Revellers gather in Pretoria

2003-12-16 11:08

Pretoria - Hundreds of revellers gathered at the Union Buildings here on Tuesday morning to celebrate national Reconciliation Day.

By 10:00 they were taking their seats on the lawns of the Union Buildings in anticipation of a day of cultural performances culminating in a popular music concert in the afternoon.

The first to arrive were treated to a traditional African singing and dancing performance by a group of children called The Creative Collective.

This was followed by the performance of a poem by Looks Matoto.

A massive stage was erected on the lawn flanked by two huge television screens. Several marquee tents were set up for the occasion. Guests were searched as they entered the premises by dozens of security staff guarding the perimeter of the lawn.

Large banners were erected everywhere, reading: "Freedom wasn't Free".

Organisers expected some 20 000 people to attend the celebrations.

The event was organised by the Freedom Park Trust, headed by poet Wally Serote. Scheduled speakers include President Thabo Mbeki, and Arts and Culture Minister Ben Ngubane.

Also on the programme is the signing of the declaration of peace by Mbeki and representatives of each of South Africa's political parties.

- SAPA