Western Cape Government Congratulates Paxton Fielies

STATEMENT BY WESTERN CAPE GOVERNMENT

Date: 20 November 2017

Release: Immediate

WESTERN CAPE GOVERNMENT CONGRATULATES PAXTON FIELIES

The Western Cape Government congratulates 17-year old Bishop Lavis local, and Idols season 13 winner, Paxton Fielies.

Paxton exemplifies the spirit of our province’s youth. Through hard work and talent, she has used her opportunities to not only win the Idols singing competition, but also launch her singing career.

The Provincial Government yesterday supported and co-hosted a public live-screening and family fun-day in the community of Bishop Lavis.

The Minister’s of Health, Dr. Nomafrench Mbombo, Social Development, Albert Fritz, and Cultural Affairs and Sport, Anroux Marais on Sunday, joined an estimated 10 000 residents at the Bishop Lavis Sport Ground for the live-screening.

We’d like to congratulate community-based organization, the Bishop Lavis Action Community (BLAC) on successfully co-hosting this event.

Minister Fritz said: “A special congratulations to the community of Bishop Lavis who came out in their numbers not only to support and celebrate Paxton’s win, but more importantly to reclaim their public spaces from the gangsters and drug-lords. As a Government, youth development remains an integral part of our government’s mandate. Guided by the Provincial Youth Development Strategy, we invest heavily in the advancement of the province’s youth.”

Minister Marais said, “Paxton has undoubtedly made us immensely proud. Both Paxton’s win, and that of Craig Lucas in the 2017 Voice competition, make it clear that resources need to continuously be directed toward helping artistic talent to flourish. In celebrating and promoting the triumphs of our emerging artists, we then uplift our communities and allow residents, especially our younger generation, to dream of a better future. We also encourage constructive decisions through positive role models who are leading by example.”

The community of Bishop Lavis and surrounds came out in their numbers yesterday to support Paxton Fielies. Approximately 10 000 people watched the 17 year old Belhar High School pupil win Idols. The Bishop Lavis Action Community (BLAC), approached the Western Cape Government for assistance in live-streaming the final showcase for the community.

The Province’s support was in line with our Provincial Strategic Goals (PSG), specifically PSG 2 (Improve Education Outcomes and Opportunities for Youth Development) and PSG 3 (Increase Wellness, Safety and Tackle Social Ills).

We will continue to invest in the good health and social development of young people, which includes the support for cultural and sport activities in communities across the province.