Johannesburg - South African artists are planning to hold a special day of prayer to show their commitment towards healing and building the nation.
The event is scheduled to take place the day before Human Right's Day on March 20 at Freedom Park in Pretoria.
The likes of Sibongile Khumalo, Sipho "Hotstix" Mabuse, Ringo Madlingozi, Lebo Mashile, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Tumi (of Tumi and the Volume), Simphiwe Dana, Gloria Bosman, Abigail Kubheka, Jabu Hlongwane, Zubz, Percy Ingle, Gcina Mhlophe, Sylvia Mdunyelwa, Neo Muyanga, Shado Twala, Busi Mhlongo, and Tina Schouw and many more will take the lead in turning the nation's attention to the need for healing.
Head of Marketing and Advocacy for the Freedom Park Trust, Ashton Bodrick, the were partnering with the artists because Freedom Park was a place of healing for all South Africans.
The will be a performance of a special song written by Khumalo, Ringo, Tumi (of Tumi and the Volume), Zubz and Lebo Mashile.
According to Ringo, the song is intended to be a healing anthem for the country and it can be used for generations to come. He said the song will also act as a springboard for a declaration that will be read out during the proceedings.
Those who will attend will be asked to make symbolic gestures of cleansing at the entrance to Sikhumbuto, and will then be lead in prayer by the representatives of the different faiths that make up South Africa.
The releasing of white balloons, lighting of candles and drumming will also be part of the ceremony.
The event will conclude with a picnic dinner and guests are requested to bring their own blanket and picnic basket.
The 'Forgive and Be Forgiven' gathering ties in with the Human Rights Commission dialogue scheduled to take place at The Freedom Park on 18 to 19 March 2009.
The main session of the day's proceedings start at 17:00 and will take place at Sikhumbuto, a place of remembrance for those who have died and also a place for invoking their assistance in current and future affairs.
Entrance to the 'Forgive and Be Forgiven' ceremony will be open to all South Africans.
