By Buffalo City Reporter
13 March 2008

INTERNATIONALLY acclaimed South African trumpeter Feya Faku and reedman McCoy Mrubata will be in East London for the Jazz Festival Against Crime on Friday, 14 March.

Organised by the provincial department of safety, liaison, roads and transport, the festival is to be held at the Guild Theatre. It aims to mobilise Eastern Cape communities, particularly Buffalo City, to support the department's prevention initiatives outlined in its Provincial Crime Prevention Strategy (PCPS).

The jazz festival follows hot on the heels of the Provincial Community Police Cluster Boards Summit, which was held in East London earlier this week. The summit was part of the department's Safety and Security Month programme.

During the month, activities are held that will promote multi-agency collaboration in the fight against crime, as outlined in the PCPS.

Explaining the jazz festival, MEC Thobile Mhlahlo said, "In order for us to win the battle against crime we need to embark on various innovative projects that will encourage our people to actively participate in the fight against crime."

He called on the province's people to support the jazz initiative, which starts at 7pm on Friday, 14 March. Tickets are R40 each from the Guild Theatre.

Local jazz artists Lulama Gawulana and the All Star Big Band will join Faku and Mrubata.