It is based on interviews with stalwarts, focus groups on international solidarity and extensive research through literature, and it aims to use the history of Sweden’s role in supporting development and liberation movements struggling against colonialism and apartheid in Africa as its inspiration,” a statement reads.

Swedish ambassador to South Africa Håkan Juholt said: “We are very happy to be collaborating with Artscape in the launch of this project, which is the culmination of months of research and contributions now ready to be shared with the world. It is in solidarity that we can find solutions to the challenges of today and through the lessons of the past that the youth can write new histories for a better world.”

Click here to register for the virtual launch of Pamoja.