Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom is at the 6th Seychelles Carnival to showcase South Africa’s rich heritage and cultural assets.

The carnival started today and ends on Sunday. The Tourism Department on Friday said the event is an opportunity for South Africa to attract more tourists to the country.

The following cultural groups will be performing at this year’s carnival: Basotho, Bapedi, Batsonga, Pantsula, Indians and Folkspele (Afrikaaners).

Following the Minister’s attendance at the 5th Seychelles Carnival in Victoria in 2015, it was decided that a comprehensive South African delegation should be 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 Minister’s delegation comprises a 30-member troupe from five regions of Gauteng and 10 Minstrels from Cape Town, among other participants.

The carnival troupe is called Afrogination Carnival Troupe, which denotes a fusion of South African cultures within the context of Africa.

SOURCE: SOUTH AFRICAN GOVERNMENT NEWS AGENCY