Cultural evening gives youth chance to showcase their talent

THE Western Cape Department of Social Development hosted the first annual Youth Cultural evening as part of the final week of Youth Month celebrations.

About 100 young people involved in drama, poetry and music from across the Western Cape were invited by Social Development MEC Albert Fritz to showcase their talent at the University of the Western Cape on Tuesday.

The UWC Jazz Band, Fostering Young Minds Community Band assisted by the Major 7 Jazz Band, and Siphos ethu Pikhelela, an independent artist and poet, were among the showcase of talent.

“It was a great session for us as young people to network and get to meet new people who are also in the same and similar sectors,” said Phikelela.

“We were given enough time to perform a poem and also to perform a song. I am really grateful for such opportunities.

“We also have a book club that helps disabled children and children from disadvantaged backgrounds over the weekends.

“We are incredibly proud of the talented young artists who performed.” “The department allocated R15.6 million this financial year to support these and other young people across the province,” said Fritz.

In his address, he mentioned the importance of delivering services to young people as guided by the Provincial Youth Development Strategy and the Provincial Strategic Goals (PSG), specifically PSG 2, which calls on the department to improve education outcomes and opportunities for youth development.

“Tonight is more than just about fun music and poetry.

“We are showcasing and supporting young entertainment entrepreneurs, and hopefully encouraging more young people to become entrepreneurs in whatever fields,” Fritz added.

“Beyond this commemorative Youth Month, we’ll continue to roll out services and opportunities for youth, especially for those not in employment, education and training, for them to find jobs, become entrepreneurs or gain skills.”