Countdown to FIFA handover

Taking place at the Maritim Hotel in Berlin, a ceremony entitled "Africa Is Calling" and conceived and produced by Jerry Mofokeng, will usher in the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa. The event will be hosted by Minister of Arts and Culture, Dr Z Pallo Jordan and Mr Moss Chikane, South Africa's Ambassador to Germany and interweaves music, dance, poetry, speeches and much more into one incredible show.

In the meantime, Germany may have been knocked out of the beautiful game but that hasn't stopped thousands enjoying the once-off South African cultural manifestation taking place in the last week of the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Beautiful things

SA's cultural presence opened on 1 July when Professor Itumeleng Mosala, Director General in the National Department of Arts and Cultured, opened the Beautiful Things exhibition at the Gallery House Seippel in Cologne.

Says Professor Mosala, "It's been wonderful to see just how readily international audiences have taken to our cultural manifestation.

"From the poets to the dancers, from the crafts to the music, we are certainly making an impression in Germany. Hopefully we will make a lasting impression in the minds of many and when the come to South African in 2010 they will make experiencing more culture high on their agenda."

The exhibition showcases the designs of a range of crafters including KwaZulu-Natal's Sibusiso Khumalo and Jabu Nala, as well as Julius Mfethe from the Eastern Cape, and runs until the end of July. A delegation of South Africans had arrived in Cologne on 30 June 2006 to prepare for the nine days of cultural activities, supported by a 100% homegrown team that included chefs showcasing traditional South African cuisine, hairstylists, make-up artists, clothing designers, models and more.

Among those attending the event were the Premier of the Eastern Cape, Premier Nosimo Balindlela, the MEC for Sport Arts and Culture Noxolo Abrahms, Buffalo City Mayor, Zintle Peter, KSD Mayor De Le Rey Mkhatshwa and the MEC for Economic Affairs M Sogoni.

2 July saw an evening of prose, poetry and the spoken word held at Cologne's Kunstsalon, featuring Maakomele Manaka, Lebo Mashile, Gcina Mhlophe-Becker and Keorapetse Kgositsile.

3 July saw a range of high-profile South African musicians take to the Tanzbrunnen open-air stage for an outdoor concert. Johnny Clegg with his band Savuka, Kholwa Brothers, Tlokwe Sehume, Jabu Khanyile, Freshlyground and Hip Hop Pantsula were among those performing along with several dancers and poets, including Lebo Mashile, and Mak Manaka.

On 4 and 5 July at the Tanzbrunnen Theatre, a showcase, presented in two parts - 'Rhythm of Africa' and 'African Diva' - saw choreographer, Tyrone Watkins, work with dancers from Tshwane Dance Theatre, Footsteps and other dance academies in a programme that mixed dance with live music from the likes of Jabu Khanyile, Kholwa Brothers, and Tlokwe Sehume and Medu.

No SA artists injured

No South African artists were injured at an incident that took place at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate on Sunday, 2 July, when a car was driven into the crowd gathered for a free outdoor show.

All South Africa musicians billed to appear at the One World Fanclub concert, including Johnny Clegg, Freshlyground, Jabu Khanyile and the Kholwa Brothers, are safe and will continue with their upcoming slate of performances as scheduled.