Madiba heads for Monaco

2007-08-06 19:42

Johannesburg - Former president Nelson Mandela and Prince Albert II of Monaco will host a private lunch and gala dinner in the principality in September to raise funds for their charities.

Funds raised on September 1 and 2 will benefit Amade Mondiale, the Nelson Mandela Foundation, the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund, and the Mandela Rhodes Foundation.

Actress Alfre Woodard, pop singers Wyclef Jean and Dozi and opera singer Siphiwo Ntshebe will be present to host or perform for guests - expected to include Bono, Naomi Campbell and Morgan Freeman.

An auction will be held after dinner to raise funds.

Items to go under the hammer include football boots used by England footballer Wayne Rooney during the 2006 World Cup, a vest worn by Olympic athlete Carl Lewis, a quilt made from off-cuts of Mandela's shirts, as well as some of Prince Albert's watches and jewellery.

A piece of limestone from Robben Island, where Mandela was incarcerated, decorated with diamonds, will also be auctioned.

A seat at the dinner table will cost €3 500.

- SAPA