Edward Tsumele

Edward Tsumele

The Miniskirt Festival that was launched in Soweto five weeks ago now moves to Pretoria.

The festival, which seeks to highlight respect for the rights of women and the way they dress, moves to the State Theatre, Pretoria, tomorrow.

The festival was triggered by an incident two months ago at Joburg's notorious Noord Street taxi rank in which a young Soweto woman, Nwabisa Ngcukana, was attacked and sexually abused by taxi drivers for wearing a miniskirt.

Now Ngcukana and the House of Zodiac Promotions have joined forces "to embark on a national awareness campaign to say women have the right to choose what to wear".

This will involve staging dress code and human rights awareness campaigns, music shows and educational tours.

Tomorrow male celebrities will dominate the campaign by attending the festival at Cappello's at the State Theatre.

Those expected to attend include Jub Jub, Mapaputsi, Ndumiso Nyovane, Dumisane Dlamini ,Prosper Mkwaiwa Pitch Black Afro and former TV presenter Shane Maja.

Tshwane executive mayor Gwen Ramokgopa, who recently led a group of activists to the Noord Street taxi rank, has also been invited.

Kelly Khumalo, Thembi Seete, Buyi Majola, Miss Soweto, Queen B and Lindelwa Nomyayi will provide entertainment.

If you are from Soweto and surrounding areas and need transport, contact coordinator Terry Mokoena on 073-362-2810. The concert is scheduled to last from 4pm until the early hours of the morning. Admission is R50.