Johannesburg - Giant, bright floats that tell the story of Soweto will bring colour and excitement to the streets of the township on Friday in the Soweto Carnival.
Themed Mzansi's Legacy, the parade that aims to bid farewell to the 2010 World Cup in true township style, will start at Maponya Mall in Klipspruit at noon and end at Walter Sisulu Square of Dedication in Kliptown, reports Joburg.org.
"Mzasi's Legacy will celebrate the past, present and future of Soweto and at the same time will encompass South Africa's historical legacy," said the carnival's creative director, Mandla Hlatshwayo.
The 3km spectacle will travel down Mhloka Street and join Modjadji Street, turning left into Klipspruit Valley Road and going towards Kliptown. It will end with live entertainment at Walter Sisulu Square.
"We chose Walter Sisulu Square of Dedication because it is where the Freedom Charter was drafted so in a way we are going back to the beginning," explained the director of Gauteng Dance Manyano, Jimmy Nokutu.
Gauteng Dance Manyano, a dance network of choreographers, teachers, companies, dancers and schools, is managing the carnival. Besides the floats and costumed paraders, there would be marimba bands, jugglers and stilt walkers along the route, Nokutu said.
Leading the procession will be a big Soccer City float, with Mama Soweto sitting on top of it and stirring from a pot; behind this there will be a diski float.
"The truck will be followed by a troupe that will be dressed in a way that complements the diski truck," Hlatshwayo added.
Other big floats will include the popular Soweto towers, a sisonke hand and one showing the progression of the township.
The Soweto Carnival is sponsored by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund, while the City of Joburg is providing services from its metro police department and emergency management services.
"I think this is a very good initiative. I hope that we will continue working together with the Soweto Carnival group to help improve their skills," said the City of Joburg's carnival co-ordinator, Zoleka Ntabeni.
