The South African embassy, in co-operation with Doha-based events agency Premium Productions, has announced that a series of events and activities will take place in Qatar in celebration of the Freedom Day of South Africa.
The events, which will be held with the support of major South African companies such as Sasol as well as the local South African community, will “share the spirit of South Africa and recall the vision and legacy of Nelson Mandela in his Centenary Year”, the organisers have said in a press statement.
Born on July 18, 1918, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, affectionately known as Madiba, would have been 100 years old this year.
2018 has been named his Centenary Year with special events held around the world to honour his life and work, the statement notes.
Freedom Day is celebrated annually in South Africa on April 27, commemorating the first post-apartheid election held on that day in 1994.
Freedom Day festivities will kick off on the evening of April 26 with a concert taking place at The Ritz-Carlton, Doha performed by South African chart-toppers Good Luck, who have flown all the way from Cape Town to perform for Doha partygoers.
April 27 will feature a South African Brunch and Family Day at The Ritz-Carlton, Doha from 1pm, with activities for the entire family.
Attractions include a games and activities corner for the kids, a pamper zone for women with workshops and beauty tips, a fashion show with a top South African designer, a South African sports celebrity, a tribal drumming workshop hosted by Mr P and stacks of South African spirit.
Classic South African food will be on offer, with a la carte treats for everyone to savour and a special South Africa-themed brunch at The Ritz-Carlton Farmers Market.
Local DJs, including Legacy, Steve Paris and Warren Star will kickstart the party at sunset.
Weekend events will be free of charge, and are open to everyone, inviting the Doha community to experience a taste of the Rainbow Nation.
Special support has been provided by many companies and individuals, including Sasol, which will host a booth on site as part of the festivities, promoting awareness of its Accessible Qatar and Qatar e-Nature initiatives, while inviting children to play ‘Health Park with Salem and Sara’, a boardgame specially designed to promote healthy eating and behaviour.
Ethiopian Airlines is the official travel sponsor of Freedom Day in Doha, providing flights and cargo for VIP guests, including a South African fashion designer and Mandla Mandela, grandson of Madiba.
