Samsung Cellular SA to provide communications for the Mandela SOS concert

Samsung Cellular South Africa, the only South African sponsor amongst leading names such as Virgin and Diesel, is going the extra mile at the Mandela SOS Concert on 2 February 2002. The concert will see some of the world's top recording artists, such as Bono and Queen, performing on the historic Robben Island to raise awareness and substantial funds for AIDS.

Samsung Cellular South Africa will be taking responsibility for the effective media communication across the globe, from the Press Office on Robben Island, which entails the provision of state-of-the art communications technology, to international and local journalists in the form of plasma screens, fax facilities, cellphones and Internet access.

Running concurrently with the SOS Concert, is the People's Concert at Greenpoint Stadium on the mainland, which will see artists being flown from Robben Island to perform to the general public. In keeping with their 'Everyone's Invited' payoff line, Samsung Cellular South Africa will also be bringing their digital technology to the People's Concert. A marquee will be constructed in the middle of the stadium to house a number of plasma screens, which will allow concert goers a close-up experience of the various performances.

"With as many as 28.1 million people in Africa currently infected with HIV, companies can no longer stand on the sidelines," says Group Marketing Manager for Samsung South Africa, Sarit Reuoveni. "However, it is not enough to merely offer financial support for an event or social responsibility drive. Involvement on several levels is necessary."

The concerts are expected to secure a huge national and international audience, and draw support from businesses. Proceeds of the Mandela SOS Concert on Robben Island, as well as the People's Concert, will be handed over to the Nelson Mandela Foundation, UNAIDS, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Robben Island Museum.