Founder of 67 Blankets joins Joburg Philharmonic Orchestra’s board

The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra (JPO) has appointed Jeppe Old Girl, Carolyn Steyn, as its newest board member recently.
Carolyn, the founder of 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day, a philanthropist, actress, radio personality and patron of the arts, brings with her over four decades of experience in the arts industry.

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She will join JPO, a not-for-profit company and a public benefit organisation, alongside a diverse board of directors comprised of captains of industry and credible leaders.
JPO is chaired by former deputy chief justice Dikgang Moseneke, with arts manager and Juilliard School trained singer Bongani Tembe as the chief executive and artistic director.

“This is an important appointment for JPO as I respect Carolyn as a person of great integrity who genuinely cares about people from all walks of life,” said Bongani.

He said he is always moved by her humility.
“She has already made an indelible impact in the arts industry through innovative contribution that positively impacts on people’s lives and always seeks to constantly uplift and contribute to the industry in ways that matter most.”

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Carolyn recently donated R250 000 to the Theatre Benevolent Fund and R100 000 to the Feed Our Crew initiative to help theatre and entertainment performers, crew and freelancers who most need assistance during the Covid-19 pandemic.

67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day
67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day has become a global movement mobilising thousands of active members both in South Africa and around the world to crochet and knit blankets.
They have also gone into correctional facilities to help rehabilitate offenders by teaching them to make blankets.

“Watching JPO perform is one of the most enriching and rewarding experiences,” said Carolyn.

She added the musicians are extraordinary treasures and this opportunity to serve on the board is a great honour.

Also read: 67 Blankets celebrates Carolyn and Madiba

“I aim to contribute in any way I can in my new role and I look forward to helping promote the importance of the JPO as they continue to stimulate and engage with audiences, providing a service that is both essential to society and a cornerstone of our community life,” said Carolyn.

Last year, she was inducted into the Golden Key International Honour Society at the University of the Witwatersrand.

Carolyn was also a finalist in the 2019 South African Chamber of Commerce Business and Community Awards in the UK.

She was recently invited to serve on the board of Institute Français d’Afrique du Sud.
As an actress, she has appeared in stage productions both in South Africa and the USA, such as I, Anastasia, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat and Betrayal.

Also read: 67 Blankets, a campaign built in the spirit of Madiba

She has also appeared in Private Lives, Shadowlands, We All Fall Down and Die Swerfjare van Poppie Nongena, alonside Nomsa Nene.

Television appearances have included Generations, Melrose Place and Babylon 5, among others.
She also recently made cameo appearances in South African films Blessers and Zulu Wedding.

Over the years, Carolyn has worked on radio shows on both 5FM and Radio Today.

She also co-hosted the television talk show Tongue in Cheek with Anele Mdoda, Shashi Naidoo and Michael de Pinna on SABC3 and is the host of the weekday radio show Classic Lunch, as well as the Weekend Wind Down, on Classic 1027 FM.