5 January 2004 Press Release "A good year lies ahead for Joburgers" - City Manager Johannesburg will be abuzz with various blends of entertainment as the city celebrates 10 years of freedom through art, music and top-flight sport. Upbeat City Manager Pascal Moloi said the calendar of events kicks off on January 29 with the opening of Council where the Executive Mayor Amos Masondo will deliver the State of the City Address. This event is expected to be forward-looking as the city's political leadership enters the second half of their office term. Masondo is also expected to announce the date for the honouring South Africa's world famous statesman former State President Nelson Mandela with the Freedom of the City. In March, the International Judicial Conference will coincide with the opening of the Constitutional Court in Braamfontein by President Thabo Mbeki. "On the sporting front, Johannesburg would be ready to throw a huge party in anticipation of South Africa winning the bid to host the 2010 Soccer World Cup. "Athletics enthusiasts' can look forward to the Freedom Marathon, Blue IQ Joburg Challenge, 702 Walk the Talk and the Soweto Marathon. Those with taste for cycling will be participants in the 94.7 Cycling Challenge," Moloi said. For the lovers of literature, there will be a Literature Month. All libraries and schools in the city will participate. The event will feature lectures by local, African and International writers. For the musos there is the Cream of Gauteng Dance Festival, Choral Festival and Arts Alive. Further announcements will be made closer to the dates of other events. ENDS. Mbangwa Xaba Media Liaison Officer Communication Telephone: 011 407 7226 Facsimile: 011 403 3494 Cell: 082 467 9230 Email: Mbangwax@joburg.org.za