Concert Set for Mandela’s 70th Birthday
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JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — Anti-apartheid activists today announced plans for an open-air concert near Soweto to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s 70th birthday.
The “Concert for Peace,” to feature some of South Africa’s top black musicians, is scheduled to run for nine hours on July 17, the day before the jailed black leader’s birthday.
Organizers expressed hope that the government, which prohibits unauthorized outdoor political meetings and has restricted groups sympathetic to the African National Congress, would allow the concert to take place.
“If you put your foot in it, you’ll be in trouble,” said Aubrey Mokoena, head of the organizing committee, addressing himself to any officials who might consider halting the event.
Plans for the concert were announced at a news conference attended by Mandela’s wife, Winnie.
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