Pascalinah Kabi
MASERU — The Two Nations choral music concert scheduled for this afternoon has been called off.
This comes after Swaziland’s Manzini Choir pulled out of the concert, citing failure to secure sponsorship for the trip.
The Two Nations show was set to pit the Swazi choir against hosts Mohapeloa Singers at Manthabiseng Convention Centre.
Mohapeloa Singers president Thabo Mokhuts’oane confirmed the developments to Xpress People.
The Swaziland group said it could not raise R23 000 for transport to Maseru in a short space after the choir’s sponsor pulled out at the last minute.
“Our sponsor responsible for transport has basically bailed out on us at this moment,” read part of the e-mail which Manzini Choir sent to Mohapeloa Singers last week.
“We have had to spend the entire weekend seeking alternative methods of getting ourselves there (Lesotho) in the next two weeks.
“Needless to say an amount of R23 000 (transport only) cannot be so easy to find in such a short time.”
Manzini Choir said their failure to pitch up for today’s concert was a temporary setback.
The group indicated it might still want to fulfil the tour at a later date.
“. . . in the face of all these things we have found it honourable to withdraw any further plans of the trip and to officially let you know of this decision,” the e-mail read.
“In our minds this is a temporary suspension.”
Manzini Choir apologised to the local organisers for any inconveniences the cancellation might have caused.
“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused to your plans,” the choir said.
Mokhuts’oane was disappointed by the development.
He was not sure if the show might be pencilled in again any time this year.
“I don’t trust them anymore hence I am not even sure if the show will be held any time this year,” he said.
He said Manzini Choir’s tight calendar was likely to make it difficult to reschedule the Two Nations concert this year.
“They have qualified for South African competitions in early December,” Mokhuts’oane said of Manzini Choir.
“I do not think they can make two international trips.”
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