Wits University

Friday 5 September will mark the official opening event of the inaugural Fak’ugesi: Digital Africa Festival hosted by Wits University. Taking place at the Tshimologong Digital Technology Precinct at 39 Juta Street in the heart of Braamfontein at 5:30pm, Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg will join the Vice Chancellor of Wits University, Prof Adam Habib, in officially opening the Fak’ugesi Festival.

Also speaking at the event will be Prof Christo Doherty, co-founder of the Fak’ugesi: Digital Africa Festival and Head of Digital Arts at Wits University. The official opening event will focus on how the 2014 festival will position Braamfontein as the digital gateway between the City of Johannesburg, Africa and the rest of the world as well as the important role that that digital technology will play in Africa’s growth and development.

Says Prof Doherty: “The Fak’ugesi: Digital Africa Festival will be a celebration of all aspects of digital technology, the numerous opportunities it provides and the vital role it can play in empowering and uplifting the African continent. The festival will also promote the fusion between creative and technological development in Africa by ‘switching on the power’ of digital culture.

Attendees of the official opening can also look forward to a special live performance by Lukas Ligeti on electronic marimba, together with Mpho Molikeng playing traditional African instruments. This year’s festival boasts an impressive and exciting line-up of stand-alone conferences, exhibitions, short-courses and workshops centred on the Tshimologong Precinct, venues on Wit’s East and West Campus, and in the vibrant inner City areas of Braamfontein, and the JoziHub at 44 Stanley Avenue.

The Fak’ugesi: Digital Africa Festival is set to attract students, researchers and entrepreneurs with an interest in digital technology with each event highlighting a different facet of digital technology, from software, hardware and networks to digital content and games.

For more information about the events of the Fak’ugesi Digital Africa Festival go to  www.fakugesi.co.za