Mabuse, Chaka Chaka colour Tanzania Day in SA

PRETORIA: It was a nostalgic afternoon as legendary musicians Sipho Mabuse and Yvonne Chaka Chaka lighted the room with their legendary presence, transporting the audience back to the 1980s during Tanzania’s National Day celebrations in Pretoria, South Africa.

The hall came alive with a mix of joyous voices as the self-declared friend of Tanzania, Mabuse, stepped onto the stage, partly singing some of his past hits including “Zanzibar.”

His narration stirred memories among the fully packed crowd comprising of Ambassadors and High Commissioners accredited to South Africa, Head of International Organizations; South Africa’s representatives led by Mkhuleko Hlengwa, the Deputy Minister of Transport, and members of Tanzania Diaspora Community celebrating the 62nd Union Anniversary of the United Republic of Tanzania.

As Mabuse delivered the iconic tune of Zanzibar beautiful Island of Africa, the audience sang, turning the event into a vibrant celebration of Tanzania’s heritage.

Speaking during the Celebration, Mabuse said the song reflects a message inspired by the late Miriam Makeba, who once encouraged him to celebrate the richness of the African continent.

“I am privileged to be here celebrating this wonderful country, the United Republic of Tanzania. When I talk about a country, I mean its people. Thank you for inviting me—this is a special day,” he said.

The two legendary artists headlined the well-attended event, which brought together the aforementioned audience, including Eritrea’s Ambassador to South Africa and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Salih Abdu, as Tanzania High Commissioner to South Africa James Bwana advanced the High Commission’s public diplomacy efforts.

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Describing the event, Tanzania High Commissioner to South Africa, James Bwana summed up the entire event as a fitting occasion to celebrate the enduring diplomatic ties between Tanzania and South Africa.

“Forged during the struggle to end apartheid in South Africa, our relations have since expanded to include cooperation in sectors such as mining, finance, manufacturing, tourism and infrastructure development,” he said.

According to the envoy, South Africa remains one of Tanzania’s key strategic partners on the continent.

He added that within the framework of Southern African Development Community (SADC), Tanzania and South Africa continue to play a pivotal role in advancing regional integration, strengthening economic resilience and safeguarding peace and security.

Bwana also congratulated South Africa for marking 30 years since the adoption of its democratic Constitution.

“This remarkable milestone reflects the steadfast commitment of your nation to the enduring values of human dignity, equality and freedom,” he said.