Poland in South Africa

The event was attended by representatives of South African government institutions, the diplomatic corps, the media, think-tanks, academic, business and artistic circles, as well as Polish community organizations.

The occasional speech was delivered by Ambassador Andrzej Kanthak, in which he referred to the history and the development of good mutual relations between the two nations, as well as to current political events.

The talented South African artist, Loyiso Bala, who broke the racial barrier during apartheid times, becoming one of the first black members of the famous Drakensberg Boys choir, took part in the concert. In 1992, together with a South African choir, he visited Poland. The music performed by Loyiso Bala was interspersed with humorous memories and reflections of the artist from his stay in our country. Loyiso Bala spoke about Poland with great sympathy. Thanks to family connections - Loyiso Bal's wife is half Polish - Poland has become his second homeland.

Simamkele Neli, a student at Sinikiwe High School in Mdantsane, successfully performed world opera hits. The school from which the young soloist comes was renovated as part of Polish development aid.

An exhibition about the life and work of our great composer, Fryderyk Chopin, was presented during the event. The presentation was prepared by the Fryderyk Chopin Institute in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland.

The concert aroused great interest and attracted many viewers, and the wonderful performance of Loyiso Bala will remain in our memory for a long time.

Photos: Victor Ngobeni