November 27, 2007
By Ndaba Dlamini
THE 46664 concert on Saturday, 1 December will be one of the safest and most exciting music events ever staged in Johannesburg.
The HIV/Aids campaign concert, to be held at Ellis Park Stadium on World Aids Day, is expected to attract a capacity crowd of more than 45 000 people, according to the stadium manager, George Stainton.
"We believe the concert is going to be best and safest-ever 46664 concert. Sales of tickets are going on very well, mainly because of the great line-up of artists that will be performing."
Supported by the City of Johannesburg, SABC and 94.7 Highveld Stereo, the concert is being held in Joburg for the first time since the 46664 initiative began five years ago. An exciting line-up of local and international artists - including Peter Gabriel, Annie Lennox, Ludacris, Johnny Clegg, the Soweto Gospel Choir, Jamali and Arno Carstens - will be performing.
No weapons, alcohol or cooler boxes will be allowed into the stadium, says Stainton. "There will be lots of refreshments and facilities for patrons to enjoy themselves; and a contingent of police from Jeppe Street Police Station on foot and on horseback will be patrolling the Ellis Park precinct to ensure peace and order."
Road closures
The area will be cordoned off to prevent traffic congestion, and Sivewright Avenue and Siemert Road will be closed to traffic on the day. Road traffic maps will be available, and only motorists with access and parking permits will be allowed into the cordon, which will stretch as far north as Ponte City.
To avoid congestion, a park-and-ride facility will be set up. Park-and-ride facilities will be available for R20 a car at the University of the Witwatersrand's West Campus on Enoch Sontonga Avenue, and at Bezuidenhout Park on Marcia Street, according to Yolisa Mashilwane, the director of management support in the City's transportation department.
Jamali are on the 46664 bill
"The parking facilities will open at 9am on Saturday [and will stay open] until all cars have left the facilities after the concert. A shuttle service composed of Metro buses and taxis will ferry fans to the stadium at 30-minute intervals from 11am until 12 midnight and tickets will be available at the gate at both facilities. People are also assured that their cars will be safe as there will be armed security."
A scheduled train service will also take people from Naledi, Ikwezi, Dube, Braamfontein and Park stations, dropping them at Doornfontein Station, only a few minutes' walk from Ellis Park Stadium.
Zero tolerance
Metro police will take a zero tolerance approach to rowdiness and drunken drivers, according to Superintendent Wayne Minnaar, the Johannesburg metro police department spokesperson.
"We are calling on the public to be responsible and we are giving a warning that people found breaking the law will be arrested and detained. We know it's the festive season but we would appreciate the co-operation of the public."
To avoid disappointment, Stainton urged people to arrive at the stadium early. "Most people have the mentality that international artists usually start performing late, but this will not be the case. Some international artists will be performing in the afternoon so it is advisable that people come in early."
Tickets for the concert are priced from R120 and are available at Computicket outlets, on 083 915 8000, or online on the Computicket website.
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