EXERCISE
10:
Area
of Specialization: African Culture/ Aesthetic.
Marcus
Garvey- Back to Africa movement:
Marcus Garvey was born in Jamaica, 17 August 1887 and
died in 1964. He advanced a Pan- African philosophy that inspired global mass movement
known as Gaveyism. The goal was to unite all African diaspora to establish a
country and absolute government of their own. He was a civil rights activist,
the orator for Black Nationalism and Pan African movements.
Marcus Garvey created the “Back to Africa movement” in
the United States of America. He then influenced civil activists of the future.
He also founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) situated in
Harlem in New York. His approach was to spread the message across America that
African Americans should be acceptable of their race and go back to Africa to
the ancestral home.
He was the founder of the Black Star Line which provided
transport for those to return to Africa in 1919 and then there was the Negroes
Factories Corporation which promoted the independence of the black people. Marcus
Garvey was one that fought for freedom, justice and equality. He followed the ideology:
“black is beautiful” to promote the fact that all black citizens of the
diaspora would return to Africa to reunite with their roots.
South
African flag, coat of arms and currency:
South Africa is known as the melting pot of cultures and
is the home to a huge population amongst its 9 provinces: Western Cape, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State,
Gauteng, North West, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu Natal who either speak one of the 11 official
languages: English, Afrikaans, IsiNdebele, IsiZulu, IsiXhosa, Sepedi, Sesotho,
Setswana, SiSwati, Tshivenda and Xitsonga. The national anthem is “Nkosi
Sikelel' iAfrika”.
Flag:
The South African flag was designed by Mr Fred Brownell,
the state herald. It was first seen on the 27th of April, 1994. The
design and colours symbolise the country’s history. Colours represent the
different people, so there is no universal symbol attached to any singular
colour.
The centre of the flag, starting with the flag post in a
“V” form and then extending into a horizontal band going towards the end of the
flag is a symbol of diversity consisting of the elements of the South African
society, going towards unity. A theme of convergence and unity blends in with
the motto: “Unity is Strength” from the old coat of arms.
Coat
of Arms:
This is the emblem for the state and is the most
important symbol. It is a great seal that holds authority to every document
with the impression of the respected seal on it. It symbolises the approval of
the president of SA. The coat of arms was launched on freedom day, 27 April,
2000. The new beginning outlined the governments’ aim to show democratic change
in SA and a sense of patriotism.
Ian Bekker was the designer of the national coat of arms.
It has a series of elements depicted in symmetric oval shaped forms,
overlapping each other. The complete coat of arms structure included the lower
and upper oval shapes into a symbol of infinity. The path that links the edge
of the lower scroll, through the lines of the tusks, with a horizon above it and
a sun rising at the top, forms a cosmic egg from which a secretary bird rises.
This refers to the rebirth of a spirit of a great and
heroic nation. The green of the motto is extended with the elephant tusks. Inside
it are a pair of wheat and a golden shield with a khoisan rock art depicting
two human figures greeting each other from the Linton stone. There is a shield
above the knobkerrie crossed with a spear and the protea, secretary bird and
rising sun.
The motto is “!ke e: /xarra //ke”, meaning diverse people
unite. This is addresses to every individual to harness unity between thought
and action. There is a sense og belonging, national pride, diversity and unity.
Symbolism:
·
Ears
of the wheat: fertility, growth, germination, development of any potential.
·
Elephant
tusks: wisdom, strength, moderation and eternity.
·
Shield:
identity, spiritual defence, nation.
·
Human
figures: greeting, unity and the start of an individual’s transformation.
·
Spear
and knobkerrie: defence, authority and the power in the legs of the secretary
bird. They are linked=peace.
·
Protea:
integration of forces and holistic sense. Seen in green, gold, red and black.
·
Secretary
bird: growth, power and speed.
·
Rising
sun: brightness, splendour, energy, rebirth, reflection, knowledge, good judgement
and willpower.
Currency:
The currency of South Africa is either cents or rands.
Consisting of coins and notes In the form of money, each depicting a symbol/
visuals (protea, springbok, flag, Nelson Mandela, blue crane, lion, elephant,
and many more. R1 is equivalent to 100 cents.
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