R875,4m budget to fuel CapeTown economy
DESIRÉERORKE
Supported by a budget of R875,4 million, James Vos, Mayco member for economic growth, has set his priorities out for the upcoming financial year
His focus remains firmly on building a stronger, more inclusive economy through investment attraction, job creation and business support
“These priorities are designed to deliver a real, lasting economic impact,” Vos told People’s Post sister title TygerBurger “Our goal is to make the unemployment queue shorter and ensure businesses –big and small – have the tools and environment in which to thrive ”
Vos noted the budget was shaped in close collaboration with City teams to ensure targeted delivery across key sectors in the short and long term
He told the newspaper there were 1,83 million Capetonians employed, while the official unemployment rate in the city was 21,9%, a favourable comparison to the national unemployment rate of 32,9%
According to numbers recorded by the City, 86 000 people
Our
goal is to make the unemployment queue shorter and ensure businesses have the tools...
were employed in the city since 2024 “My goal is to see double-digit growth in Cape Town’s key sectors, from construction and manufacturing to tourism,
property development, business process outsourcing and financial services,” he said “Why? Because when these sectors grow they expand their operations, increase productivity, and – most importantly – create jobs
“When businesses thrive so do communities And when that happens we ’ re cooking with gas That’s the kind of Cape Town economy I’m working to build, one that’s inclusive and geared for growth ”
Key priorities Vos will focus on include expanding air and sea access by additional investment
channeled into landing more flights and cruise liners, which are critical to growing Cape Town’s connectivity for tourism, trade, and cargo New experience-based offerings will be rolled out to attract more visitors
Small businesses and entrepreneurs will be supported with enterprise programmes to create jobs while improving trading spaces such as the one in Bellville Interchange that will receive infrastructure upgrades to give traders functional spaces to operate in In Wallacedene a container park was recently built for this purpose
Furthermore, flagship programmes such as the Jobs Connect programme continue to equip Capetonians with practical skills for high-growth industries such as clothing and textile, marine manufacturing, business outsourcing and technology Vos said one of the things he was especially keen to see was more local producers using the Cape Trade Portal, a City-supported digital platform that connects Cape Town-based exporters with global buyers “I want to see entrepreneurs and SMMEs grow their customer base beyond South Africa ”
Winterblood-givecampaigncallsforheroes
NAMHLAMONAKALI
The Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) has sounded the alarm over a critical shortage of O-positive and O-negative blood, urging eligible residents to step forward and donate as the province enters one of its most challenging times for blood collection
Blood stocks are especially low for the O-negative group, universally compatible in emergency situations,where supplies are sitting at just four days, short of the five-day minimum needed to keep hospitals running smoothly
Recently, O-group blood levels dropped to a mere three-day reserve
“This isn’t just about numbers,” said Marike Carli, Public Relations
Manager at WCBS It’s about lives
“O-negative is often the only option when there’s no time to determine a patient’s blood type, especially in trauma cases A shortage can delay care when every second matters
“Seasonal challenges are taking a toll Winter typically brings a decrease in donations, as more people suffer from colds and flu, making them temporarily ineligible to donate ”
The cold weather, school holidays and fewer mobile clinics also play a role in the drop in donor turnout
Yet the need for blood does not slow down
In response, WCBS has launched its annual winter drive under the
theme “Heroes”, reminding the public that saving a life doesn’t require superpowers, just compassion and a commitment to act
“This winter, we urge everyone to step up and be a hero,” Carli said
“Your donation can save lives and make a significant difference in our community ”
To thank donors for their life saving gift, WCBS is offering a pair of limited-edition “hero socks” to every person who donates between May and August
Speaking to the public and volunteers at a recent blood drive in Cape Town, one donor, Sipho Mthembu, shared his motivation: “I donate because someone out there may not make it through the night without blood It costs me
nothing, but it could well mean everything to someone else “Eligible donors, people aged 16 to 75, weighing 50 kg or more, and in good health, can donate at fixed WCBS sites including N1 City Mall, Blue Route Mall, Cape Gate Shopping Centre, Kenilworth Centre, 9 Long Street in the CBD, and Somerset Mall ”
Additional branches are open in Worcester, Paarl, and George For more information, appointments or to find a clinic nearby, visit www wcbs org za, or WhatsApp 060 549 7244
As the winter cold deepens, the message remains clear: heroes don’t always wear capes There are those who just roll up their sleeves and save lives
I’m not poor or rich. I am an ordinary South African who survives from hand to mouth
I am a patriot.
I wave the country’s flag with pride and sing our national anthem with contentment At times I shed a tear when our national anthem reverberates through stadia at major sporting events I value our currency although it’s worth nothing compared to the Pound, Dollar and the Euro I cherish all our national symbols, languages and cultures I admire the diversity of our nation and the resilience of its citizens We’ve been through many things together as a nation and came out stronger on the other side of our struggles
We are like gold that goes through the fire and comes out shining bright
These have nothing to do with the government but they are what sets us apart as South Africans I stand boldly in front of other nations and say: “I am a South African” Nothing, I mean nothing will change my mind about this country and my loyalty to it I’d rather be part of a team that seeks solutions to our ongoing challenges I want my kids to proudly say they are “South Africans” when they get older and pass this on to their children
Being a South African forms part of my identity and this became crystal clear when I spoke to my black American confidante, Charles He believes his roots are in Ghana but knows nothing about the country His dream is to visit
Ghana and hopefully find some of his relatives Charles is not proudly American although he was born and raised in Los Angeles He believes slavery deprived him of his real identity
All this played in my mind recently as I witnessed a group of 59 white South African refugees being paraded in the United States of America (USA), waving the flags of their adopted nation after touching down at Dulles International Airport They all heeded a call by Donald Trump to accept refugee status in that country based on lies These white refugees know truly well that there is no genocide in SA There is no killing of white people by black people in our nation We embrace each other’s beliefs and culture We laugh and cry together Most importantly, we are all affected by crime There are no
targeted killings of a certain race or group of people As South Africans and most people around the world, besides Donald Trump and those who feed him all the lies, we know this as a fact There is no genocide The president and his delegation to the White House did a tremendous job to dispel this false narrative last week
A question arose in my mind, why would someone leave the comfort of his home and sacrifice everything they had worked hard for to be a refugee in another country? What would it take for me to walk away from South Africa?
No amount of money or lies would prompt me to sacrifice my origin or South African citizenship to be a displaced person in another country Only a deep-rooted hatred of all or some of the above
THULANI MAGAZI
Mayco member for economic growth, James Vos
- James Vos
Young leaders stand up at council
The Junior City Council (JCC) of Cape Town has ushered in a new era of youth leadership with the election of its latest Executive Team, marking the 52nd election since the Council's inception in 1971
The event, rooted in a tradition of civic empowerment, continues to serve as a beacon of opportunity for Grade 10 and 11 learners aspiring to lead and influence their communities
Leading the new cohort is Junior Mayor Michael-Daniel Bam, who was elected following a spirited internal campaign that encouraged candidates to articulate their visions for a more inclusive and dynamic JCC
"Cape Town, we are a city of contrast, but also of courage A city of history, but also of hope
FROMPAGE1
This was Clivito’s first time developing an app, but the support he received from the teachers and app team was a great help
One of the biggest challenges the app team faced was time
“Many of us had to give up time on weekends and after school to work on the project On average, each video took about 45 minutes to complete, including designing a PowerPoint presentation and recording the lesson Once the team was in place, we divided up the subjects and started creating content
“There were a lot of trial-and-error moments, but we learned so much along the way Even though it took a lot of time and effort, we ’ re incredibly proud of what we ’ ve achieved so far and have already started planning the next steps for improving and growing the app, ” he said
The nine learners used Word documents, screen recordings, and digital tools to produce virtual lessons and learning materials
“Each resource was reviewed by subject teachers to verify accuracy, ensuring that all
And we, the youth, are not just the future, we are the now, " said Bam during his acceptance speech
"We have a role to play in ensuring that no voice goes unheard and no challenge goes unaddressed "
Joining him in the executive are Junior Deputy Mayor Matthew Kriel, Junior Speaker Mizero Hope Munyandekwe, and Junior Chief Whip Luniko Nokhepeyi Together, they aim to represent the voices of their peers and champion youth-led initiatives that respond to the real needs of young people across the city
The election campaign spanned a month of passionate engagement, during which junior councillors proposed bold ideas to improve youth participation in local governance and create equitable opportunities
content is teacher-approved and aligned with the curriculum,” Losper said
Currently, Clivito has curated educational content for Grade 8 learners in physical science, mathematics, technology, EMS (economic and management sciences), and history
“After two months of rigorous testing, Edu Nova Pro has officially launched and is now live,” Losper said
The eight other learners who contributed are:
Phoebe D, Grade 10, Mitchells Plain; Sabri K, Grade 10, Manenberg; Musawenkosi N, Grade 10, Philippi; Celina W, Grade 10, Parkwood; Happy C, Grade 9, Claremont; Nashitah D, Grade 8, Hanover Park and Zarah M, Grade 8, Heideveld
The app team is currently collecting feedback to improve the app and hopes to expand it to benefit learners at other schools too, Losper said
Clivito says he hopes to study medicine once he matriculates
.Students can download the app and explore its resources by visiting: whimsical-kashata-a9bb7b netlify app
“WE ARE A CITY OF CONTRAST,BUT ALSO OF COURAGE.A CITY OF HISTORY,BUT ALSO OF HOPE.”
Councillor Donovan Nelson, Custodian of the JCC, praised the calibre of the newly elected leaders
"This is my fourth year as the custodian, and it is incredible to see how far we have come It inspires me to hear these young leaders share their vision for our City and their desire to play an active role," he said
The election ceremony featured keynote speaker Zukile Ntentema, a Peer Counsellor at UCT, who urged the new leaders to use their platforms to uplift others "Leadership isn't about being in the spotlight, but about turning the spotlight on the issues that matter," he said Felicity Purchase, Speaker of the Council, welcomed the new Executive "Their energy and passion are exactly what we need to inspire more young people to become actively involved in local government," she said
The JCC serves as a springboard for young civic-minded leaders, equipping them with the skills and confidence to influence positive change The City of Cape Town reaffirmed its commitment to supporting this initiative, ensuring youth voices remain central in shaping the city's future
Playgroundboostslearning
The non-profit, no-fee school Christel House South Africa in Ottery proudly unveiled its brand-new playground for its 120 Grade RR and Grade R learners at a special ribbon-cutting ceremony held on 19 May
The R250 000 donation was made possible by The Harry Crossley Foundation, a loyal sup-
porter of the school Christel House provides a safe and secure environment for learning and fostering well-being
The new playground promises to be a hub of learning, development and laughter for young learners, away from challenging home circumstances, a safe, stimulating outdoor space
The young team of learners that worked on Christel House South Africa’s educational app. They are: Nashitah D, Grade 8, Hanover Park, Happy C, Grade 9, Claremont, Phoebe D, Grade 10, Mitchell’s Plain, Sabri K, Grade 10, Manenberg, Zarah M, Grade 8, Heideveld, Musawenkosi N, Grade 10, Phillipi, Clivito M, Grade 10, Lotus River and Celina W, Grade 10, Parkwood PHOTOS: SUPPL ED
Students enjoying the new playground at Christel House South Africa
Linda Whitfield-Fredman, executive trustee of The Harry Crossley Foundation and Carol Kriel, junior-school principal at Christel House South Africa PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
The City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate completed its annual clean-up of the Newlands Reservoir, according to a statement.
This forms part of its annual proactive water-maintenance programme
Work started on Monday 5 and was completed on Friday 16 May
The reservoir supplies water to Ottery, Strandfontein, Pelican Park, Lansdowne, Wetton, Lotus River, Retreat, Steenberg, Muizenberg, Grassy Park, Wynberg Reservoir, Bishopscourt, Hout Bay, Llandudno, Newlands, Claremont, Kenilworth, Groote Schuur, UCT, Rondebosch and Molteno Reservoir
Among Cape Town’s oldest reservoirs, it is situated within the Table Mountain Nature Reserve, at Newlands Forest
The Newlands storage reservoir can hold 132,6 million litres, which is about 53 Olympic size swimming pools
The goal of the City of Cape Town’s
water-maintenance programme is to ensure residents drink safe, quality drinking water
Its annual clean-ups also ensure long-term functionality of critical water infrastructure
Such routine work is essential for preventing sediment build-up on the reservoir floor
Cleaning a reservoir of this size is no small task It requires careful planning before, during and after the operation
These activities are generally scheduled for the winter months, when lower water demand allows the reservoir to be taken offline temporarily without affecting supply
“This year, the City invested just over R640 000 on the maintenance of Newlands Reservoir,” said Mayco member for water and sanitation
Zahid Badroodien “This cost is significantly less than in previous years, thanks to use of in-house equipment, including City-owned pumps, bobcats and cranes
“A team of 60 to 70 staff members from various bulk-water facilities are also collaborating on this project ”
To prepare for the cleaning the reservoir was gradually emptied
Once drained, teams manually scoured the floor using hard-bristle brooms and squeegees This is followed by maintenance on the
reservoir valves and detailed structural inspections to ensure the reservoir remains in good condition before refilling
“Our teams took every precaution to ensure there were no disruptions to water supply for residents reliant on this reservoir The operation progressed smoothly and was completed by Friday 16 May
“Once the final checks are done the reservoir will be refilled and operations will resume as normal
“A sincere thank you to all the dedicated staff who made this year ’ s operation a success and who continue to work year-round to maintain our infrastructure ”
The maintenance process included refurbishing key infrastructure. Pictured from left are: Ismail Charles, Zahid Badroodien, Lester Smith and Mogamat Tape Samsodien with one of the valves
Following a rigorous evaluation of about 24 applications for City of Cape Town grant funding, received in June last year, grants were awarded by its Water and Sanitation Directorate to 11 community-based organisations in greater Cape Town
They are for initiatives from involving residents in improving river conditions, with measurable outcomes over six months, to behavioural research on what drives positive change in communities to lessen abuse of local water-and-sanitation resources
Recipient projects cut across a number of categories, including waste-interceptor installations and clearing along heavily-polluted water bodies, to support existing City removal, collection and maintenance standards Also, waterway rehabilitation such as community-organised clean-up campaigns to preserve and restore local waterways Then there's social change and awareness by community members who will lead educational outreach, training and host events on water and sanitation issues in their neighbourhoods, and fostering behaviour change in communities away from abusing the immediate environment
Zahid Badroodien, Mayco member for water and sanitation, recognising the commonalities and their possibilities for integration, said: "By forming meaningful partnerships such as these
we amplify our collective reach and impact Our 11 community champions are innovation drivers and influencers, employing their skills, passion and capabilities in helping to build our City of Hope We're excited to see how they encourage others for the benefit of our communities and the environment, which we ' re all responsible for preserving " Friends of the Rivers of Hout Bay and the Litterboom Project are among the beneficiaries
Friends of the Rivers will expand ongoing waterway rehabilitation, litter removal, conservation and new research of the Hout Bay River corridor Meanwhile, the Litterboom Project installs interception systems in polluted rivers across Cape Town and a sorting facility that enables recycling-based job creation and supports 11 direct beneficiaries
The South African College for Mathematics, Science and Technology, an academic research project, has begun a project to understand behavioural drivers related to sewer misuse and illegal construction over pipelines in Khayelitsha, engaging more than 500 residents
The Nature Connect Trust, a research project within the False Bay Nature Reserve, will evaluate the effectiveness of water-hyacinth biocontrol methods across various sites
Oasis – Reach for Your Dreams, a clean-up initiative for public spaces, rivers, and beach-
The successful community-based organisations awarded grant funding by the City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate through its implementing agent, the Western Cape Economic Development Partnership (EDP) PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Propertyauctiontounlockprivatesectorinvestment
The 13 City-owned properties in areas like Woodstock, Gardens, Maitland and Vredehoek
will go on auction on Thursday 29 May, offering a selection of residential, industrial and commercial sites across the metro
Other areas include Constantia, Philippi, Khayelitsha, and Kraaifontein
The revenue generated from City auctions will be reinvested into municipal infrastructure and service delivery in Cape Town
The prime site within the Wynland Industrial Park in Kraaifontein is about 9,2 hectares, zoned General Industrial 2
Strategically located along the N1 corridor, this property is ideally positioned to catalyse economic growth by unlocking private-sector led development opportunities
The envisioned development is expected to
drive job creation and contribute to broader socio-economic upliftment, particularly benefiting surrounding communities such as Wallacedene and Bloekombos, and the broader Cape Town
The property falls within Eskom’s distribution area, with power supply available by application
Electricity capacity has been significantly enhanced by the new 40 MVA Denova 132/11 kV substation (commissioned in 2024) and also supported by a reliable 11 kV network fed from three substations, Scottsdene, Muldersvlei, and Denova, ensuring sufficient supply for heavy industrial use
There is also a vacant erf in Khayelitsha, which only first-time home buyers with an income bracket of between R13 000 and R22 000 may bid for
Auction details:
It will be in-person and online
Date: Thursday 29 May at 11:00 at the DHL
Stadium, Green Point
Online: Property, Houses on Auction in Johannesburg, Gauteng (highstreetauctions com)
James Vos, Mayco member for economic growth, said this auction forms part of their ongoing strategy to release well-located, unused City-owned properties that are not required for municipal purposes
“By making these sites available to the open market, we are creating space for the private sector to participate in our city’s growth and development I have long held the view that no government should act as a land bank Properties that serve no strategic or service delivery need must be unlocked to help drive economic
activity, generate investment, and support job creation ”
He said the auction represents more than just the sale of land - it is a catalyst for inclusive economic growth
“The Wynland Industrial Park development is poised to unlock substantial private-sector investments and create significant employment opportunities These projected outcomes align with the City’s 2022–2027 Integrated Development Plan and broader economic strategy, both of which prioritise infrastructure-led growth and regional economic development ”
He adds that the proceeds of the auction will be reinvested into municipal infrastructure and service delivery, ensuring that the release of these sites not only empowers residents and businesses, but also delivers direct benefits to our city . For more information visit www highstreetauctions com
Locals shine on global stage
KEANANHANRMSE
Acheerleading club in Sunnydale, Cheer & Tumbling Stars, proved their mettle on the international stage and scooped fourth place at the International Cheerleading Union (ICU) World Cheerleading Championships which were held in Orlando, Florida last month.
Eleven athletes from Cheer & Tumbling Stars were selected to represent South Africa in the Youth Coed Median division at the ICU World Championships, said head coach, Samantha Higgins
Cheer & Tumbling Stars are a local cheerleading and tumbling club based in Sunnydale
The cheerleaders returned from their trip overseas on Wednesday 28 April
Higgins was also the SA Youth Coed Team coach
“Under my coaching, the team achieved an impressive fourth place finish, marking a significant milestone for our club and the local community Our athletes hail from various schools in the area, including: Generation School Imhoff (5 athletes), Fish Hoek High School (1 athlete), Sun Valley Primary School (1 athlete) and one cottage school in Capricorn (1 athlete)
“Additionally, one of our talented athletes was selected to compete in the Junior All-Girl Advanced team, showcasing the depth of talent within our club
“Cheerleading, now recognised as an Olympic sport, demands a combination of athleticism, teamwork, and
discipline Our athletes’ dedication and hard work have not only brought pride to our club but also serve as an inspiration to aspiring cheerleaders in the community,” she said Higgins was also selected as the Coach of the SA Youth Coed Team
The 11 students who represented SA in the Youth Coed division from Cheer & Tumbling Stars were: Emma Hirschberg, Ruby Farquhar, Addison Barker-Goldie, Tayla Barker-Goldief, Isla Summers (all from Generation School Imhoff), Grace Daniels, from Sun Valley Primary School; Imogen Collins, from Call of the wild, Sophia Odendaal, from Willows, Lolly Mhone, from Springfields Convent; Layla MacNaughton, from Herschel and Nadia Kok from Fish Hoek High School
“Savannah Farh-Becker (International School of Cape Town) had the honours of competing in the SA Junior all Girl team,” Higgins said Odendaal says she is very passionate about cheerleading and gymnastics
“We trained almost every weekend since the start of 2025 until April, and we worked hard and pushed through the tough times
“What was challenging was competing against all the amazing teams It felt fantastic competing on the world’s stage was an amazing expe-
rience, and not a lot of people get to experience that,” she said
Goldie says she’s always been involved in various sports at school
“I’ve always been into sport some of which include: netball, soccer, swimming, hockey and judo We were training every weekend for five to six hours a day, which is tiring but it taught me discipline, time management and commitment to a sport,” she explained
Goldie says her team put up a valiant effort at the championships
“My main passion is cheerleading I even enjoy tumbling and flipping around at home
“We were so close to beating Ireland but we put up a good fight and came fourth - which was challenging to over come, ” she says She hopes to be an architect or interior designer someday
“My goals are to still be a cheer leader when I am older and go to the world championships again and bring the gold home,” she says Principal at Generation School
Imhoff Caronne Vermaak says she is extremely proud of their learners who competed in the championships
“We are so proud to have Samantha Higgins (the coach) and her Cheerstars team of coaches as part of our extra-mural programme here at Generation Schools Imhoff We are delighted that our cheerleaders have accomplished so much in such a short time
These girls have worked with dedication and commitment, proudly and confidently representing our school, their team, and our country,” she said
I SA bags gold at global flower show
R12,5milatKMFHummingbirdBall
Hundreds of promising young South Africans will gain life-changing access to education, mentorship and leadership development thanks a R12,5 million cash boost which was raised at the Kay Mason Foundation’s (KMF) inaugural Hummingbird Ball hosted in London recently
Founded by bestselling novelist Richard Mason, in memory of his sister Kay, the Foundation works to identify and nurture the leaders of tomorrow
Over 26 years since the royalties from Mason’s global bestseller The Drowning People provided the funds to send four scholars to great schools, hundreds of kids from South Africa’s toughest communities have gone through the KMF programmes – making the journey from informal settlements to careers as doctors, entrepreneurs, teachers, psychologists, lawyers and changemakers
The Foundation, whose first patron was Archbishop Desmond Tutu, is now calling on individuals and corpo-
rates to get involved in transforming lives
Whether through financial support, mentorship or skill-sharing, the message is clear: everyone can play a role in allowing deserving scholars to become future leaders
“There are so many ways to give,” said South African-born star of the hit show Lucifer and KMF board member Lesley-Ann Brandt “There is the obvious financial donation, but if there are people who have a specific skill set and can mentor a young person, that is another valuable way to give back ”
She added: “We’re planning a Hummingbird Ball in Cape Town, where I’ll get to introduce the organisation to more South Africans To have influential people there to learn and be inspired is so important Something
Richard [Mason] always points out is that the pleasure we get from buying a tangible item, like a bag or a car, eventually goes away But investing in a child and watching that child suc-
ceed is a joy that grows That’s what we ’ re in the business of: giving joy to donors and the kids they support ”
The black-tie gala in London drew an influential crowd of philanthropists, celebrities, and leaders across business and society
Jeremy Irons donated his Bulgari wrist watch to the auction, which featured Eddie Redmayne, Joanna Lumley, and Bear Grylls Live music by Chris Read and appearances by philanthropists Hardy McLain, Ronan Dunne, and the Marquess of Cholmondeley added to the energy of the night
Each table was named after a current KMF scholar or alumnus, with their personal stories featured on custom-designed cards The Mistress of Ceremonies, Enathi Ndaba a KMF alumna, who has joined the organisation’s development team - embodied the KMF’s impact as she led an evening of powerful storytelling . For more information,please email: hello@kmf.org.za
Verdi’s ‘IlTrovatore’ at CapeTown City Hall
Opera enthusiasts are in for a treat and will get the opportunity to experience the Opera UCT and the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO) with the powerful voices of the CPO AfriArts Choir when they present a concert performance of Giuseppe Verdi’s Il Trovatore - for one night only - at Cape Town City Hall on Thursday 26 June
This is the first time in two decades that Il Trovatore will be performed in Cape Town - making this an unmissable moment for South African audiences
More than a revival, and with skilled Opera UCT director Jeremy Silver as conductor, this production offers a refined and resonant interpretation of Verdi’s masterpiece
At the heart of Il Trovatore is a gripping story of love, loyalty, and vengeance, set against the backdrop of a civil war in 15th-century Spain
The opera follows the fates of Leonora, a noblewoman torn between duty and desire; Manrico, the mysterious troubadour she loves; and Count di Luna, her powerful and jealous suitor Unbeknownst to all, Manrico’s true origins are tied to a dark secret involving the gypsy Azucena, who seeks revenge for a terrible injustice
With soaring arias, stirring ensembles, and the famous “Anvil Chorus”, Il Trovatore is pure Verdi - bold, beautiful, and packed with emotion
This one-night concert presentation brings together the exceptional talent of several Opera UCT alumni who are already having considerable international success, as well as current students, with the seasoned musicians of the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra
The added power of the AfriArts Choir promises a choral sound that will stir the soul and raise the roof
“It’s incredibly exciting to have singers at Opera UCT who can truly do justice to this iconic Verdi score, ” says Silver
“Bringing Il Trovatore to the Cape Town stage has long been a dream of mine, and to do so in collaboration with the Cape Town Philharmonic
Orchestra - a first for us in a concert opera setting - makes this a truly special moment Our approach echoes a growing international trend in casting and staging - favouring lyricism and lightness, allowing the music to breathe and the singers to become one with it, rather than dominating it ”
Louis Heyneman, chief executive officer of the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, shares Silver’s enthusiasm for the work, saying: “The CPO is delighted to partner with Opera UCT in presenting not only outstanding mainly young singers but in again giving a platform to the CPO Afri-Arts Choir we were instrumental in establishing two years ago
“Since then, we have held two African celebrations with the choir, showcasing South African works, and this concert will show the singers in another genre ” Tickets cost between R175 and R400 and are available at Webtickets The dress rehearsal at 14:00 on Wednesday 25 June will also be open to the public with tickets on the Quicket platform
Students R65 per ticket and adults R125 For schools’ block bookings, NGOs and NPOs, email: info@fomct com
Actor Jeremy Irons (third from left), Richard Mason (third from right) and guests at the Hummingbird Ball
PHOTO: SUSANNAH FIELDS PHOTOGRAPHY
Nontobeko Bhengu will portray the role of Leonora
Thabang Jeyi of Langa Hockey Club is brought down illegally by Michael Webb of Fish Hoek during