8 000 youths march through Pretoria

2010-12-21 22:40

Pretoria - Eight thousand youths marched through Pretoria for peace at the close of the 17th World Festival of Youth and Students on Tuesday, said the City of Tshwane.

"No incidents were reported that would have constituted major disturbance at the festival," said city spokesperson Console Tleane.

"Overall the festival was held under a jovial mood. No act of criminality amongst the delegates was reported to either the metro police or the SAPS."

Earlier National Youth Development Agency chairperson, Andile Lungisa, said they expected 18 000 people to march.

Tleane said the marchers went through Vermeulen Street and ended at the Union Buildings where delegates handed over a declaration to minister in the presidency Collins Chabane.

Tleane said Tshwane Emergency Medical Services treated 806 patients during the festival.

Thirty were taken to various hospitals for conditions ranging from dislocations, fractures, lacerations, diabetes, and epilepsy.

All have since been discharged.

The other 776 were treated at medical tents for minor conditions.

"The city is satisfied that a successful festival was held within its jurisdiction.

"We wish the delegates well as they travel back to their respective provinces and countries."

In a statement on Tuesday, Lungisa branded the festival "a resounding success and we are very happy about that".

The festival, held under the theme "Let's defeat imperialism for a world of peace, solidarity and social transformation", opened at the Tshwane Events Centre on December 13 with a claimed 15 000 delegates.

Political parties criticised its R69m budget.

Several scheduled high-profile speakers, including government ministers, never arrived.

Delegates reportedly played soccer and kissing games while waiting for sessions to begin.

- SAPA