Durban - A national celebration of unity will take place at the Moses Mabhida Stadium's People's Park to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the arrival of Indian people to South Africa.
Government has joined forces with the 1860 Organising Committee to stage a multicultural celebration of history, arts and culture to take place on 4 December.
The event is being hosted jointly by the National Minister of Arts and Culture Paul Mashatile and KwaZulu-Natal Premier Zweli Mkhize, in conjunction with the 1860 Organising Committee.
Previously, celebrations have taken place in predominantly Indian communities but this event hopes to attract all South Africans.
The celebration planned for next week and the ones already held, pay tribute to all the indentured Indians that arrived in the country in 1860. Most of the Indians took on menial work on sugar cane farms. They chose to stay and build communities across South Africa.
It also honours the contribution that has been made by the Indian community in various sectors of society including, arts and culture, sport, agriculture and economy.
In addition, the celebrations have acknowledged the significant role played by a number of prominent Indian freedom fighters during the country's struggle against apartheid.
The multi-million rand event kicks off with a proudly South African cultural heritage parade through the streets of Durban. The colourful float procession has been expanded to also incorporate South Africa's fight for democracy.
Government has invited a host of artists across different music and dance genres to entertain the expected crowd. KwaZulu-Natal Idols stars Lendel Moonsamy, Sindi Nene, 2009 winner Jason Hartman, the Dukes Combo, Kuboni and Maskanda performer Phuzekhemisi will feature in the line-up.
A Durban local dance favourite, Rohann Ramkisson, will also perform. Popular music band, Luxmi Stars that has been around for decades from Mt Edgecombe, will offer a range of linguistic pieces in all vernacular languages.
SA actors, comedians and DJs, will also put their skills to good use at the venue which can accommodate 20 000 people.
A meal will be given to everyone attending but there is also an opportunity for the public to sample cuisine from other cultures - including traditional Afrikaans, Zulu and Xhosa food.
The event though is not only about entertainment, the organisers have put together an art and photographic exhibition, and a book show commemorating the historic anniversary.
An 1860 plaque will be unveiled at the People's Park with a message for a united South Africa. There will be unveiling of plaques at strategic venues in the province over the next few months.
Transport plans include the hiring of busses to ferry people from all over the province and outer-lying towns like Richards Bay, Ladysmith and Port Shepstone.
