Cape Town Carnival to celebrate firefighters’ efforts
UP TO 600 firefighters and volunteers will take part in tomorrow’s Cape Town Carnival as the city continues to honour the brave men and women who battled the week-long South Peninsula blaze.
“We, along with the Cape community, are overwhelmed with gratitude for these heroes who have fought so bravely to protect local lives, nature and property from the devastating fires. We are calling on everyone to join us in giving them the reception they so richly deserve. This is the time to celebrate our city’s spirit of unity,” said Cape Town Carnival marketing, media and sponsorship director Shelley Finch.
Those attending the carnival are encouraged to salute and cheer the firefighters as they walk along the Green Point Fan Walk, which covers 2.6km and goes through Darling, Adderley, Strand, Riebeek and Waterkant streets in the CBD. After that it links up with Somerset Road until the forecourt of Cape Town Stadium.
Joining the firefighters in the parade will also be 70 pupils from four city high schools – Lavender Hill High, PhoenixHigh, Oscar Mpetha High and Walter Teka High.
The theme this year is “Elemental” and the pupils will be taking part in the space portion of the parade.
Rehearsals for the parade began in October and, with the backing of the Western Cape Government, the 70 teenagers will be hoping to steal the show come this weekend.
“We are very proud of this group of learners and the commitment and dedication they have shown to this project. We hope that their participation has contributed to their personal development and we wish them well from tomorrow’s event,” said Anton Bredell, the acting Western Cape minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport.
There will also be performances by different dance groups from across the city, including the Athlone Dance Studio, Soms-Delta from the Drakenstein
PICTURES: EPA and the Likhwezi Arts Project which comprises young dancers from areas such as Khayelitsha, Philippi East, Gugulethu and Langa.
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