The actor, who has scooped Oscar, Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild trophies this year for his role as Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in 'The Last King of Scotland,' was in the country on a 'goodwill tour' in celebration of Freedom Day...

The actor, who has scooped Oscar, Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild trophies this year for his role as Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in 'The Last King of Scotland,' was in the country on a 'goodwill tour' in celebration of Freedom Day, a national holiday commemorating South Africa's post-apartheid, democratic elections in 1994 when Nelson Mandela was elected President.

Whitaker, who was unable to attend last month's opening of the Arena due to his busy schedule, was impressed by the 'magnitude, beauty and quality' of the ICC Durban Arena. Following a tour of the facility and a welcome reception, he was presented with a painting of himself dressed in traditional Zulu attire, by local artist, Lungelo Gumede

Following the reception, guests were treated to a special screening of the 'Last King of Scotland' that was specially introduced by the star at the Nu Metro Suncoast cinema.

Whitaker, accompanied by his wife Keisha and three children, will be taking in some of Durban's attractions and spending some time at the game lodge.

Whitaker commented; "I have really enjoyed coming to South Africa with my family, meeting the wonderful people and seeing all of the beauty. South Africa is a place that we've been looking forward to visiting for quite some time and I know that we will have memories of this journey forever."

ICC's chief executive officer, Mr Miller Matola, added; "We hosted George Benson and Al Jarreu during our official opening and now within a matter of weeks since the opening we look forward to the privilege of welcoming Forest Whitaker, who is another world-class entertainer. This reaffirms our intentions to attract some of the best international stars and acts to the ICC Durban Arena, putting the venue and the city on the world map as a top entertainment and sporting destination."

Whitaker was presented with a painting of himself dressed in traditional Zulu attire, by local artist, Lungelo Gumede. Above: Forest Whitaker, Lungelo Gumede and Logie Naidoo, deputy mayor.

2007 Best Actor, Forest Whitaker, enjoyed an African-style welcome from the city at the ICC Durban Arena last night. Whitaker was impressed by the 'magnitude, quality and beauty' of the indoor facility.  From left to right: Welcoming Keisha and Forest Whitaker to the ICC Durban Arena are (left) Logie Naidoo, deputy mayor and (right) Dr Michael Sutcliffe, eThekwini city manager.

2007 Best Actor, Forest Whitaker, enjoyed an African-style welcome from the city at the ICC Durban Arena last week. Whitaker was impressed by the 'magnitude, quality and beauty' of the indoor facility. From left to right: Welcoming Keisha and Forest Whitaker to the ICC Durban Arena are (left) Logie Naidoo, deputy mayor and (right) Dr Michael Sutcliffe, eThekwini city manager

Whitaker, who was unable to attend last month's opening of the ICC Durban Arena due to his busy schedule, was impressed by the 'magnitude, beauty and quality' of the ICC Durban Arena. Following a tour of the facility and a welcome reception, he was presented with a painting of himself dressed in traditional Zulu attire, by local artist, Lungelo Gumede.

Left to right: Forest Whitaker, Lungelo Gumede and Logie Naidoo, deputy mayor.