Message in a disco ball

Having followed all the rules and protocols, The Citizen's 3.5m diameter disco ball awaits final acceptance by the Guinness World Records as the new record holder. The previous record is held in Canada, a 3.1m disco ball.

"We're proud of the long road we've travelled as a newspaper brand," says The Citizen's publisher, Greg Stewart. "Thirty years on The Citizen is as a strong as ever. As a team, we are excited about the future of print as we constantly strive for innovation, quality and better ways to serve the community.

"Our world record is merely a message to both our advertisers and readers - we have the drive, aptitude and vigour to stay ahead of the pack - nothing is impossible for The Citizen."

Senior management, staff and VIP guests of The Citizen gathered at Melrose Arch to witness the unveiling of The Citizen's world record attempt. Conceptualised and co-ordinated by True Colour Events, both the Disco Ball and the party were a resounding success.

Along with ex-Springbok cricketer and community figurehead, Clive Eskteen, an independent engineer from DP Hussey and Associates was on hand to document the occasion, to later be verified by Guinness World Records.

The largest disco ball in the world has a diameter of 3.5 m and weighs approximately 2100kg. On Monday 11 September, Jacaranda 94.2 will launch a telethon, selling the mirror tiles to corporate and individual sponsors, with the proceeds being donated to the Police Widows and Orphans Fund, the Advertising Benevolent Fund (ABF), Hospice in the West and Community Led Animal Welfare (CLAW).

Thereafter, The Citizen plans to donate the giant ball to the City of Johannesburg. Its final destination in still to be determined but the plan is to place it at a venue that will become a tourist attraction.