OPENING CEREMONY

The Opening Ceremony of Ekhaya 2024, held on July 25th at La Villette, Paris, was a grand and vibrant event that set the tone for the entire programme. Attended by 150 guests, including South African dignitaries, athletes, and international visitors, the ceremony marked the official launch of Ekhaya as South Africa’s cultural hub at the Paris Olympics and Paralympics.
The culinary experience for the evening was curated by Ms Fowzia Ahmed, a renowned South African chef based in Paris. Chef Fowzia crafted a menu that seamlessly blended traditional South African flavors with French influences,
offering a unique and memorable dining experience.

Due to overwhelming guest appreciation, her expertise extended beyond the Opening Ceremony, overseeing the dining arrangements throughout the entire Ekhaya programme.
The evening showcased South African talent with stellar performances by:

• Natalie Nova: A dynamic vocalist who captivated the audience with her powerful performance.
• Andy the Amapiano Dancer: Bringing the electrifying energy of Amapiano music to life with her remarkable
  dance moves.
• G Washington: A musician who masterfully blended contemporary and traditional sounds.
• Africa Sanqoba: Infusing the event with rhythmic and cultural authenticity through his performance.
  Guiding the event was Vusiwe Ngcobo, a celebrated SABC presenter, whose charisma and professionalism ensured
  a smooth and engaging flow of the evening.
  All aspects of the event’s execution, from dining arrangements to technical support and entertainment, were
  meticulously managed in alignment with the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture’s specifications. Utilizing a
  combination of French and South African suppliers, with the majority based in France, the ceremony not only
  ensured seamless execution but also fostered meaningful collaboration between South African and French partners.
  The success of the Opening Ceremony established a high benchmark for the rest of the Ekhaya programme, solidifying
  its role as a key cultural highlight at the Paris Olympics.