The crowd watch the opening of the Legislature on a large screen

Address by Premier Mbhazima Shilowa For the speech on the Opening of the Legislature, click here. RELATED LINKS: Soweto to benefit from Gauteng project THE province will spend R3-billion over the next three years to improve townships across the province. And Soweto is one of those set to benefit. Read more New square focus of Gauteng precinct THE Gauteng provincial government has finalised plans for its proposed new precinct in Johannesburg's CBD, centred on a new square to be created alongside Beyers Naude Square. Read more Opening speech by Premier Mbhazima Shilowa THE premier opened the provincial legislature by hailing the thousands of people who had been part of the Freedom Charter, signed in June 1995. It was they who, 50 years ago, rose above the daily oppression and suffering of apartheid and declared, "Freedom in our lifetime," he said. Read more Shilowa reveals ambitious 'global city' plans GAUTENG municipalities are working on measures to turn the province into "an integrated, globally competitive city region" that would encourage investment, tourism and business. Read more

The crowd gathers in Beyers Naude Square outside the central library to cheer the opening of the Gauteng Legislature

Solly Moholo entertains the crowd in Beyers Naude Square

Gauteng Legislature opens to song and dance More money would be invested in the youth, Premier Mbhazima Shilowa said, as Beyers Naude Square shook to some of South Africa’s finest young musos and DJs. February 14, 2006 By Emmanuel Mulaudzi and Thabang Mokoka THE cool weather over Jozi was a welcome relief from the usual sunny skies when a crowd gathered in Beyers Naude Square outside the central library and cheered the opening of the Gauteng Legislature. Here they watched Premier Mbhazima Shilowa’s opening address on a large screen, specially set up for the day. Premier Mbhazima Shilowa takes a turn on the stage After the formalities the premier entered the square to give a summarised speech to the crowd. His arrival was greeted with praise and dance, with the crowd singing, "Uyeza uShilowa,", Shilowa is coming. DJ Cleo entertained the crowd and radio stations Kaya FM and YFM broadcast live from the gardens, before Shilowa appeared. "More money will be invested in the youth," he said. Then the event again took a lighter turn, with the Alexandra Brass Band taking to the stage – even the premier had a turn. The crowds stood on chairs and in any open space to dance along. Gospel singer Solly Moholo also performed; others in the line-up included Malaika, Jeff Maluleke, Ntando and the hip-hop group, Skwatta Kamp. Meadowlands resident Sulyman Thebeeagae decided to spend the day at the gardens because he was "inquisitive to hear what the premier has to say". The additional entertainment was a bonus – particularly the performances by Moholo and Maluleke, his favourite artists. Pensioner Sibongile Mdluli came from Fairland, in northwest Joburg, to listen to the premier. "I am here to listen, to get what the premier will say to us and know how much will be allocated to various spheres of government." Permission to use web site material Publishers may use material from this site free of charge, as long as: Credit is given to either the "City of Johannesburg website (www.joburg.org.za)" or to "Johannesburg News Agency (www.joburg.org.za)"; If the article is used online, a link is provided to the original article on this website; The name of the article's author is acknowledged; The webmaster is informed of how and where the material is used (fill in this brief online form). Johannesburg News Agency is operated by BIG Media at 011-484-1400 Print this Page E-mail this article to a friend Help using Joburg.org.za