Masters of comedy deliver side-splitting acts in support of 46664

It’s no joke, but it was pretty damn funny. Sharp wit, hilarious one-liners and pertinent social commentary were in no short supply at the annual It’s No Joke comedy festival at Emperors Palace last night (1 December, 2011).

Partnering with 5FM and 46664, South Africa’s top comics again united to share the stage, creating awareness around and raising funds for the 46664 campaign.

5FM DJ Poppy Ntshongwana opened the event with words of encouragement for the initiative, and thanked the audience for showing their support.

“You’ve done your bit by buying a ticket for this event, helping ensure that we continue to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s humanitarian legacy by making every day a Mandela Day.”

John Vlismas was in top form as he MC’d the evening and, together with comics Riaad Moosa, Nik Rabinowitz, David Kau, Tumi Morake, Chris Forrest, Deep Fried Man, Joey Rasdien and Conrad Koch, showed us that if we can’t laugh at ourselves we’re in pretty deep trouble.

Their comic routines were peppered with serious and inspiring undertones, raising awareness about World Aids Day. “Let’s change HIV into HIVictory,” quipped Rasdien, while Morake encouraged people to get tested.

As part of the build-up to this year’s show, 5FM DJs and the comics spent a day at Hugh’s Haven in Yeoville on 19 November 2011, painting the walls of the home as part of their 67 minutes for the Mandela Day initiative.

The comedians have also pledged to support various other charities, hoping to inspire all South Africans to follow their lead and get involved wherever possible in support of the global Mandela Day campaign. They will be taking part in these charitable activities within the next three months. 

View pictures from the evening.