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Speech by Deputy President Mlambo-Ngcuka at the official opening of 'The Lion King South Africa, Montecasino, Johannesburg
6 June 2007
Programme Director
Distinguished artists and guests
Ladies and gentlemen
Today is a great day when the lion roars in Africa at home where it belongs. As long as I can remember, African fairy tales have been stories of bravery, strategy, the family, leadership and governance. They have been stories told at fireplace and passed from generation to generation. The marriage between Tsogo Sun and Teatro Theatre is a marriage made in heaven… I can imagine Lebo and Themba…
The story of Simba is indeed cultural, educational and it is a story of pride and principle. Thank you for bringing it home and thank you for the music we love and feel so much. Simba's upbringing is about inculcating the principle of responsibility and as the story unfolds, there is treachery, comradeship, strength of character, love, bravery and responsibility. All of these are values we long and yearn for in our society and we wish them for our youth.
I thank everyone involved from Tsogo Sun and all from 'The Lion King South Africa.'
Enjoy the evening.
Issued by: The Presidency
6 June 2007