Carnival winners announced

Region B was judged the best overall region in the Joburg Carnival, which took place as usual on New Year’s Eve. In second place was Region F.
WINNERS of the Joburg Carnival competition, judged on the most vibrant and creative floats and outfits, were announced with top honour for best overall region and R20 000 going to Region B.

Region F came secondRegion F came second in the carnival competition (Photo: Mariola Biela)Residents from each of Joburg’s seven regions put their hearts and creative souls into ushering in the new year in style at the Joburg Carnival, which is held annually on 31 December in the inner city, but the region covering Northcliff, Westbury, Riverlea and Randburg outshone their competitors.

Victorious regions are usually announced at the prize-giving at the carnival, but rain meant that the prize-giving had to be postponed until 11 January.

Coming in second and winning R5 000 was Region F, which incorporates the inner city, while Region C – Roodepoort – claimed bronze in the best overall region category and walked away with R2 500.

The win marks the first one for Region B at the carnival: “We would like to say thank you to everyone who was involved, especially the team and children who participated on the day of the carnival, and for putting Region B on the map,” said the region’s Steven Coetzee. “For the first time in the eight years of the carnival, Region B has made an impact.”

That was not the only win of the day for them, either. Region B took the gold and R10 000 for best troupe costume and another R10 000 for the best interpretation of the sub-theme; theirs was Jozi Chameleon 125.

Region FFlamboyant Region C show off their dance moves (Photo: Mariola Biela)Region C claimed another bragging right by winning in the best choreographed region category, and walked away with R10 000 and a Simba hamper for their efforts. Their performance was themed Going Green, Going Clean.

“Winning this prize feels great and we will celebrate with the community,” said Nomalizo Kana from the region. “We are inspired to be better for the 2012 carnival.”

The carnival is renowned for bringing together thousands of residents as they dance and sing their way into a new year. Last year’s carnival was no exception and has come to be known as the most successful carnival hosted by the City thus far.

“What a day. Despite the rain, the carnival was a fantastic success,” said the event’s acting director, Alba Letts. “The participants put a lot of effort into their preparation and on the day 10 000 people came out and acknowledged that.

“It was a magnificent way to bid farewell to 2011 and usher in a new year full of promise,” she said. “It was also a celebration of 125 years of the city of gold and the carnival’s theme, Jozi My Jozi 125, reflected that.”