Speaker, I recently attended the Kelston Boys' College Speech Day and heard their choir sing. This choir has just returned from singing in New York in the famous Avery Fisher Hall seating 2 600 people. The principal said, and I quote:
It was in this grandiose auditorium that six choirs performed one after the other, culminating in the Kelston Boys, when they took to the stage. The strong beat of the African drum immediately enchanted the entire auditorium. The energy, enthusiasm and vibrancy of the multicultural group brought the audience to its feet. There was clapping, joyous expression of delight and dancing in the aisles. They shared with others singing the song of peace in the General Assembly hall of the United Nations. The first time the hall had been opened to a public performance, they also sang in a famous African-American Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem. Here, they sang the charismatic Shona spiritual Ichokwadi. Towards the end, the entire church was on its feet in joyous celebration.
The Minister said, and I quote:
During the days of apartheid, this church supported the struggle. We have been emancipated, but you boys from South Africa have shown us more than emancipation and freedom. You have shown us what reconciliation really is.
This House congratulates this acoustic choir for the honour they brought South Africa. [Applause.]