Phila Mthembu, a news presenter on East Coast Radio, who founded the event, Sisonke Get Together, is expected to take place at the Blue Lagoon, Durban, on August 1 this year.
Speaking to Solezwe, Mthembu said that the idea of the event came from a chance after realizing that the country is in turmoil due to various problems happening in different communities.
“People are facing different things, they go to Gowa. Some in their communities have been destroyed by crime, they live in fear. There are just so many things that are happening that affect the social welfare of the community. Then I got the idea of why there should not be one day where we can just get together, have a little fun, and forget about many things,” said Phila.
He said that with this event, he aims to strengthen unity between people from different places. He said he knows that since he came up with the idea on Facebook, many have supported his idea, people who don’t know each other, who have never met face to face.
“It would be a very good opportunity for us to see each other, get to know each other, and have fun,” he said.
He said from the way people are showing interest in the event, he can see that the preparations are going very well. He said among other things, he saw celebrities coming forward, who volunteered to be part of the event. Among them are Khozi FM broadcasters Zama Mseleku and DJ SpheLive, Gagasi Selbeyonce and Minnie Ntuli. He also pointed out that there are also sponsors who have volunteered for things like the stage following the appearance on social media that the event is exciting.
He revealed that this left him in awe since the event was an idea that came to him on the spot, with no money to make it a success.
He emphasized that the event is free, there is no entrance fee, and it will start at 10 in the morning and end later. He said that he is open to all adults, regardless of race, gender, location and so on.
He said that if people come out in large numbers on the day of the event, he will ensure that it will be for every year.