Freedom 10 Gala
Canadian Council of South Africans (CANCOSA)

On the 10th anniversary of Freedom Day — the anniversary of the first democratic elections in South Africa —over 500 people joined CANCOSA for an unforgettable evening of celebration, featuring South African art exhibits, a dazzling array of talented musicians and performers, a dinner to delight the palate and speakers to inspire the mind.

Speakers included:
South African High Commissioner to Canada:
Her Excellency Theresa Mary Solomon

Guest speaker: Mark Mathabane, award winning author of "Kaffir Boy" – detailing his experiences of growing up under the South African apartheid regime

Keynote Address: The Honourable William C. Graham

Performers included:
Kollage led by jazz legend Archie Alleyne on drums and Doug Richardson on tenor saxophone, touted as one of Canada's most innovative and exciting jazz quintets. They were joined by Juno Award winning vocalist Liberty Silver.

South African performers Ihashi Elimhlophe “White Horse” provided all the excitement and energy of traditional Zulu mbaqanga music. The vocal harmonies were wondrous and the lead vocals included brief spoken segments taken at a breakneck pace, producing a plethora of joyous and rewarding sounds.

The Yes to Life Choir (previously known as the New Life Singers) moved the appreciative audience with their exhuberant young voices.

South African playwright, poet, raconteur, director, teacher and political activist Fatima Dike performed a unique monologue in commemoration of the 1994 elections.

For further information please visit The Canadian Council of South Africans (CANCOSA) at www.cancosa.com