15 October 2007

Johannesburg has been chosen as the host city for the next 46664 concert, the first time it will be held in the city since the HIV/Aids awareness campaign began five years ago.

This was jointly announced by 46664 patron Nelson Mandela and Johannesburg Mayor Amos Masondo at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in the city earlier this month.

Addressing the media, Mandela said that the fifth International 46664 Concert would take place at the inner city's Ellis Park Stadium on World Aids Day, 1 December, with various international and local artists scheduled to perform.

"We are grateful that the city of Johannesburg has made it possible for 46664 to stage our first World Aids Day concert," Mandela said. "Johannesburg has long asked for a concert to be held here and I am happy that we can delivery to the people of Johannesburg. We look forward to being joined by thousands of citizens on the day."

The 46664 initiative, named after Mandela's prisoner number, is an independent, non-profit entity based in South Africa and wholly owned by the Nelson Mandela Foundation, which focuses on raising awareness about HIV/Aids and supporting the fight against the global pandemic.

It uses mediums such as music, sport and entertainment to deliver its message to mainly young people.

Masondo said he was delighted that the international concert would be staged in Johannesburg, saying it would augur well for its image as an international venue for similar events.

"As the City we will strive to support such noble initiatives as the 46664 Concert," he said. "This concert will indeed reach out to humanity."

New campaign ambassadors, performing artists and celebrity guests will be announced on 15 October, and ticket prices will range from R150 to R450.

Event organiser Tim Massey pointed out that current international ambassadors would also perform for Mandela, demonstrating their continued commitment to the 46664 campaign.

Previous 46664 concerts have taken place in Cape Town and George in South Africa, and in Spain and Norway, while Mandela recently announced his 90th birthday that a 46664 Concert would be held in London on 27 June 2008.

Source: City of Johannesburg

	Nelson Mandela (Image: NRK Norway)

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	46664

Nelson Mandela Find out more about the man & his work, and read the moving, amazing Mandela Birthday Message Book.

Nelson Mandela - former Robben Island prisoner number 46664 - is the driving force behind a worldwide music-led campaign to raise global awareness of Aids and funds to fight the pandemic in Southern Africa.