We want action, Mandela says
2005-07-02 21:17
Johannesburg - South Africa's biggest star, Nelson Mandela, made a passionate appeal to world leaders on Saturday as he took to the stage at Johannesburg's Live 8 concert, urging them to prevent a "genocide" by taking strong action to combat poverty.
The anti-apartheid hero spoke before a crowd of some 8 000 people at the concert, which was the only one of 10 worldwide events in a campaign to fight African poverty to be taking place on the continent itself.
"History and future generations will judge our leaders in the decisions that they will make," Mandela said in reference to the meeting in Scotland next week of the leaders of the Group of Eight richest nations.
"I am asking our leaders to demonstrate their commitment and not... hollow promises. We want action," a beaming Mandela said, to a roar of approval from the crowd.
"It is in your power to prevent a genocide against humanity. We stand tall and await your direction," the 86-year-old statesman said.
Johannesburg's Live 8 started on a slow note but picked up momentum as the afternoon went on at the open air venue in a large square near the city centre which has a capacity of around 40 000.
'We want to enjoy life...'
First off was percussion band 4Peace Ensemble, introduced by MC Latoya, who told the audience, "We are here to send a message to the G8 leaders to make poverty history and join the global call in the fight against poverty."
Many ordinary South Africans in the crowd said they came to the concert because they themselves were the people affected by poverty.
"I live in a squatter camp, in a one-roomed shack with my wife and three children. I am poor. I am here today not just for the music, but to show my solidarity in what we are fighting against," said Caiphus Mulaudzi.
The 32-year-old truck driver, who earns a wage of R350 a week, said he wanted to enjoy the same benefits as those living in the Western world.
"Give us houses. Give us more jobs. We want to enjoy life just like you do. We want to be just like you," Mulaudzi said.
"Africa has been off the map for a long time," said Elhadji N'Domg, a Senegalese percussionist who is part of the 4Peace Ensemble.
"The idea is that through the music today we will be sending the message to the G8 leaders to fight against poverty. Through music everything is possible," he said.
Lindiwe, one of Zambia's new rising stars, told the crowds how she grew up in the poor southern African country's northern Copper Belt district, experiencing poverty first-hand.
"We have been depraved by debt and poverty," she said.
On the net:
www.live8live.com