Gauteng - South Africa's smallest province, Gauteng, has welcomed the world's football fans with open arms - not only with the spectacular matches that are being played in the province's stadiums, but with the fanatical festivities that have been lined up.
For the duration of the 2010 World Cup, the province has set up several entertainment precincts in Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, Metsweding, West Rand and Sedibeng to present and co-ordinate live performances from local and international musicians.
These include DJs from almost every genre, side splitting comedy, powerful poetry and other forms of entertainment.
The theatre programme, Gauteng Alternative Space - presented by the Southern African Theatre Initiative, will also be running in the same precincts showcasing stage actors, directors, play writers and all the other elements that form a piece of theatre art.
The performance topics range from teaching tolerance, respect and women's empowerment, to the importance of the World Cup and tackles social issues too.
These precincts will definitely keep the festive atmosphere alive after the tense excitement of the games, with a number of pubs, restaurants and entertainment venues clustered within particular areas for the fans and fun seekers to choose from, all within walking distance of each other.
Up to five venues have been identified in each municipality and will be supported with arts and entertainment programming on a regular basis throughout the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Headline South African bands will also feature at various venues in the Arts and Entertainment Precincts around Gauteng, ably supported by the Puisano bands, a collection of bands and musicians which are being nurtured by the Gauteng Sports, Arts, Recreation and Culture Department.
Among the new bands featured will be Up Beat and Four Seasons, the joint winners of the Puisano Live 2009 Award for the best band.
The funky soulful jazz of Quiet Storm, the rich Capella voices of the Sophia Sistas, the jazzy jives of Juxtaposed Virtue, the Afro-Jazz fusion of Wafawafa and the dynamic creativity of the Medumo Art Ensemble will also be on show until July 11 2010.
In addition to the exciting events happening at all these sites; the Newtown Cultural precinct will host a broad variety of arts and entertainment activities during this time.
