Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu has urged South Africans to join world faith leaders, political leaders and music stars at an “extraordinary” mass rally and afternoon concert on 27 November at the King’s Park Stadium in Durban.
The Archbishop is to host the “We Have Faith – Act Now for Climate Justice” rally and concert at which he will lead a call to world leaders attending the COP17 climate change talks in Durban that they reach a fair and legally-binding agreement to curb climate change.
When? 27 November 2011; gates open at noon, family entertainment from 1pm, concert starts at 2pm
Where? Kings Park Rugby Stadium
How much? The event is free and all are welcome! However, as a safety and security precaution, tickets will be required to enter the rally. Tickets will be available from 11 November at The Shark Tank Shop, the Diakonia Council of Churches and various other organisations. Tickets can also be collected on the day at the stadium ticket office.
Musicians including Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Arno Carstens, rap star HHP and Kenyan Gospel rapper Juliani have confirmed they will perform at the rally. The COP17 talks start in Durban the day after the rally.
Faith leaders including Pope Benedict XVI, Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks and Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams have also been invited. Those who cannot attend have been asked to send video clips of support. Environmental campaigners and motivational speakers Lewis Pugh (the human polar bear) and 50/50 presenter Braam Malherbe will also address the crowd.
“Apartheid seemed an overwhelming challenge that could not be defeated, but we mobilised and defeated it,” says Tutu. “We need the same passion and determination to defeat climate change.
“Climate change is an even greater threat to us than apartheid was, because as temperatures rise, millions of Africans will be deprived of water and crops. This will cause enormous suffering. It is something we simply cannot allow.
“In the face of such a huge threat, many of us feel numb and throw up our hands, believing we can’t make a difference. But we can make a difference – come to the rally. It will be an extraordinary event. And if you cannot come, please sign our petition online here. We want to have over one million signatures on these petitions at the rally to hand over the world leaders.
Hundreds of youth activists and artists from many African countries, including South Africa, will travel from Nairobi to Durban in a caravan (a convoy of ‘We Have Faith’-branded buses). Along the way, they will stage youth-led climate concerts in cities including Nairobi, Dar Es Salaam, Lusaka, Gaborone, Lilongwe and Soweto.
For more information, click here or contact the campaign Faith Secretariat on (031) 310 3500/3512.