Tribute planned for 'Mama Afrika'

Johannesburg - A special tribute to "Mama Afrika", Miriam Makeba, will take place in November, the department of arts and culture said on Saturday.

"The Makeba family approached the department for support for the tribute and [we are] proud to [be a] partner," Director-General Themba Wakashe said.

The tribute which will take place on November 9 marks the first anniversary of Makeba's passing.

The tribute is part of the department's ongoing legacy programme to honour the country's icons.

"We will continue to highlight the everlasting contributions of Mama Afrika to our rich musical heritage.

"The department reminds our nation that Miriam Makeba was the first African cultural activist to address the United Nations General Assembly.

"She will be forever remembered for her unique voice and her worldwide monster hit Pata-Pata.

"She was a tireless activist and a selfless patriot. She will always be remembered for her warmth and caring and her special musical legacy that brought joy to millions of people globally."

The tribute will take place at the State Theatre in Pretoria.

It will feature performances by South African artists as well as up and coming talent.

A planned tribute concert which was supposed to be open to the public was cancelled "due to a decision to have the first anniversary of Makeba's death as dignified as possible".

"We wanted the first anniversary of her passing to be as small as possible, hence the decision to host it at the State Theatre," he said.