My other City Press article

Festivities in Newtown

By Nungo Ravele

The midday sun was warm and the cold breeze was icy. Jackets, scarves, boots, beanies and gloves. People in their masses were at Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown Johannesburg to celebrate Tata Mandela's 91st birthday. In the background you could hear the echo of many murmurers and the beats of house music with DJ Sbu were on the deck entertaining the crowd.

The stage had two photographs of Madiba on either side. “Working together for the common good for our nation” was printed on the bottom of each photograph. With a band, decks and huge speakers and two screens, it was almost impossible not to hear or see the happenings.

DJ Sbu's set ended and Solly Moholo took the stage filling the square with sounds of gospel. Thembi Seete's energy as she introduced each act was high and intense. The venue was well secured as stewards and guards stood out in bright colours supported by the SAPS in their flocks. The VIP tent was most protected and decorated in black. A poet recited his poem for Madiba, and Nhlanhla Nciza performed with Lungelo.

Soon after, people became busy setting up the stage for formal function at around 2pm. In the midst of this, house music was being played while Thembi sang along. The formal function included speeches by MP's and Mandela's family members. There seemed to be a really calm atmosphere when the cake was being cut. After the last thank you speech, a few of the late Brenda Fassie songs were played.

The birthday cake went past the media tent guarded by a dozen guards as though it was the old man himself. As Florence Masebe and Meshack Mavuso introduced Arthur and Chomi, their performance really ignited the crowd. Chomi's song that she wrote for Madiba was called “Prison to President.” It was a truly beautiful song. Arthur's little daughter was dancing throughout Chomi's and her father's performance. As Owami Mofokate hit the high note, the audience couldn't help but fall in love.