Media Statement on South Africa’s 17th Freedom Day Celebrations in New Delhi

The South African High Commission in New Delhi will be hosting the 17th Freedom (National) Day celebrations on Wednesday (27 April 2011) at the High Commissioner’s residence, 7 Green Avenue Lane, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, from 19h00.

The event which will be held under the theme “Celebrating South Africa”, will amongst others, have the following highlights:

• An award that will be handed to Mrs. Rajni Kumar for her contribution to the South African anti-apartheid struggle;
  
  
• Performance by a South African music group, Ihashi Elimhlophe.  Though Ihashi Elimhlophe, an Isizulu expression for white horse, is synonymous with the uniquely evergreen South African sounds of Mbaqanga music, the group has managed to adapt with the times by incorporating modern rhythms like those of “house” music; and
  
  
• Poetry rendition Masoja Msiza, a young and vibrant South African poet whose poetry covers different 21st century issues that he recites with inspiring and mindboggling passion.

The South African High Commissioner, HE Harris Majeke, said, “Our objective in this seventeenth Freedom Day celebrations is three-fold, namely to honour an Indian stalwart, Mrs Rajni Kumar, for her relentless and selfless role in exposing and defeating the apartheid system which, through tireless efforts of people like her, the international community eventually declared a crime against humanity; showcase and celebrate South African art, music and poetry, to our predominantly Indian guests and, of course, welcome the new South African Consul General to India, Mr. Pule Malefane, who is based in Mumbai.”

The uniqueness of the South African Freedom Day celebrations has made it arguably one of the most popular events. The event will be attended by a number of Heads of Mission, senior officials from the Indian government, leaders of different political parties, people from the music industry and members of the business community from major Indian business federations i.e. FICCI, CII and ASSOCHAM.

To ensure that High Commissioner Majeke is able to attend both events the South African Consulate General in Mumbai will host the same event on Thursday (28 April 2011) at the Bombay Presidency Radio Club with Ihashi Elimhlophe and Masoja Msiza scheduled to perform there as well.

For further information contact the DIRCO Spokesperson, Mr Clayson Monyela, on 082 884 5974.

Issued By:

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation

460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria

21 April 2011