Pupils take to the stage for Youth Day performance
More than 120 children from six schools supported by the Amy Foundation showed off their dance moves and musical talents in a Sarafina-inspired show at Bongolethu Primary School in Browns Farm, Philippi, on Monday in celebration of Youth Day.
The pupils from Bongolethu Primary, Siyazingisa Primary in Gugulethu, Mimosa Primary from Bonteheuwel, Bonteheuwel High School, St Mary’s Primary School from Nyanga and Cedar Primary School from Bonteheuwel performed in the production, which included pantsula, hip hop and gumboot dance.
The show was a way to teach the children about their history and those who fought for freedom, said Nwabisa Mazana, the Amy Foundation’s acting production manager.
"This is a musical production inspired by June 16 activities. They are telling a story through music and dance," she said.
The children all came from after-school programmes run by the organisation.
Amy Foundation manager Siyabonga Ngqame said: “Our mission is to keep them busy all the time because we want them to have a brighter future and be the leaders of tomorrow."
The audience spurred the children on, clapping and ululating to show their appreciation.
A parent, Nokuthula Magwa, said: “This is awesome to watch. I wish these children can continue with this. We are living in a cruel world where we see children turning to unsavoury things like drugs. I hope this will not happen to these beautiful and angelic children."
The foundation is named after Amy Biehl, an American anti-apartheid activist who was killed in Gugulethu in 1993.
