The local speech and drama institution Baobulb Drama Academy looks forward to a busier, fun, and more creative 2023.
Like any new organisation, Baobulb has had its ups and downs since opening its doors this year.
Due to a lack of funding, the academy depended mostly on tuition fees to finance its daily activities.
Mentor and coach at the academy Brian Jokozela said a quarter of the academy’s learners had dropped out along the way because of financial challenges.
“Against all odds, one of our biggest accomplishments this year is that we have managed to enrol our learners at the National Eisteddfod where they were adjudicated and achieved high marks in narrative poetry, dramatic monologues and group verse performances,” said Jokozela.
The academy has also started working with a new group of learners at Glen Austin High School in its speech and drama programmes and is looking forward to introducing the programmes for learners at Noordwyk Secondary School.
“We would also like to thank the parents of the learners for their continued support throughout the year. Thank you very much to the Miriam Makeba Centre for Girls in President Park for offering us the rehearsal and office space.”
A Grade 11 learner at Glen Austin High School Tayler Sakoane said her being part of Baobulb had been an exciting and compelling journey.
“I am always looking forward to the next task, Baobulb activities are interesting. I am a soft-spoken person by nature and the classes have helped me to be more confident and defend my position against my peers,” said Tayler.
Ndivho Hlungwani of Noordwyk Secondary School said she was excited when the opportunity of being part of the academy came her way and that she learned new and exciting things every day.
“I am in love with performing art and there is nowhere else I would rather be than at the rehearsals. Balancing my school work and rehearsals has never been a problem for me,” said Ndivho.
The academy wishes all residents a happy holiday season and a peaceful and prosperous new year.
