A new-look ‘Top 32 Schools Challenge’ was launched on Tuesday, 25 April at Galleria Mall.
“The aim of this project is to revive schools participation in sport, art and culture. This means 100% involvement by the institution, including pupils, management, parents and communities,” said organiser, Durban Stars owner, Phindani Nene.
“Parent participation is of great importance.” Participating schools will face off against each other in soccer, music and drama.
This is the third year the challenge has taken place, but the first time Amanzimtoti schools have been invited. Kuswag Skool, Amanzimtoti High, KwaMakhutha High and Kingsway High School join Adams College as part of 12 teams in group A.
Each of the four groups will be whittled down to eight teams after a preliminary round in August. The competition proper takes place from August to October.
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“The selection of schools took into account the history of sport, arts and culture, lifestyle, academic performance and potential for growth for each participating school,” said Nene. “We mixed rural or township and urban schools.”
This year will feature girls soccer, music and drama for the first time. “We are glad to announce that the arts will take centre stage in 2017,” said Nene. “Soccer games will commence from 9am to 1pm on a Saturday, and it will be compulsory for all participating schools to render performances after soccer matches at a school hall of the hosting school from 2pm to 5pm.
We will host the top 32 grand final arts festival in August or September. All selected performances will have an opportunity to perform at the grand final. This category is extended beyond 32 schools because of the hype and interest in arts and culture. Some of our top schools won’t participate in soccer and they opted to do arts and culture because it is a division they are confident with.”
The talent search will include soli and ensembles; dance (traditional and contemporary) and drama; orchestra, brass and concert bands; art display; and visual art, which includes fine art, craft, drawings, paintings, sculpture, photography, video, film making and so on.
“Our experience from previous years revealed that arts and culture performances and displays add value and excitement to the event,” said Nene.
“Therefore all schools will be given the opportunity to perform various genres of music, dance, poetry and a display of artwork.”
The date of the Amanzimtoti preliminary round and host school will be published closer to the time.
