Summer Camp Equips Youth from Langa and De Doorns

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) hosted its annual Summer Music Camp from 15 to 18 January 2015 at the Okkie Jooste Cultural Facility outside Stellenbosch.

Participants were selected from two recent DCAS music development programmes – one launched in Langa in 2012 and the other in De Doorns in 2014. The De Doorns programme was started in the wake of the farmworker strikes in 2012 and 2013 as a way of giving children hope for the future.

The camp was attended by instrumentalists with beginners’ and intermediate-level experience, junior and senior high school musicians, singers who want to further develop their skills, and members of school choirs who are eager to learn how to read and write music.

Mvume Gobelo, an 18-year old matric student from Langa High is a budding saxophonist who is following in his late grandfather’s footsteps. “My grandfather is one of my biggest role models. Just before he died, he asked me to continue the saxophone legacy in the family. My teachers informed us about the music camp and I knew this was something I had to be part of,” he said.

Manuel Jardine, who taught music reading at the workshop, said that he is very happy to see so many young people wanting to learn music. “This is my first year at the DCAS Summer Music Camp and it will definitely not be my last,” he said. “DCAS is offering the children a great opportunity, especially those from rural areas such as De Doorns where such opportunities aren’t readily available.”

Project manager William Masemola says his vision is to give young people all across the province the gift of being able to play music.

Participants benefited from master classes facilitated by some of the best musicians in the Western Cape. They also participated in evening concerts and jam sessions.

Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Theuns Botha, said the music development programmes are a prime example of the opportunities that the Department supports for the development of our youth. "Giving our children hope for the future is an important building block towards a society where citizens are able to live the lives they value."  

We provide opportunities for youth to get involved in cultural activities. Parents should support and encourage their children to participate. Let us equip our youth to have a bright future BETTER TOGETHER.