Pretoria – Leading South African artists from all genres, cultures and backgrounds are set to showcase their talents and get the 20 000 or more crowd jamming on the Southern Lawns of the Union Buildings on Saturday.
Selaelo Selota, Mafikizolo, Phuzekhemisi, Uhuru, Kurt Darren and DJ Oskido are among the 18 artists expected to strut their stuff at what is billed to be a momentous event to inaugurate President-elect Jacob Zuma, as the country’s President for the next five years, at the Union Buildings.
The cultural programme will provide a platform for local artists to showcase their talent whilst entertaining the throngs of people expected to attend the Inauguration.
Briefing the media on the cultural programme of the Inauguration, Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on the 2014 Presidential Inauguration, Collins Chabane, revealed that there will be a combination of music genres and other cultural and artistic performances that will have a cross-over appeal to reflect the country’s achievements of the past 20 years of democracy.
According to the days’ programme, the cultural programme will start at 8am and end at 11am, when the formal ceremony commences at the Nelson Mandela Amphitheatre.
“A 90 minute choreographed show will start at 12.30pm until 2pm. The afternoon cultural programme will last from 2pm until 4pm, which will signal the end of the event,” Chabane explained.
Other artists expected to mesmerise and charm the crowd include Mzansi Youth Choir, Bothlale Boikanyo, Zahara, Matthew Mole, The Soil, Rebecca Malope, Claire Johnston, Ihashi Elimhlophe, Chomee as well as DJ Vetkoek and Mahoota.
An elated Rebecca Malope said she was humbled and honoured to be part of the greatness that is South Africa.
“I’m humbled to be amongst the artists that would be performing. For me, this means that after so many years in the industry, I’m still doing something that South Africa enjoys,” she gushed.
Although Malope did not want to let the cat out of the bag on her line-up, she promised that it was going to be the best. “It’s a secret! It will be the best of Rebecca Malope and the greatness of South Africa!”
Artist Selaelo Selota said the inauguration was a big occasion for him. He was excited that he would be celebrating it with the nation, especially youngsters who were born in to a democratic country.
“I’m very glad that I will be able to see, engage and measure their excitement of experiences that are pre-and post-1994.” – SAnews.gov.za
