Johannesburg will stage a 46664 HIV/Aids awareness concert on World Aids Day for the first time, former president Nelson Mandela announced on Monday.
Speaking at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Houghton, Mandela said the concert, which will take place on December 1 at Ellis Park stadium, will feature international and local artists.
”Johannesburg has long asked for a concert to be held here; we look forward to be joined by the artists,” Mandela said.
The concert will be supported by the City of Johannesburg, the South African Broadcasting Corporation and Highveld Stereo.
”Together with a strong support, 46664 will continue to use celebrities to speak to the youth about the Aids pandemic … and breaking the stigmas and silence around HIV and Aids. I hope to see all of you at Ellis Park,” Mandela said.
Mandela was accompanied by the mayor of Johannesburg, Amos Masondo.
”I feel honoured to be in the presence of the mayor,” Mandela remarked.
Masondo said Mandela had spent a lot of time in Johannesburg, and was happy that the former president had seen fit to hold a concert in the city.
” … This concert will indeed reach out to humanity… The Johannesburg Aids Council works together with non-governmental organisations, and continues to raise funds,” Masondo said.
The concert will be broadcast on SABC2 and SABC Africa, and will also be available to international broadcasters.
”We want to show the world 46664, and will channel the proceeds towards the project,” said organiser Tim Massey.
Between 30 and 35 local and international artists will perform at the concert.
”This concert is going to be very different and will be the biggest one to date. The key to making this a success is with you,” Massey said.
He said previous 46664 concerts had raised in excess of R20-million.
The line-up of artists will be announced on October 15, and a full programme on October 29.
Tickets for the Golden Circle are on sale from Computicket. Prices range from R120 to R450. – Sapa