Madiba says 46664 concert achieving objectives

Mandela will turn 90 on July 18

Former president Nelson Mandela says he is delighted that the 46664 Aids awareness concert campaign is engaging the youth in schools and communities in breaking the silence and stigma around HIV/Aids. Mandela says this makes people realize that the power to beat the pandemic lies in their own hands.

At least 50 000 people are expected to attend this year's fifth international 46664 Aids awareness concert to be held in Johannesburg in December. Since the launch of the campaign almost six years ago, the concert has raised more than R20 million which has gone to various charities.

Madiba says the campaign has made huge gains in raising the profile of the pandemic. Concert organiser Tim Massey says they hope to make this year's concert uniquely different.