South Africa is tense as the world focuses on the Pretoria medical facility where former statesman Nelson Mandela is being treated for his recurring lung infection.
The international media is alert for any news of changes in Madiba’s health. In Grahamstown attention is divided between the National Arts Festival, a joyous celebration, and Madiba’s illness.
South Africa is tense as the world focuses on the Pretoria medical facility where former statesman Nelson Mandela is being treated for his recurring lung infection.
The international media is alert for any news of changes in Madiba’s health. In Grahamstown attention is divided between the National Arts Festival, a joyous celebration, and Madiba’s illness.
There are also concerns arising about whether Madiba’s death may impact on the Festival and what is the best approach should this come to pass.
Tony Lankester, National Arts Festival CEO, says the Festival committee has measures in place in the event that Mandela passes away during the Festival period.
At the Arts Festival opening press conference on Wednesday 26 June Lankester and the panel present were quizzed by journalists as to what plans were in place should the former President pass away.
Lankester said the Festival committee had discussed and formulated plans but would not give any details regarding these. He did however confirm that the Festival will not be cancelled should Mandela die.
Lankester said while any events or performances that would be in bad taste if Mandela passes would be removed from the programme, the Festival will go on.
He emphasised that cancelling the Festival “would not be what he [Mandela] would want."
“The festival will respond appropriately.”
