We Speak Eleven – The Musical
Government & Institutional Briefing

Executive Summary

We Speak Eleven – The Musical is a nationally touring cultural production designed to promote social cohesion, language inclusion, and shared cultural understanding across South Africa.

The production incorporates all eleven official languages, traditional music, community participation, and inclusive performance practices. It is structured to reach both urban centres and rural or underserved communities through a combination of theatre-based performances and a mobile stage model.

The musical operates as a non-political, non-commercial cultural initiative and forms part of the broader We Speak Eleven programme, which culminates in a national cultural festival planned for 2027.

Alignment With National Priorities

Social Cohesion & Nation-Building
The production brings diverse communities together through shared cultural experience, reinforcing mutual understanding and national unity through music, language, and storytelling.

Language Preservation & Cultural Inclusion
All eleven official languages are represented in the musical. Traditional songs are presented alongside translated verses where appropriate, ensuring accessibility for both local and international audiences.

Access to Arts & Culture
By combining conventional theatre venues with a mobile stage, the project ensures access to cultural participation beyond major cities, including rural and underserved areas.

Youth & Community Participation
Local community members are invited to participate at each tour stop through opening performances and cultural contributions, prioritising authenticity over commercial performance.

Tourism & Cultural Diplomacy
An international touring production promotes South Africa as a culturally rich destination and builds long-term awareness in advance of the We Speak Eleven Festival in 2027.

National Reach & Touring Model

The project operates through two touring productions:

  • A South African touring production focused on national access and inclusion

  • An international touring production showcasing South Africa’s cultural diversity abroad

Performances take place in theatres, community halls, open-air venues, and through a purpose-built mobile stage capable of reaching remote locations.

Public Value & Socio-Economic Impact

The public return on investment is measured through:

  • Strengthened social cohesion and shared national identity

  • Cultural preservation and intergenerational knowledge exchange

  • Direct and indirect job creation

  • Local economic stimulation through accommodation, food, transport, and retail activity

  • Increased cultural participation and community pride

Cultural Participation & Accessibility

  • Equal representation of all cultural groups

  • Inclusion of traditional dress, music, and storytelling

  • Community-based opening performances

  • Integration of South African Sign Language interpretation where feasible

  • Non-competitive, non-commercial cultural participation

Governance, Ethics & Political Neutrality

We Speak Eleven operates under a formal Governance & Anti-Corruption Charter that establishes clear standards of integrity, transparency, equity, accountability, and political neutrality.

The project is strictly non-political and non-partisan. No political party, candidate, or ideology may influence or benefit from the initiative.

Governance documentation is publicly available and enforceable across all levels of participation.

Institutional Documents Here

Forms of Government Support

Government support may include, but is not limited to:

  • Endorsement and institutional alignment

  • Access to venues or infrastructure

  • Logistical or regulatory facilitation

  • Cultural partnerships

  • Inclusion within arts, heritage, tourism, or social cohesion frameworks

Institutional Contact

For government and institutional engagement, please contact:
[Dedicated government contact email or tagged form]

Government & Institutional Enquiries

This form is intended for government departments, public institutions, and statutory bodies seeking information or engagement regarding We Speak Eleven