The Walk of Stars, featuring stars inlaid into the pavement with names of people who have excelled in their fields, will be inaugurated here next week with more 30 South Africans including an Indian-origin disaster relief group founder selected for the honour.
The first Walk of Stars on the African continent, modelled on the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame, will be inaugurated on Mandela Day, July 18, in the suburb of Rosebank here.
Initiated by the African Global Heritage Foundation (AGHF), the Walk will feature five-pointed stars inlaid into the pavement, with the names of people who have excelled in a variety of areas inscribed on the brass plates.
Stars will be allocated to people who have made a mark in the entertainment and sport arenas, as well as to those who have rendered exceptional service in the interest of their fellowmen, nationally and internationally.
Phineas Tichana, who came up with the concept, told local media that although the formal unveiling of the Walk and induction of the first people recognised with a star will take place in September this year, a "mock" unveiling will be done on Nelson Mandela International Day on July 18, when millions of South Africans will also engage in 67 minutes of community work.
More than thirty South Africans, who have excelled in various fields, have already been identified as the first recipients of the honour.
They include Mandela's confidante and fellow prisoner for 26 years Ahmed Kathrada, Nobel Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Indian-origin founder of the internationally-acclaimed humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers Imtiaz Sooliman, former cricket supremo Ali Bacher, current South Africa cricker captain AB de Villiers, and eight former and current heads of state of countries neighbouring South Africa.
