Energy Month in SA

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR THIS MONTH

May marks National Energy Month in South Africa. Each year Government takes this opportunity to raise awareness around how fuel and electricity can be used safely and sustainably.

The country has been experiencing an energy crisis, thus, we need to find some actionable solutions to save where possible. Every year campaigns circulate, involving households, businesses and government. The main objective is to work together towards positively changing our reliance on national energy providers to supply our energy. This year Green Energy Awareness and ‘clean’ methods will be a popular topic of discussion, as Government encourages the use of renewable energy sources.

Workers’ Day: 01 May

Workers’ Day has been celebrated globally in multiple countries since 1891. This commemorative day stems from the late 1800’s and the struggle for workers’ rights and social justice. South Africa has a longstanding history of both labour and social conflicts.

Our nation recognises this day, since the elections of 1994, as a celebration of workers’ rights and as a reminder of the critical role that trade unions, the Communist Party and other labour organisations played in the fight against Apartheid. This year, the public holiday falls on a Saturday. Worker’s Day holds much cultural significance for our nation and the sacrifices that have been made surrounding employment standards.

World Press Freedom Day: 03 May

Initiated by the UN General Assembly in December 1993, after the recommendation of UNESCO’s General Conference, World Press Freedom Day raises awareness around journalism culture and practices. Each year, on the 3rd of May, the anniversary of the Declaration of Windhoek is commemorated globally.

Press Freedom campaigns aim to celebrate the essential role of journalists and expressing press freedom, as well as drawing attention to the defense of the media from threats and attacks on their independence. This day also pays homage to the journalists who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day: 17 May

The establishment of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) dates back to the signing of the First International Telegraph Convention, which took place on 17 May 1865. The global society has been celebrating World Telecommunication and Information Society Day ever since. The concept behind the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) is to assist in raising awareness on all the potential that the Internet and other information and communication technologies (ICT) provides to societies and economies.

This day also zooms in on the many ways that society can redress the digital divide. It’s all about empowering communities through the variety of uses ICT and The Internet present.

International Museum Day: 18 May

Celebrated for the first time in 1977, International Museum Day raises awareness of the critical cultural exchange in which museums participate. Museums enrich cultures and society at a global level, developing mutual understanding, partnership, collaboration and peace among communities.

Each year around the 18 May, cultural groups plan and activate events and projects geared towards educating the public and recognising the importance of museums and the service and insight they provide. More and more types of museums join in the festivities each year. This year the Iziko Museum and the Zeitz MOCAA - Museum of Contemporary Art Africa will be popular attractions for South Africans.

Africa Month - Africa Day: 25 May

On 25 May 1963, Africa made history with the foundation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) the precursor to the African Union (AU). The establishment of this organisation marked the continent of Africa as a pioneer in focusing on continental unity and encouraging nation building behaviour.

In celebration of this milestone, the Department of Arts and Culture hosts a selection of events to acknowledge Africa Day on 25th May and throughout May for Africa Month. Africa Month is also a great time to foster appreciation for our continent’s arts and culture goods and services, and to invite competitive markets to trade with African countries.