Nine talented performing arts pupils from King’s School West Rand recently performed at the LyricTheatre in Gold Reef City and took on Randfontein Arts and Culture Association Eisteddfod (Raca).
The nine pupils – Kayla Fiandeiro, Leéandra Camacho, Ntokozo Gumede, Kim and Grant Peverett, Unathi Radebe, Alicia Nyepa, Kelci Walters and Morongwa Seaka – all won a gold medal during the South African Championships of Performing Arts. Therefore, they were invited to perform as a group in one show with other schools and individuals from across the country.
“It was great to perform together again. When we are together on stage, we feel we are on stage with our family and it was great to have a supportive audience and see the other performances,” said Camacho. The group performed a dramatic piece about HIV and a comedic piece on Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat, while some members of the group also performed solo pieces.
Additionally, eight of the nine pupils, through their various genres of dance, singing, modelling or acting, came out with either a gold, platinum or diamond certificate. A diamond or platinum certificate qualifies them for the SA champs next year.
Gumede, who did not attend Raca, and the other pupils who did not receive diamond or platinum, are confident they will qualify for the championship.
Gumede is the only member of the group to attended the World Championships. Unfortunately, even though Gumede’s teammates have also qualified for the World Championships, they have not been able to attend for financial reasons.
“I wish all nine of us could go to the World Championship together so we could show the world how talented we really are,” said Gumede. The group’s drama teacher, Mercia Swanepoel and their manager, Gerrie Swanepoel are on a mission to get all nine pupils to the next World Championships in Los Angeles next year.
Mercia said, “These children always put in the extra effort. I see them all as my children and I am so proud of all their accomplishments. I cry with them and I am nervous with them and if I had the money, I would send them all to LA.”
Each pupil has a personal reason why they wish to go to LA. Camacho hopes to go to make her grandmother, who recently passed away, proud. Kayla Fiandeiro shared it would be the last time she will perform on stage with this group as her family plans to relocate.
It will cost R800 000 for all nine pupils to participate in LA next year. For more information of to sponsor money, contact Gerrie Swanepoel on 083 302 2381.
Details: King’s School West Rand 011 100 5377.
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