​Minister of Tourism Mr Derek Hanekom, is currently attending the 6thSeychelles Carnival from 22 – 24 April 2016.

Events such as these presents South Africa with an opportunity to showcase its rich heritage and cultural assets. South Africa’s participation at the 2016 Seychelles Carnival is therefore based on exhibiting South Africa’s diverse cultures. The following cultural groups will be performing at this year’s carnival: Basotho; Bapedi; Batsonga; Pantsula; Indians; and Folkspele (Afrikaaners).

Following Minister’s attendance at the 5th Seychelles Carnival in Victoria in 2015, it was decided that a comprehensive South African delegation organised for the 2016 Carnival. The Department of Tourism liaised with the Department of Arts and Culture (DAC), the Gauteng Provincial Department of Sports, Arts and Culture as well as the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs to coordinate South Africa’s participation at the Carnival.

South Africa and Seychelles signed a tourism cooperation agreement in August 2013. The relationship between the two countries has been progressive with the display of support for strategic tourism events, hosted in each country, and a shared vision for regional tourism development and integration.

The delegation comprises of a 30 member troupe from five regions of Gauteng, 10 Minstrels from Cape Town amongst other participants. The Carnival troupe is called Afrogination Carnival Troupe; which denotes a fusion of South African cultures within the context of Africa.

For more information, visit our website on www.tourism.gov.za;

Enquiries:
Mr Trevor Bloem
Chief Director: Communications
Department of Tourism
Tel: +27 (0) 12 444 6607
Cell: 27 (0) 82 771 6729
Email: tbloem@tourism.gov.za