MANDELA AIDS CONCERT TO ROCK JOBURG

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Joburg is to host the next 46664 concert, the first time it will be in the city since the HIV/Aids awareness campaign began five years ago.

This was announced by Nelson Mandela, the patron of 46664, on Monday, 1 October at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Houghton at a media briefing attended by Executive Mayor Amos Masondo.

The Fifth International 46664 Concert would take place at Ellis Park Stadium on World Aids Day, 1 December; various international and local artists would perform, Mandela said.

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

The concert will be supported by the City of Johannesburg, SABC and Highveld Stereo.

Masondo said he was delighted that the international concert would be staged in Joburg, 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. This concert will indeed reach out to humanity.”

The 46664 initiative, an independent, non-profit entity based in South Africa and wholly owned by the Nelson Mandela Foundation, focuses on raising awareness about HIV and Aids and supporting the fight against the global pandemic. It uses music, sport and entertainment to deliver its message to young people. It is named after Mandela’s prisoner number.

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

Current international ambassadors would also perform, demonstrating their continued commitment to the 46664 campaign, said the event organiser, Tim Massey.

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

By Ndaba Dlamini

Johannesburg News Agency

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