"Freedom" Brings Hope to the Community of Schoemanspoort

One couldn’t help but feel Proudly South African at this year’s Dance and Drama Development Programme, where 30 Learners from Schoemanspoort, 20km outside Oudtshoorn, put on a showcase in memory of the late former President Nelson Mandela on Saturday, 13 December 2014.

Nelson Mandela was synonymous with freedom, unity and forgiveness and this is exactly what the children portrayed to the community of Schoemanspoort and surrounds.

The play was written by the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) Oudtshoorn Regional Office staff members, including Principal Cultural Officer Samantha Thomas, four Expanded Public Works Programme beneficiaries and one Premier’s Advancement of Youth Project (PAY) intern.  The name of the production is “FREEDOM” and its story took us on a journey of confusion, resistance, self-discovery and love.

Metéo Peterse, an 11 year old from De Jager Primary School in Buffelsdrift, said that he felt that he needed to be part of it. “I made new friends and I can’t wait to be part of this programme next year again. Nothing will stand in my way to reach my dream.”

Metéo’s mom, Sharlene Peterse, was full of smiles and gratitude. “It was a privilege to see my son on stage tonight,” she said.

Let us nurture, develop and enhance arts and culture, Better Together.