Johannesburg – The annual Gauteng carnival did not disappoint at the weekend, when its procession of six massive floats, vibrant local music and brightly costumed revelers made their way through Braamfontein.

This carnival, introduced as a tourist magnet in the build up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup, also aims to celebrate the province’s diverse cultures and showcase artistic talent.

On Saturday, Premier Mbazima Shilowa sat on one of the floats, flanked by two artificial lions, and waved to an amused crowd of on-lookers and residents in the area’s apartment buildings.

The third Gauteng Pale ya Rona Carnival encouraged South Africans to tell their own stories.

A glimpse into the Premier’s float shows large letters shouting the words “Woza 2010” (Come 2010 World Cup).

The float painted the picture of Johannesburg - the centre stage of the world cup - as an admirable city commanding respect from the world’s greats.

A picture of a stadium stood out on the float with soccer maniacs cheering the on beautiful game.

Soweto’s Orlando Stadium will be used as a training ground for the world cup, while another symbol of Soweto, the power towers, were depicted towards the rear of the float.

The carnival parade proceeded enthusiastically through the iconic Nelson Mandela Bridge to in Newtown in sunny, yet cool atmosphere.

The six floats that made up the parade represented the regions that together form the province.

The floats were themed “Meropa ya sechaba sa Jozi ya Famba” for the Johannesburg region, “Lehae la merabe yohle- Kgabo mo Africa” for Ekurhuleni, “Meshito ya Tshwane” for Tshwane, “Metsweding Tswaranang” for Metsweding, “Baepa Khumo” for the Westrand and “Sekgametsi Mohloding” for the Sedibeng Region.

The regions constituted 8000 participants, a remarkable achievement from last year’s 5000.

The carnival has also ensured that young people are equipped with skills in the creative industry, in line with government’s creative strategy.

The strategy aims to develop the creative industry to contribute to the economic growth, job creation, community development and urban regeneration.

Ten trainees, including four women were contracted to build floats and costumes plus a further 50 women had been brought in for six weeks to produce 500 costumes per region.

This includes ten production assistants who played a role in putting together the Gauteng Carnival.

MEC Barbara Creecy spoke to BuaNews regarding the magnitude of the carnival and its role in the transferring of skills.

She said the Carnival had five objectives, one of them being the skills transfer.

“Through the carnival we seek to transfer the skills that are important to the creative industry such as the costume making, music, dance and song.

“Secondly, we want to build social cohesion by creating activities that give young people an opportunity to understand and express their heritage and cultures,” she added.

Thirdly, she told BuaNews, Gauteng government planned to make the carnival the major tourist attraction in the world

“It is important that we should over a number of years build something large to market the province,” she said.

MEC Creecy said the final objective was to turn Gauteng into the destination of creative activities.

She further noted that the diversity and unique African flavour shown in the carnival is also important for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

“As in any world cup, cultural activities will be important in the 2010 world cup to present a unique African experience,” she said. - BuaNews