On this 1st day of July 2024, as the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture from South Africa, the home of the late former President, Nelson Mandela and Mama Winnie Mandela, we are honored to convey this short message of support and best wishes on the occasion of the International Reggae Day!
We single out these two Struggle Heroes and Liberation Fighters, because the story of their lives is intertwined with the story of the International Reggae Day. As told by founders of the International Reggae Day themselves, this important day was inspired about 33 years ago, when Mama Winnie and Tata Nelson Mandela visited Jamaica in July 1991.
Addressing a gathering of women hosted by the then Minister Portia Simpson, Mama Winnie reportedly spoke very passionately about the Power of Reggae Music and the role it played in the fight against white minority rule and racial oppression in South Africa. These profound words went on to plant a seed which later germinated into what is known today as the International Reggae Day, celebrated on 1 July of each year.
Interestingly, it was on this day 1 July in 2008 when the then US President, George W Bush signed a bill taking Nelson Mandela off the US terrorist watch list, something which signifies a restorative act of Justice.
1 July is also the beginning of July month, a month in which Nelson Mandela was born on 18 July 1918. As we may all know, in 2009 the UN General Assembly designated 18 July as Nelson Mandela International Day. A day on which the world recognizes and celebrates values of service to humanity and promotion of a culture of peace throughout the world. These values are synonymous to Reggae Music’s most precious expression of unity and inclusion, as enshrined in the lyrics of Bob Marley’s song, “One Love!”
Today as the world Celebrates 30 years of International Reggae Day, South Africans too is celebrating 30 years of Democracy. A Democracy attained on 27 April 1994 when for the first time ever, all South African were afforded a basic right to vote for a government of their choice.
Of course, no one call tell the story of South Africa’s long walk to Freedom better than the Reggae Community. After all, over the years, the Reggae community have spoken extensively against Apartheid system and produced many songs in its condemnation. As far back as 1977, artists like Peter Tosh produced songs titled, Apartheid’ speaking firmly against that inhumane system and declaring boldly that, “we are go fight, fight, fight… Fight against apartheid!”
It therefore no surprise that on 28 April 2023, the State President of South Africa, His Excellency Cyril Ramaphosa conferred to the legendary Peter Tosh, a post-houmous award of the Order of Companion of Oliver Reginald Tambo for his contribution to the fight against apartheid. A highest national honor awarded for friendship shown to South Africa and its people.
It is pleasing that this honor to the late Peter Tosh was awarded in a Free, Democratic and Prosperous South Africa where Rastafarism both as a religion and a culture is loved, respected and appreciated. After all, South Africa itself is home to some of the most accomplished reggae artists of our times such as Lucky Dube, Oyaba, Dr Victor and the Rasta Rebels, Colbert Mukwevho and many others.
As you commence your plethora of activities in celebration of International Reggae Day, please know that you are not alone. Multitudes of South Africans are with you. We join you in this celebration not only because we love the Caribbean sounds of Reggae, but also because as South Africans we owe our liberation, our freedom and our democracy to Reggae Music and its role in our struggle for freedom.
As we conclude, we would like to express our gratitude to the City of Miramar and Consul General Oliver Muir for bestowing the International Reggae Day Winnie Mandela Humanitarian Award to our mother, the Legendary Rita Marley. Her receipt of this Award is not only an honour to her as an individual but also a recognition for many other women who continue to uplift our world and make it a better place for our children and generations to come.
May the Almighty God be with you as you celebrate the 30th Anniversary of International Reggae Day. May Jah bless International Reggae Day and continue to grow it in bounds and leaps.
From the Motherland of Africa and the beautiful Nation of South Africa, we say, ‘ONE LOVE!’
We thank you…
