I have seen the Joburg Carnival grow since the concept was started a few years ago, and it really V fun for the whole family. What with the explosion of drums, colours and floats. It is something one does not want to miss on New Year's Eve if you are in Joburg.

I have seen the Joburg Carnival grow since the concept was started a few years ago, and it really V fun for the whole family. What with the explosion of drums, colours and floats. It is something one does not want to miss on New Year's Eve if you are in Joburg.

And the authorities believe that the carnival has helped to deffuse violence that often defines the inner city on New Year's Eve.

And now this year, if you are in the city, join in fun by saying "Woza Africa 2010" this New Year's Eve, when the Joburg Carnival goes soccer crazy in anticipation of next year's World Cup.

For the sixth year running the carnival will unite the city's residents for a safe, vibrant and fun-filled street parade and party on December 31.

With this year's theme being Woza Africa 2010, expect the streets of downtown Joburg to pulsate with all the usual colour, music and energy of the carnival, while tapping into the mounting excitement surrounding the Beautiful Game and welcoming other countries, particularly from Africa, to the city.

From the early afternoon, the merry procession will start making its way from Braamfontein across the Nelson Mandela Bridge to Newtown Park. An eclectic assortment of troupes, choirs, bands and floats will strut their stuff.

Police statistics have shown that since the City of Joburg initiated the carnival six years ago, crime levels and disturbances in the inner city had shown a marked decrease over the New Year's Eve period.

The carnival is aimed at celebrating the creativity and diversity of the melting pot that is Joburg, giving inner city residents and young people a free, safe New Year's Eve entertainment option.

This year South African participants will again be partnering with foreign nationals in the spirit of tolerance, integration and cooperation.

The objective is to promote and encourage inclusivity and social cohesion, according to City Fathers.

Communities from all over the city will take part in carnival camps before the main event, during which budding artists are trained in various carnival-related arts, equipping them with skills that could eventually earn them a livelihood.

During these camps each of the city's seven regions has been allocated an African country that has qualified for the World Cup - Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Cameroon, Algeria and South Africa, as well as Brazil as hosts of the next World Cup - to inspire their carnival creations.