Good music, philanthropy at MTN Joyous Celebration concert

THE Durban International Convention Centre (DICC), Gospel group Joyous Celebration and African Global Networks have teamed up for a benefit concert in aid of Kwazulu-natal flood victims.

The concert will take place on July 29 and 30 and will highlight the effects of climate change.

Speaking at the announcement breakfast held this week, Lindiwe Rakharebe, chief executive officer of the DICC, said that despite the various relief efforts, many were still in need.

Rakharebe added that the ICC had a role to assist, beyond hosting the concert. “The ICC really makes a tremendous economic impact on the city and the province.

“Before Covid, we contributed R6.3 billion toward the SA gross domestic product. That is why we are committed to giving back to the community, especially to those who are undergoing severe hardships,” she said.

Programme director, Jacinta Ngobese, said when all relief options were exhausted, there was “always something that only music and spirituality can do”. Through its founder, Wiseman Mkhize, the non-profit company was committed to promoting the goals of the UN, particularly climate action.

Mbali Thabethe of MTN Joyous Celebration said the pandemic had put everything on hold and deterred the group from touring, hence the ensemble decided to give back to KZN after the support they had received in the past.

Thabethe added that they would also be visiting shelters with relief packages.

Twenty percent of the proceeds from the concert would be used to assist flood victims.

The exact recipients were yet to be identified as this would be determined by the proceeds. However, priority would be given to the hardesthit families who suffered the death of multiple members, families with children with disabilities and those