Former South African president Nelson Mandela will share the stage with renowned musicians like Queen, Paul Rogers and Annie Lennox at a concert to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS.

Mandela announced here Thursday that he would join international and local musicians at the HIV/AIDS awareness concert scheduled March 19 in George, South Africa.

Hollywood star Will Smith will be master of ceremonies and will introduce the artistes at the concert that will feature four international acts and 12 local acts.

South Africa must protect its women and children, who are six times more likely to contract HIV/AIDS, the 86-year-old Mandela told a press conference.

"I am calling on South Africans, now more than ever before, to protect our young women and girls. Our future depends on them and we and the world must recognize our responsibility to them," he said.