Cape Schools win Talent Showcase
17 schools from Mitchells Plains Schools took part
in Next Generation Talent showcase 2023
R 80 000 cash won by schools
The annual Liberty Promenade Next Generation musical showcase took place in Mitchell’s Plain this past weekend with Spine Road high school, West End primary school and Lentegeur school for LSEN (learners with special education needs) being accoladed top honours each winning R20,000 for their schools. Portland High and Jamaica Way Primary secured the runner up prizes winning R10,000 each for their schools. The presentations included mesmerizing dance routines, soulful singing, powerful and emotionally charged acting, captivating poetry recitations, thought-provoking rap verses, breathtaking visual art displays, and enchanting musical compositions, based on the theme “Mental Health x Superheroes: We’re in this together.”
This highly anticipated event on the annual Western Cape calendar, proudly presented by Liberty Promenade, and powered by MTN, is now in its twelfth year, as part of the mall’s social responsibility initiatives. Each year, the Next Generation musical showcase is centred around a different theme which is required to be reflected in the performance. These initiatives are one of many campaigns hosted by the mall, with the aim of benefitting the mall’s community.
Learners were encouraged to highlight what the theme means to them personally, portray their understanding of and support for mental health awareness, and convey an encouraging message to those who are struggling with mental health issues. The 2023 theme was embraced by the learners wholeheartedly.
At the live event on Saturday, 21 October, the spirited performances showcased a remarkable display of energy, emotion, and enthusiasm, captivating the audience's hearts and minds. Through their performances, these learners effectively advocated for mental health awareness, shedding light on an important issue that often remains in the shadows. Not only did they shine on the stage, they also offered tangible support by sharing valuable contact details for helplines, making it easier for those in need to seek help. They openly depicted various examples of stress and depression, shedding light on their personal struggles and the challenges many learners face. Alongside these powerful representations of mental health battles, the learners shared words of encouragement and hope, reaching out to those who may find themselves in similar situations.
On the day of the event, the mall made the decision to increase the schools cash prizes from R60,000 to R80,000 in recognition of the exceptional quality of the school performances.
The competition was open to all schools in Mitchells Plain and Khayelitsha. The participating schools included: Beacon School for LSEN, Caradale Primary, Cascade Primary, Highlands Primary, Imperial Primary, Intshayelelo Primary, Jamaica Way Primary, Lentegeur Secondary, Lentegeur School for LSEN, Montagu Drive Primary, Portland High, Rocklands Secondary, Summerdale High, Spine Road High, Wavecrest Primary, West End Primary and Woodville Primary.
The winning primary and high schools each won R 20 000 while runners up won R 10 000 each, which can be used to upgrade facilities or purchase educational resources. Spot prizes were awarded to additional learners and teachers who displayed creativity and initiative.
“Just when we thought the learners couldn’t top their incredible performances from last year, they astounded us once again with their creativity, passion, energy and sheer talent. Equally impressive was their depth of understanding of the gravity of mental health issues among youth and their understanding of how important peer support is,” said Brenda Bibby, General Manager of Liberty Promenade. “A huge congratulations to all of the learners, teachers, families and their supporting networks that contributed to such a remarkable Next Generation showcase 2023," she added.
