Get set for SA's biggest party
23 April 2004
South Africans from all walks of life will be joined by heads of state from around the world in a massive "people's celebration" to mark 10 years of freedom and the inauguration of Thabo Mbeki for his second term as President at the Union Buildings on Freedom Day, 27 April.
According to Business Day, representatives of 119 governments, including 39 heads of state, 10 prime ministers, 43 foreign ministers and 18 special envoys will be attending Tuesday's event, with 20 African states having confirmed that they will be sending a head of state or cabinet minister.
Ten years of Democracy Celebrations project leader Carl Niehaus said that about 6 500 foreign and local VIPs would be in attendance, including civil society, business and religious leaders.
Joining them will be up to 40 000 ordinary South Africans, with a special area being prepared in the gardens below the Union Buildings. Eight big screens will provide visuals for the crowd, while
the nearby Caledonian Stadium will accommodate the "spill over" in the number of people expected to arrive.
Some of the greatest artistic talent in the country will be showcased on the day, marshalled by musician's group Creative Collective - including artists such as Caiphus Semenya, Letta Mbulu, Sibongile Khumalo, Hugh Masekela, Mbongeni Ngema and filmmaker Anant Singh - who have been working around the clock to arrange the event.
A song especially composed for SA's 10 years of freedom will be performed for first time at the event, which will feature 200 artists from every music genre - including Jabu Khanyile, PJ Powers, Busi Mhlongo and Karen Zoid - as well as poetry and dance.
Billy Domingo, project director of the South African Music Promoters Association, said the stage had already been erected at the Union Buildings, with sound and lighting to be in place by Friday.
Security precautions are also in place, with 60 tents to cater for police, paramedics,
media, vendors, VIPs, an artists' village and technicians. Over 400 ablution facilities are in place, and eight power generators are on standby to provide backup electricity.
"This is a huge people event", Domingo said. "Every attempt has been made to accommodate everybody, alternative plans are in place, and some people will watch the proceedings on the big screens at the Caledonian Stadium to avoid a stampede."
The celebrations will start at 9am with a religious service to be conducted by leaders of various faiths at the Union Buildings amphitheatre. After this President Mbeki will be sworn in by Chief Justice Arthur Chaskalson, after which he will address the nation.
Niehaus said the celebrations would be "inclusive and forward-looking", highlighting the country's Constitution, national identity and consolidation of democracy. "The 10th anniversary on 27 April is a nodal point for South Africa and will end the first decade of freedom and begin the next one",
Niehaus said.
Besides being broadcast live by SABC television - and beamed around the world by global TV networks - the event will be broadcast live on 100 big television screens at multi-purpose community centres in both urban and rural areas countrywide.
The President and invited guests will attend a gala dinner at the State Theatre on Tuesday night, where musicians including Judith Sepuma, Xolisa Dlamini and Abdullah Ebrahim will perform.
SouthAfrica.info reporter
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