Cultural corporation MoU with South Africa revived to deepen relations

Acting South African High Commissioner to Ghana, Thando Dalamba, has noted that Ghana and South Africa have revived an existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cultural and sports cooperation, signed in 2012, to strengthen bilateral ties through arts, heritage, and athletic development.

The renewed MoU between the two countries marks a significant step toward deepening people-to-people connections and institutional partnerships.

Speaking to the media at the Pink Polo International Tournament (PPIT), a premium lifestyle event aimed at raising breast cancer awareness and funds to support initiatives in Ghana at the Accra Polo Club, he reiterated that South Africa is now positioned as a tourism hub on the continent and the high commission remains committed to creating interlinkages between the two countries.

Key highlights of the revived MoU in the cultural exchange & creative collaboration sector include facilitating joint programmes in heritage preservation, arts education, creative residencies, and institutional exchanges.

The MoU on sports also includes provisions for sports development through shared events, training exchanges, and youth engagement initiatives.

Mr. Dalamba emphasised that this aligns with South Africa’s broader strategy of blending sports and tourism to attract visitors from Ghana and other countries and foster goodwill.

“The revival of this MoU is part of a broader diplomatic effort to leverage the soft power of arts, culture, and sports—as tools for deepening bilateral relations and promoting mutual understanding,” he said.

The MoU Revival

The Blackstar Experience Secretariat (BSE) of Ghana, under the Office of the President, has signed the MoU with the National Arts Council of South Africa (NACSA).

The agreement was signed at NACSA’s headquarters in Johannesburg. Rex Owusu Marfo, Chief Executive Officer of the BSE, represented Ghana, while Julie Diphofa, Acting CEO of NACSA, signed on behalf of South Africa.

The partnership will focus on cultural and creative exchange programmes, heritage preservation, arts education collaborations and residencies, institutional exchanges, internships, training opportunities, as well as joint research and development projects.

Through the MoU, South African creatives will gain access to major Ghanaian cultural platforms, including Creatives Connect Afrika, Afro Future, Tidal Rave Ghana, Beyond the Return, and the Telecel Ghana Music Awards. These events, celebrated across West Africa and the diaspora, open doors to a combined market of over 460 million people.

The PPIT

The Pink Polo International Tournament (PPIT) is a prestigious annual event that blends luxury sport with a powerful social cause. This premium lifestyle event supports, raises awareness and funds for breast cancer initiatives in Ghana.

The South African Tourism (SAT) collaborated with the South African High Commission in Ghana, in partnership with Accra Polo Club, for the PPIT to champion wellness and Pan-African unity.

Taking place at the Accra Polo Club, the Pink Polo stands as one of Ghana’s most celebrated lifestyle initiatives, serving as a beacon of wellness and empowerment. The event uses sport and tourism as powerful platforms to raise awareness and mobilise support for breast cancer advocacy.

The initiative aligns with South African Tourism’s ‘Come Find Your Joy’ campaign, which invites Ghanaians to experience the country’s diverse offerings this festive season, from adventure and gastronomy to wellness retreats and luxury escapes.

Through this partnership, SAT celebrates more than sport -it celebrates life, womanhood, and the African spirit of togetherness.

The Ag. High Commissioner, touching on the PPIT partnership, indicated that the South African High Commission recognises the significant importance of social diplomacy and believes that through the Pink Polo initiative, it can show our support not only to the Accra Polo ladies but all those affected by breast cancer.

“This collaboration demonstrates that tourism is not just about travel, it’s about connection, healing, and shared humanity. Our participation underscores South Africa’s commitment to pan-African unity, wellness, compassion, and women’s empowerment. South Africa continues to stand out as a diverse, world-class destination that offers everything, from scenic adventures and vibrant cities to wellness retreats and culinary delights,” he said.

Mr. Dalamba took the opportunity to woo tourists to SA in December, stating that the festive season is one of the most magical times to experience South Africa, as it’s a period to experience warm weather, vibrant festivals, world-class cuisine, and unforgettable hospitality.

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