Nelson Mandela Bay celebrates Mandela day in style.

World On Press


Ian Jindela

Last year United Nations adopted 18 July, Nelson Mandela’s birthday as Nelson Mandela International Day. All over the world this year, 18 July has been a celebration of offering service and education, a call to action to use our energies to change our world for better. Nelson Mandela Bay hosted music Festival in honour of ex first black South African President Dr. Nelson Mandela.

The day culminated with the rendition of local artists who have made it in the international arena including Afro Nubian princess Camagwini, MXO, Zonke and Lulu Dikana with collaboration song produced by Malambule Sipho Sithole of Native Rhythms.
This comes after Spain; Madrid-Teatro Circo Price hosted a successful Nelson Mandela day music concert 02 June, artist B. B King performed for free amongst other 46664 artists. Nelson Mandela foundation is asking everyone to join hands and devote 67 minutes of their lives to a good cause.

Madiba’s 67 years of uninterrupted and selfless service to the people of South Africa and the World culminating in the birth of the new South Africa. He made reconciliation, reconstruction and development hallmark of his administration. Mandela day saw South Africans responding to the United Nations call of dedicating 67 minutes of their lifetime doing something good for humanity, helping the need, poor and vulnerable members of the community.

President of the Republic of South Africa Jacob Zuma attended Birthday Celebrations, Mvezo Village, Umthatha, Eastern Cape were Madiba grew up. “The first lesson we must draw from today’s celebration is that we must continue to work together as South Africans to build the kind of nation Madiba envisaged when he uttered those words. The unity of the South African people is paramount. The patriotism and unity that prevailed during the 2010 FIFA World Cup demonstrated to the world that this nation has a great future.” said Jacob Zuma. Madiba was in his Johannesburg Haughton home during these celebrations as he is largely retired from the public. Gifts came from all over the World wishing Nelson Mandela a happy life. “No child in Africa, and in fact anywhere in the world, should be denied education. I know that we can reach this goal.” said Mandela in 2004.

Hollywood comes to South Africa

In the photo: Bobedi (Fana Mokoena) held at gunpoint by OJ (Neo Ntlatleng)
Photo by NFVF

World On Press

Ian Jindela

The 31st Durban International Film Festival 2010 (DIFF) kicks off on July 22 until August 02. Regarded as the oldest festival in South Africa, this year more than 200 screenings at numerous venues across the Durban district will be presented. The venues will be all over from the beachfront outdoor screenings, the unusual cinema setup and the township theatre venues, were cinemas are non existence. Venues include Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre; Nu Metro Cinecentre - Suncoast; Ster Kinekor Junction Musgrave; Cinema Nouveau - Gateway; Ekhaya Multi-Arts Centre in KwaMashu; and The Royal Hotel. South Africa will experience most of the premiere screenings. Over 70 countries are expected at the Film festival. DIFF 2010 will introduce South African audiences to the new generation of auteurs and also focus on the Swedish film. A number of short documentary packages are on offer.

National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) is behind the DIFF for eleventh year. NFVF CEO Eddie Mbalo in support of local Film industry will deliver a speech on the opening night followed by the screening of Crime Thriller, State of Violence (pictured here). State of Violence is directed by South Africa’s own Khalo Matabane and produced by Jeremy Nathan and Michelle Wheatley. The film is the story of a successful Black business man, an activist in the apartheid era. He tries to find the killer of his late wife. He is then reminded of the apartheid era and the struggle. Starring Fana Mokoena, Presley Chweneyagae, Neo Ntlatleng, Mary Twala and Vusi Kunene. The NFVF will offer host of various workshops and training programmes that include Talent Campus’ Meet the Experts; pitching sessions; DFM finance July 24, the NFVF will host a conference aimed at filmmakers and the media. Filmgoers can experience South African Local films, shorts and documentaries supported by the NFVF at the 31st Durban International Film and Video Festival 2010. Films like Christmas Doesn’t Come Here; The Abyss Boys; The Tunnel; The Battle for Johannesburg; My Hunter’s Heart and The Cradock Four.