Chatsworth's park party for Madiba

10 July 2010 - 17:38 By SANTHAM PILLAY
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Chatsworth has organised a celebratory day to honour former president Nelson Mandela, who turns 92 next Sunday.

The Chatsworth Youth Centre, the Lenny Naidu Development Institute (LNDI), Imagine Chatsworth and the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) have banded together for an event in recognition of the struggle hero and the part he played in bringing the 2010 World Cup to South African shores.

The event is planned for July 18, to coincide with Mandela's birthday.

Chatsworth Youth Centre coordinator, Clive Pillay explained that the need for such a function was to remind people in the area to remain unified even after the end of the World Cup.

"The event is being held not only to celebrate the fact that Madiba turns 92 but, with the World Cup coming to an end today, we wanted people to know it doesn't mean we should stop the unity process. That's why we went with the theme 'Thank you Madiba for Bringing The World Cup To SA'. There was so much patriotism and we don't want that to be lost," said Pillay.

The event is set to take place in unit 10 at the Chatsworth Park a venue which, Pillay said, was chosen on purpose.

"The government put a whole lot of money into bettering the area, but the park is sadly very under- utilised. By hosting an event like this here, we hope to encourage people to start making use of the park."

Organisers have brought together live bands and singers such as Gordon Franks, poetry and comedy acts as well as a variety of dance groups.

Pillay added that those attending the celebration, should show up in national colours.

"A lot of people will be asking, what happens now and what do I do with all these things now that the World Cup is over? We are asking people to bring everything with them they used for celebrating the World Cup. Vuvuzelas, hats, flags, bring it all."

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