BURGERSFORT – Organisers were forced to call off the outdoor concert at Thaba Moshate Hotel Casino Convention Resort after the heavy rain.
“Safety has always been our top priority and the situation became very critical when one of the guitarists was nearly electrocuted when he felt strong electrical shocks while performing on stage,” said Bruce Kgapane, event organiser.
Kgapane profusely apologised to fans for the eventual cancellation of the concert, citing that everyone’s safety was at risk as the heavy rain had drenched most of the electric cables leading to the stage. Part of the stage and equipment were also damaged by the rain.
Most of the local artists, including Blondie Segwale, had already performed before the rain became unstoppable and uncontrolled.
Despite the pouring rain, there was a deafening sound of applause and screams as the gospel superstars, Pastor Dube, Dr Tumi and Winnie Mashaba, each made their appearance on stage to address the patient yet disappointed fans about the risk of continuing with the concert.
“We never organise events to not materialise. This was unfortunately beyond our control as nature took its course. But as safety is our priority, the event had to be called off. We really apologise to the fans and promise to return to the annual event next year,” said Kgapane.
Good morning ☀️ SA,as I’m on my way from Burgersfort to OR TAMBO Airport for the Crowns???? …was with @DrTumisang and @TeezyFresh4ever pic.twitter.com/A0BFElb3jN
— Benjamin Dube (@benjamindube) November 26, 2017
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This was going to be the moment most gospel lovers had been waiting for as it would have been the first gospel concert where two of South Africa’s greatest gospel singers – Dr Tumi and Pastor Dube – would have performed on the same stage. Speaking to the crowd Benjamin Dube promised to return to the mining town of Burgersfort. “As you can see the situation is beyond our control, I would have loved to perform here tonight. It is my first time coming here and I promise you that definitely, I will come back here to perform for you,” said Dube.
The event was presented by Ziyaphenduka Marketing and Events in collaboration with the Limpopo Tourism Agency, AfriRent Fleet Management and Thaba Moshate Hotel and Casino.
