‘Splendour of the African Spirit’ Inspires Guests at Pre-Match Bash
Durban’s iconic Playhouse Theatre located in the heart of this sub-tropical coastal city in the Province of KwaZulu-Natalis the host venue for today’s pre-match celebration hosted by the Office of the Premier especially for dignitaries representing Nigeria and South Korea.
Durban, South Africa: 24 June 2010 -- Both the Nigeria and South Korea lost their first round matches. But on Tuessday, both came out with guns blazing at the nearly 70 000 capacity Moses Mabhida Stadium where the teams battled it out.
Dignitaries from South Korea and Nigeria as well as ambassadors, consuls and financiers from all over the world experienced the warmth and hospitality generated by the Premier of KZN, Dr Zweli Mkhize and his team of Members of the Executive Committee (MECs), Heads of Department and officials from the eThekwini Municipality.
About 200 guests joined in the pre-match celebrations which included the performance of Ingqayingqayi e-Africa (Splendour of the African Spirit). The celebratory show, directed by Mbongeni Ngema is in honour of soccer fans and dignitaries from around the world who are visiting KwaZulu-Natal. After the show cocktails and refreshments were served before a live screening of the Bafana Bafana versus France game, which saw the home side take the victory 2-1.
After the match, buses transported the guests to the Moses Mabhida Stadium for the next encounter.
This is the fourth pre-match function hosted by Dr Mkhize. Each one is held at a famous Durban landmark and have included uShaka Marine World, the Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre and the Moyo on the Pier Restaurant. Guests have been treated to traditional Zulu music and dancing as well as the fusion of cuisines that Durban is renowned for.
Dr Mkhize said: “The Government of KwaZulu-Natal saw the necessity of hosting platforms such as this to wish the teams good luck but more importantly to make friends that last long after the World Cup has come and gone.”
The Honorary Consul for Mauritius in Durban, Nirode Bramdaw, said the atmosphere that prevailed at each of the pre-match functions was electrifying and each one has been unique and dynamic in their own rights.
“It really helps to build the vibe going into the games and serve to provide a fitting climax,” he said.
For further information contact:
Claude J. Pretorius
Office of the Premier: 2010 Marketing & Communications
Province of KwaZulu-Natal
Tel: 031 327-9360
Mobile: 082 415-7269
Email: pretoriusc [at] premier [dot] kzntl [dot] gov [dot] za
Url : http://media.kwazulunatal.gov.za / www.kzn2010.gov.za
Footnote:
Durban's Playhouse complex links the city's present with its past. The current theatre facade preserves two of the city's most famous landmarks, situated adjacent to each other in central Anton Lembede (Smith Street) opposite the City Hall, first conceived as cinemas, namely the glamorous Prince's Theatre, which originated in 1926, and the grand, Tudor-styled Playhouse, which originally opened its doors to public fanfares and capacity house in 1935.
In the early 1980s, these two celebrated entertainment venues underwent expert renovation and conversion into a state-of-the-art, multi-venue theatre complex that faithfully preserved many of the buildings' original characteristics and architectural features. This was officially opened in the mid '80s as The Natal Playhouse, subsequently to become known by its present-day title The Playhouse, KwaZulu-Natal's premier theatre complex and home of The Playhouse Company.
As a Cultural Institution, the Playhouse holds the responsibility of devising and managing a dynamic education and development programme in the performing arts with respect to growing youth audiences as well as nurturing community based artists, groups and organizations that are in need of back-up from the company’s marketing expertise and technical resources.
