World AIDS Day Gala Concert

"HIV and AIDS still remains a formidable challenge in our country and around the world", states Prof Jan du Toit, director of the Africa Centre for HIV and AIDS Management at Stellenbosch University. "At the Africa Centre we continue to inspire our fellow countrymen and this year our star studded event is honoured to have the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra playing classic favourites conducted by Mario Verster."

Director and producer of the gala concert Jimmie Earl Perry will share the stage with the talents of two South African, international opera divas, Golda Schultz and Janelle Visagie. Fourteen-year-old Stellenbosch High School student Roné Roux will début one of her original compositions with the CPO and a special guest vocalist Nurlaila Karim from the Netherlands will also make an appearance. The New Apostolic Church Cape 50 Voice Choir, Paul Morrissey, Amy Campbell and Spha Mdlalose will add their voices to this annual celebration. Additional musicians include Andrew Ford (piano), Shaun Johannes (bass), Kevin Gibson (Drums) and Al "Dirt" du Toit (Guitar). The evening will have some wonderful surprises and is to be guided by international motivational speaker and illusionist Wolfgang Riebe.

Partnering with the Africa Centre is the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Both have initiated an unprecedented collaboration on strategic HIV and AIDS education, training and prevention programmes. An important Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the Africa Centre, Stellenbosch University and the United Nations on this project, which includes 46 countries on the African continent.

A non-threatening way of getting the message out

Bunmi Makinwa, director of the Africa Regional Office of UNFPA says, "The gala concert is a non-threatening way of getting our message on HIV to specialised audiences. UNFPA believes it is the collective efforts of different publics that will help humanity end AIDS. It is also important for young people to continue to receive comprehensive sexuality education they need to become a truly HIV free generation."

Since 2005, the Africa Centre for HIV and AIDS Management at Stellenbosch University has hosted this event. Prof Du Toit, mentions the invaluable successes the Africa Centre's intensive programmes have made through education and prevention in businesses, schools and communities and how imperative it is to recognise the critical role that every person on this planet, including the vulnerable and marginalised play in the epidemic: "We need to invest in models of service delivery that reach all population groups and ensure equitable and quality services that are able to provide sustainable support to the most affected communities. For this reason we acknowledge with gratitude our invaluable partner, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)," says Du Toit.

The first African American/South African appointed UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador to South Africa, Perry, says that the programme of classical, pop and adult contemporary music will be a joyous celebration honouring unsung heroes, individuals and organisations for their tireless work and dedication to these causes. It is a formal occasion with a touch of red and also a platform for committed artists to perform in support of World Aids Day.

Tickets cost R80 and R100. Book through Artscape Dial-a-Seat on tel +27(0)21 421 7695, Computicket, Shoprite and Checkers outlets, online at www.computickets.com or call 0861 915 8000.

For more, call Bianca on tel +27(0)21 808 3006/3707.