10 Years: the wrap-up bash
Natalie Windvogel
9 February 2005
Coinciding with the opening of Parliament and President Thabo Mbeki's State of the Nation address in Cape Town on Friday, there will be a mammoth celebration at Athlone Stadium to bring SA's 10 Years of Freedom celebrations to an official close.
Capetonians - who never really need much reason to party - will be entertained by some of the country's top performers, including artists such as Mafikizolo, The Rockets, Brasse Vannie Kaap, Freshly Ground, Arno Carstens, Judith Sephuma and Jimmy Dludlu.
The Mother City's streets will be decorated with the 10 Years of Freedom logo and South African flag, lining the route from Cape Town International Airport to Parliament and across the Cape Flats.
Mbeki, Deputy President Jacob Zuma, cabinet ministers, premiers, Members of Parliament, Cape Town Mayor Nomaindia Mfeketo and many other dignitaries are expected to attend the celebrations at Athlone Stadium.
The programme kicks off at 3pm with
musical performances by a host of artists, until the formal part of the programme starts at 7pm, with President Mbeki addressing the nation and the national anthem being sung by a massed choir.
The cultural programme that follows will include a State of the Nation parade highlighting SA's diverse cultures and reflecting on the country's growth over the past 10 years, a Cape Town showcase, and African song and dance.
The provincial Department of Community Safety has deployed 1 000 volunteers to assist on the 295 buses which will be used to transport the public to and from the event.
The City of Cape Town has made 178 buses available, with the rest coming from the Eden, Boland, Karoo, West Coast and Overberg districts.
Klipfontein Road will be closed in front of Athlone Stadium, and strict security measures will be in place, with no firearms, alcohol, bottles or cameras allowed into the grounds.
Should Athlone Stadium be packed to capacity, the
overflow of people will be directed to nearby Vygieskraal stadium, where people will be able to watch proceedings live via a big screen.
The event will be broadcast live on SABC 2 from 7pm. The celebrations are expected to end at about 10pm.
SouthAfrica.info reporter
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