Midrand Primary School learners performed at the Pretoria Eisteddfod, Arts and Culture Festival and the NEA Young Performers Awards over 13 to 19 May.
All events were organised by art and youth development organisations, in partnership with the hosting theatres.
Learners performed in different categories, including visual arts, music, and drama.
The Midrand Primary School Marimba band, comprised of learners Reatlegile Mphake, Mokgethoa Mabusela, Bokang Rangata, Lesego Bapela, Shandukani Mugwena, Rearabiloe Masilo and Ponelo Nkala, received an A++ symbol, and Reatlegile Mphake also got an A+ for solo piano.
Grade 4 learner Mogau Sekgele obtained an A for painting in the visual arts category. Ifeoma Izunoba and Lerato Kekana both also got an A and Grade 5 learner Loago Moeng got a B+. Grade 7 learner Nhlanhla Gama obtained an A in abstract art, Simele Nsele an A in charcoal, and Oabile Moeng, who was the highest in this category, obtained an A+ in self portrait.
In speech and drama, Onam Sithole, a Grade 6 learner, performed a monologue 12 Years Wise, Grade 7 Ndivho Hlungwani performed Joan of Ark and the Grade 7 duet Lwandle Ngcobo and Ndivho Hlungwani performed an acting exercise from Brighton Beach Memoirs. All performers received an A+. The Choral Verse group scored the most points in this category, with their performance of Fatherless Children obtaining an A+++, which was the highest in the festival.
“The NEA Young Performers Awards semi-final results at the Roodepoort Theatre saw our Choral Verse group competing with Sir Pierre van Ryneveld High School Choral Verse from Kempton Park for a space in the final round. I must say, our learners had to walk through fire to get to the finals, and we won the best group item. We were also voted the audience’s choice on the day,” said drama teacher Brian Jokozela.
The same group won the best Choral Verse trophy at the Pretoria Eisteddfod.
Jokozela said, “Congratulations to all our learners and our hard-working art department and teachers. I would also like to thank the parents for their support, and the transport manager, Judas Masete, for putting up with our late nights. We really appreciate the role you all play in the development of these kids art’ careers.”
He said that the final round is expected to be hosted at the Roodepoort Theatre (Main Theatre) on 29 May.
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