Throngs of revellers and supporters crowded the Park Station on Friday when the Department of Arts and Culture in partnership with the Department of Sports and Recreation took the newly launched Magnificent Fridays campaign to greater heights. The event attracted ministers, MECs, top government officials, sports personalities and crowds of supporters from as early as 5:30 am.
The Minister of Arts and Culture, Mr Paul Mashatile entered the station on a highly powered, roaring bike.
He was later joined on stage by Minister of Sports, Fikile Mbalula, Gauteng MEC for Sports and Recreation, Arts and Culture, Mr Lebo Maile and top government and sports officials.
The event itself characterised by much song and dance before both ministers and the MEC encouraged the excited crowds to support Magnificent Fridays.
The initiative is a re-adaptation of Football Fridays intended not only to gain support for sporting teams but to build social cohesion and national unity among South Africans.
Significantly, Minister Mashatile used the occasion to introduce ‘cultural ambassadors’ who will play a leading role in using the arts to unite with sports.
These include musicians like Arthur Mafokate, Chomee, Ntombi, Selaelo Selota, Ringo Madlingozi and many others.
Significantly, the Department of Arts and Culture which is the custodian of social cohesion and nation-building is using the collaborative platform to create awareness and educate people about national symbols, especially the national flag and anthem.
Minister Mashatile, urged the nation to support the teams and fly the flag. “Follow the teams where they are, support them without exception. Let us show the world that we are South Africans and we are proud” said the Minister.
The campaign is set to take place in other Provinces with Free State and Western Cape next in line.
Source: Department of Arts and Culture
