programme

[ 1.30pm - 2pm ]

Ubuntu Festival

Registration

Novalis Ubuntu Institute, Wynberg

Met by the music of the Justice Desk Marimba band, arrive and register to make sure your space is reserved for the workshops and events you would like to attend!

Get your ticket

[10am - 11.30am]

Climate Justice Workshop with the Princess Vlei Forum and the African Climate Alliance

Prester John - Novalis Ubuntu Institute

Join the team of Princess Vlei and the African Climate Alliance for a screening of “Dressing the Princess” - a 10 min documentary capturing the story of Princess Vlei, a story of communities united, defying greedy commercial forces to preserve the untamed beauty, cherished heritage, and boundless spirit of this hallowed land. The screening will be followed by a discussion with Denisha Anand and Gabriel Klassen, exploring the intersections of earth restoration with climate and social justice.

[10am - 11am]

Forgiveness...Liberation of the Soul by charlene houston

Jupiter - Novalis Ubuntu Institute

After her daughter's murder by a APLA militants, Professor Ginn Fourie navigates themes of justice and forgiveness in South Africa's history, culminating in mutual reconciliation with the convicted murderer and attack commander. Their journey underscores the complexities of reconciliation and offers a path towards mutual understanding and forgiveness.

[10am - 11.30am]

Afrocentric Printmaking Workshop

Art Room - Novalis Ubuntu Institute

Join us in sharing Ubuntu through printmaking. Whether you are experienced or want to try something new, this workshop provides you the opportunity to learn etching and unleash your inner creativity.

[11.00 - 11.30am]

Kandelaar/Kiepersol Film Screening with Turning into Flowers

Jupiter - Novalis Ubuntu Institute

Isolated by lockdown, dancers found a blooming connection!

Grace Barnes and Mmatumisang Motsisi couldn't dance together, but they danced with nature! See their inspiring exploration of movement, resilience, and the unexpected connections that bloom, even in isolation.

[11.30am - 12.30pm]

Calling The Flowers Home - a performance by Turning into Flowers

Main Assembly Hall

Field botanist Rupert Koopman leads an immersive performance connecting audiences with Cape Town's wildflowers. Through storytelling and interaction, participants envision a symbiotic relationship between humans and the natural world.

Botanical Storyteller - Rupert Koopman, Flower performers - Tiffani Dlamini & Mmatumisang Motsisi, Directed by Megan Nell

1pm - 2.30pm

Beloved Community Meets Ubuntu

Prester John - Novalis Ubuntu Institute

Workshop Presenters: Rev. Dr. Richard Rose, course designer and instructor & Rochelle Rose, story teller, film maker

Utilizing the Cyclonic Dialogue method, this interactive workshop delves into the relationship between the Beloved Community and Ubuntu. Attendees will watch the documentary "Building the Beloved Community," which illustrates its application at the University of La Verne. Through engaging discussions, participants will explore unity, shared community, and compassion, gaining insights into how these concepts address contemporary challenges.

[ 1pm - 2.30am ]

Film Screening: “Bittersoet” and “Platfontein: Changing the Narrative” with Jacob Cloete

Jupiter - Novalis Ubuntu Institute

"Bitterfontein: Scenes from Lockdown

"A Slice of Life Film" captures the daily experiences of rural residents during the lockdown period from March to July 2020, shedding light on often overlooked nuances of rural life. Contrary to expectations, the film provides an intimate portrayal of ordinary life, emphasizing the subtleties and routines that define rural existence amidst unprecedented circumstances.

Platfontein: Changing the Narrative

"Platfontein: Changing the Narrative" explores the !Xun and Kwe San communities' journey to reclaim their narrative, using transmedia storytelling. Through four short films, the documentary showcases their resilience and cultural revival in post-apartheid South Africa.

Throughout the day you will also have the opportunity to participate in conversation tables reflecting on the themes of Ubuntu, expressive art workshops, and witness the live art of Kabelo Moraloki

(@kabelomoraloki_art).

[ 4.30pm - 6pm ]

The Spirit of Ubuntu Film Launch

Labia Theatre, Cape Town

Join a conversation with the filmmaker and team behind the award-winning documentary ‘The Spirit of Ubuntu’ as part of this networking event right before the screening.

This evening’s events will feature an opening poem entitled ‘The Spirit of Ubuntu from the Mother City with Love’ by Fa'Deela Ally-Schmidt, Consciousness Catalyst, Wording Dervish.

We aim to foster deeper connections and anticipate an evening of storytelling and community celebration.

[6pm- 8.30pm]

The Spirit of Ubuntu Film Screening

Labia Theatre, Cape Town

Introducing "The Spirit of Ubuntu" an award-winning documentary. This captivating film, takes centre stage on Friday, 22 March 2024 as a key component at this year's festival, earning accolades for its profound exploration of Ubuntu's meaning and values.

Join a conversation with the filmmaker and team after the screening of the award-winning documentary ‘The Spirit of Ubuntu’ as part of this networking event right before the screening.

Panelists:

• Kudzai Machinga - Director of The Spirit of Ubuntu film
  
• Pato Banton - Producer of The Spirit of Ubuntu film
  
• Antionette Rootsdawtah - Co-producer of The Spirit of Ubuntu film
  
• Moses Machapisa - Assistant Director The Spirit of Ubuntu film
  

[ 10am - 10:30am ]

Guests Arrival, Welcoming and Orientation to Guga S’thebe

Guga S’thebe, Langa

Workshop: Rise of the Divine Feminine - Empowerment in the Age of Ubuntu

[10:30am - 11:30am]

Guga S’thebe, Langa

Antionette Rootsdawtah

Workshop Presenter: Antionette Rootsdawtah

Gather in a sacred women's circle, where the Divine Mother's nurturing love flows freely. Together, we honor our strength and embody the Divine Feminine's radiance, cultivating sisterhood and empowerment.

For more info visit www.divinemotherslove.org

[ 11:30am - 12:30pm]

Qhawekazi Menstrual Health Workshop - Workshop and Panel Discussion with Ubuntu NPO

Guga S’thebe, Langa

We acknowledge menstruation's complexity in women's health, tied to social, economic, and cultural factors. Through this workshop, we aim to confront stigma, misinformation, and resource disparities, empowering marginalized communities to address menstrual health with confidence and dignity.

Amkela Makhanya

Guga S’thebe, Langa

Workshop: Body joy, body wise, body love with Fadeela Ally-Schmidt

[ 11.30am - 12pm ]

Body Awehness! Body wise, Body joy, Body love with Vibrational Healer and Lover of Movement - Fadeela Ally-Schmidt. Experience your own body gift as an energetic temple. You always, already had it!

Lunch Break

[ 1pm - 1:30pm ]

Guga Sthebe, Langa

[ 1pm - 2.30pm]

Workshop: How can we light up the world?

Guga S’thebe, Langa

Workshop Presenter: Rev Berry Behr

“Your world needs your light. Your wisdom. Your intelligence. Your vision. You have the ability to light up your world so that the people in it can see.” – David Karchere, Becoming a Sun

We arrive at this juncture laden with learned constraints from generations of narrow thinking, yet humans possess a remarkable capacity to transcend limitations. Join us in this mini workshop as we delve into the untapped potential of the human psyche, guided by science's insights into natural laws that propel us beyond constraints, fostering pure creation, peace, and boundless possibilities.

Get your ticket

[5:pm - 7:30pm]

‘Ubuntu as Engaged Agency’ - Panel Discussion

Desmond and leah and Tutu Legacy Foundation, City Centre

Join us in discovering the stories, lessons, and inspirations that emerge from the ‘Mandela is Dead’ showcase, in conversation with other artists and curators. We collectively reflect on our roles in fostering a more compassionate and interconnected world - with these profound messages woven into the Ubuntu Festival.

Panelist:

• Phumza Qwaqwa - Moderator
• Dr Wanelisa Xaba -Decolonial Thinker, Storyteller and researcher
• Dr. Richard Rose - Professor of Religion and Philosophy at the University of La Verne
• Kneo Makgopa - Nelson Mandela Foundation, Curator of the ‘Mandela is Dead’ exhibition
• Ntombenhle Shezi - Advocacy and Communications Manager, Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation
  

[7:30pm - 8:30pm]

‘The person is in the people’ Exhibition

desmond and leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, City Centre

The Nelson Mandela Foundation unveils its latest exhibition, "Mandela is Dead," at the Ubuntu Festival on March 23, 2024. This exhibition invites us on a compelling journey, urging us to reclaim our collective responsibility in preserving and safeguarding our shared humanity.

Learn more about the exhibition: www.nelsonmandela.org

[ 10am - 12pm ]

Dream Walk at Princess Vlei

Princess Vlei, Retreat

Join Shihaam Domingo and the Princess Vlei Forum for a guided walk at Princess Vlei, a wetland rich in myth and cultural heritage. Experience the tradition of Sunday Dream Walks, with a welcome tea and Sunday koesister honoring cultural traditions of food, plants, and land.

About Princess Vlei: www.princessvlei.org

[ 1pm - 2pm ]

Mindfulness Workshop

with Jenny

Assembly Hall - Novalis Ubuntu Institute

An interactive session on mindfulness, resilience and

the beneficial impact on our nervous system.

Assembly Hall - Novalis Ubuntu Institute

Dances of Universal Peace with Fa’deela Ally-Schmidt

With Intra faith-interfaith holder, activator and conduit - Fa’deela Ally-Schmidt. Elemental body prayer harmonised with mantra across the wisdom traditions - allow a deeper embodiment into aspects of Ubuntu as Oneness.

[ 2:30pm - 3:30pm ]

Attunement Demonstration

Jupiter Room - Novalis Ubuntu Institute

[2:30pm - 4pm]

Embracing Ancestral Wisdom: A Workshop on Cultural Preservation and Spiritual

Empowerment

Prester John - Novalis Ubuntu Institute

With Mangaliso Baphilisi Ntekiso

Celebrate and safeguard cultural heritage in this workshop led by the Igqirha, exploring ancestral wisdom and empowering individuals to honor their roots. Through ancestral communication methods and education, we aim to preserve our heritage and dignity amidst media sensationalism and trends.

Mangaliso Baphilisi Ntekiso

[4:30pm - 6:30pm]

Ubuntu as Rupture and Repair:

Personal Stories and Global Healing

Closing Keynote Panel Discussion

Assembly Hall, Novalis Ubuntu Institute, Wynberg

Our closing Keynote Conversation, "Ubuntu as Rupture and Repair: Personal Stories and Global Healing," explores how Ubuntu principles guide individual actions and community efforts for societal healing in the face of global disruptions. Join us as we connect personal experiences with the broader potential of Ubuntu to foster collective restoration.

Opening land blessing with Zebada January & Connecting the Dots with Fadeela Ally-Schmidt

Panelist:

• Asanda Ngoasheng - Moderator
• Dr Zolelwa Sifumba - Medical doctor, global health advocate and activist.
• Dr Mamphela Ramphele - Is an activist, medical doctor, academic, and businesswoman.
• Felicity Harrison - Head of Sustained Dialogues at the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation.
• Mangaliso Baphilise Ntekiso - A devoted cultural and heritage practitioner.
  

InterFaith Iftar - Celebration Social Dinner

[ 6:45 pm - 8pm ]

Novalis Ubuntu Institute, Wynberg

Hosted by the Turquoise Harmony Institute, we end our festival with a celebratory dinner, marking the evening meal of the holy month of Ramadan. This event is an opportunity to learn more about the significance of Ramadan, to participate in the practices of Iftar and share a meal together across cultures, religions and contexts, embodying the spirit of Ubuntu.