World Choir Games Tshwane 2018 - Program Book

Alfred Mpofu (South Africa)
The 10 th World Choir Games taking place in Tshwane has got to be the most
exciting event on the calendar of 2018, and indeed in the history of the
new South Africa.
The timing for this event is impeccable, as it comes at a time when our country
is celebrating the centenary birthday of our fallen former statesman Dr Nelson
Mandela and one of the most remarkable women to ever walk this earth, Mama
Albertina Sisulu. Hosting this colourful, multi-cultural world spectacle is a fitting
tribute to the life and spirit of Nelson Mandela, whose commitment to nonracialism
is legendary, and whose centenary birthday is on 18 July 2018. As we
host the World Choir Games, I’m reminded of the words of the late great Mandela,
who once said: “Music is a great blessing. It has the power to elevate and liberate
us. It sets people free to dream. It can unite us to sing with one voice. Such is the
value of music.”
Music is indeed valuable as a medium to bridge the gap between rich and poor,
young and old, black and white. This is a remarkable and special point in the
history of this country. One day, when I’m old, I will tell my grand-children that I
lived in some of the most unbelievable times in the history of South Africa. And I
will not blame them if they don’t believe me. Who would have thought that in one
lifetime, one would go from suffering the harsh effects of racial discrimination due
to apartheid legislation, and witness the release of Mandela from prison and be
there to see him become President of the great nation?
As if that was not enough, this new and wonderful country that is South Africa
went on to become the first African host of the FIFA World Cup, in 2010.
And here we are, once again making history by welcoming 16 000 participants,
including the jury and council members, from more than 60 countries to the 10 th
World Choir Games in Tshwane.
For me, on behalf of the African Cultural Development Foundation, it is a
wonderful privilege to welcome Interkultur, a leading organizer of choral festivals
and competitions across the world since 1988, to these shores. Even more so, as
they celebrate their 10 th jubilee edition.
We also wish to extend a warm South African welcome to them, and all the
visitors and participants that we are playing host to. We are confident that this is
going to be a world-class event, and an unforgettable experience for participants,
visitors and even the organizers. To the founder and president of the World Choir
Games Mr Günter Titsch and his wonderful team, thank you for all your support
and co-operation from the time this event was just an idea, all the way up to this
important point. The time for us to show what we can do has come. Let us rock
and roll, and thrill the world.
Ke Yona!!!
Alfred Mpofu
CEO of the African Cultural Development Foundation
Greetings
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