Young artists show faith and resilience

Gallery

GEORGE NEWS - Gloryland Community Centre in New Dawn Park, Pacaltsdorp, was a hive of activity on Youth Day, last Wednesday, 16 June.

The event, scheduled to take place at the Garden Route Botanical Garden, was cancelled at the last minute by George Municipality after the Level 3 lockdown was announced. The swift response of the organisers ensured the continuation of the event at New Dawn Park where they joined forces with the Breaking Chains Youth Day event at the community centre.

"Faith and Resilience in a Global Crisis" was the theme of the day, and the focus was on the advancement of social cohesion and solidarity among the youth. It was also the perfect time to build and strengthen partnerships between stakeholders with an eye to the future.

Calvin Claassen and his team of Bo-Menslike Operatief, Luciano Evans and Pejamauro "Aimu|garu" Visagie, organised the day in conjunction with Edwill Mcbait, Bornstar Empire, as well as Chantelle Pieterse, Anastacia Beukes, Tracy Ruiters, Shane Siebritz, Craig Potts, Celestine McKenzie and Zonia Pedro-Ruiters of Gloryland Community Centre.

Claassen, also known as EgoNege, is a 25-year-old hip hop artist and social entrepreneur. He recently registered his company, Bo-Menslike Produksies (Pty) Ltd, which he has been managing for a few years assisting new and upcoming hip hop artists on their journey. According to Claassen, there will be many more future collaborations of this kind.

Celebrations

"With the cancellation of the event at the botanical garden the community of New Dawn Park was able to benefit from the arts showcased on the day," said Claassen, a presenter at Radio Eersterivier.

"Entertainment was provided for young and old, and all Covid-19 regulations were adhered to, without hiccups. We want to thank everyone who contributed to the success of the youth day event."

Photo gallery: Youth Day celebrations in New Dawn Park

Various stalls were available where food, sweets, art and jewelry were sold, including a display of traditional medicine. Vendors were allowed to operate free of charge to help entrepreneurs and artists generate an income for the day. Pacaltsdorp Community Business Association, with the help of Kasi Angels Foundation, also provided school shoes to children in need thereof.

Photos: DJ Smash

Team effort

The samosa vendors of the botanical garden, Yusuf Abrahams and his wife, Qaadirah, provided everyone with a snack. The NGO Stay Rooted assisted with logistics. The videography was done by Rabson Mbaliwa of 24K Creations, and DJ Smash was responsible for the photography. Peter Terblanche (DJ Peter) availed his sound equipment while DJ Spicey created atmosphere through music and song.

Rogue Music Label assisted with technical aspects and SKPstudiosZA equipment ensured added quality.

Artists who participated were poet Whitney Jansen (Sedgefield), Kaede-Anne Heyns, Koning en Grim, Geppe, motivational speaker Naphtali Stephen Smith, TKP- Mr JJ & DJ Smash (Beaufort-West), Rymkind (Syferfontein), Nekita Jansen (Mossel Bay), Jessica en Dana (Glentana), Jahde BL@CKOUT Roberts, Thembinkosi Ntseke (Fine Arts Paintings) and groups from New Dawn Park and Syferfontein.

Calvin Claassen with paintings by one of the fine artists.

Blessing in disguise

"This is success. I know it's not what you had in mind, but this is exactly what was needed," participant Yandisa Ka Nzeku told Claassen. "So many of these youths would not have been able to be at the garden." Ka Nzeku wrote and directed the movie Tomorrow, which was shot in Thembalethu last year and premiered earlier this year on YouTube.

He was also the event organiser of last year's Heritage Day at the botanical garden.

The organisers are, from left (excluding the children): Luciano Evans, Zonia Pedro-Ruiters, Tracey Ruiters, Pejamauro Visagie, Anastacia Beukes, Celestine Mckenzie, Stephen Smith, Jisreel Jesaja Wentzel and Chantelle Pieterse. Front (with black beanie): Calvin Claassen.