September 14, 2007
By Ndaba Dlamini
SOWETO will be getting into party mood on Saturday as it holds a music concert at Mofolo Park to start the 1 000 day countdown to the 2010 Fifa World Cup™.
Top Afro-pop outfits TKZee and Mafikizolo will get the crowd dancing. They will be joined on stage by the inimitable Zamajobe, and crowd favourites Bongo Maffin and Malaika.
The free bash, hosted by the City of Johannesburg, starts at 11am. Executive mayor Amos Masondo is also expected to join in the fun.
Malaika will be at Mofolo Park for the start of the 1 000 day countdown
The concert is part of a series of commemorative events held countrywide on 15 September to mark the official 1 000 day countdown to the football World Cup. It will also be a time to pause and reflect on the progress made as the nation prepares for one of the world's greatest sporting events.
The Mofolo Park event is just one of several music feasts taking place in Jozi on 15 September.
Across town at Newtown's Mary Fitzgerald Square, the "Hoezit 2010" music fest will be taking place at 11am.
Organised by ATKV, the Afrikaans cultural organisation, and the Newtown Management District and supported by the City and the Johannesburg Development Agency, "Hoezit 2010" will feature the Soweto String Quartet; a collaboration between Dozi and the Afrika Mamas; and Anton Goosen and the Bushrock Band.
Also on the bill are Shine4, Tiro, Rubber Soles, Johnny Dooper, DNA Strings, the multi-cultural Lekgoa and the Anglo Gold Ashanti Choir.
At the Randburg Sports Club, Highveld Stereo 94.7's Joburg Day will also be joining in the festivities, with performances by Freshly Ground, Wonderboom and the Parlotones, among others.
Chief executive officer of the 2010 Fifa World Cup Local Organising Committee South Africa (LOC), Danny Jordaan, said the 1 000 day countdown marks the beginning of the operational phase of the 2010 World Cup.
"We are running within time and within budget and we are confident that the tournament will be a success. There is a shared vision and commitment by all South Africans that this World Cup must work."
The World Cup also presents a golden opportunity to showcase Africa to the world, according to President Thabo Mbeki.
The Soweto String Quartet will be performing in Newtown on Saturday
"Now we have to show that the African Renaissance is upon us and Africa's time has come. The South African government will leave no stone unturned to host a tournament that brings great satisfaction to billions across the world."
Fifa President Sepp Blatter congratulated the nine host cities and the LOC for the commemorative events marking the 1 000 day countdown.
"I am really delighted by the enthusiasm and big efforts made not only to organise a unique event, but also to include the entire nation in these celebrations on their joint journey to 2010.
"I am sure with this event the wave of enthusiasm for the 2010 Fifa World Cup will reach everybody in South Africa, including those normally not in contact with football. If there is one thing on this planet that has the power to bind people together it is football."
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