The Finals of the 2013 ACT | DALRO | Nedbank Performing Arts Scholarships were held at the University of Johannesburg Arts Centre on 30 September, where R315 000 was awarded to three deserving winners, to fund their tertiary studies in the performing arts.
After a gruelling week of rehearsals and a tough final round in front of a live audience, Naledi Majola of St Anne's Diocesan College, Arlin Bantam and Kamogelo Nche were chosen as recipients of the ACT | DALRO | Nedbank Performing Arts Scholarships for 2013. Having convinced the judges of their proficiency in singing, dancing and acting, Naledi, Arlin and Kamogelo will be supported in their tertiary studies, beginning in 2014.
Naledi Majola is currently completing Grade 12 at St Anne's Diocesan College in Hilton in KwaZulu-Natal. This passionate musician plays the piano, is a member of the School Choir, the Chamber Choir as well as the Jazz Band. She performed in the School's productions of "Chicago" and "Lysistrata" as well as a musical revue. Naledi is passionate about acting for theatre and film and is planning to further her acting skills for these mediums in 2014.
Maseda Ratshikuni, Head of Cause Marketing at Nedbank says, "We remain committed to enabling the dreams and goals of young people. Our support of the arts and cultural heritage stems from the bank's aspirations of leading transformation and creating a community of leaders who are as highly involved in the communities as we are. We hope that the winners of the scholarships will make artistic and cultural contributions to our country."
Six finalists were chosen through a country-wide audition process, and then coached by a dedicated team of professionals, before putting their best foot forward before an illustrious panel of judges, and - possibly the biggest critics of all - a live audience.
With support from the Arts & Culture Trust; the Dramatic, Artistic and Literary Rights Organisation (DALRO) and Nedbank Arts Affinity, the three winners will be supported to study a performing arts course of their choice at a South African tertiary institution. They will also receive practical support beyond their studies, including representation by SA's top talent agency Talent Etc.
The event was hosted by aspiring MC Altovise Lawrence. Like the six finalists, she was also chosen from a strong pool of national contenders, and the sparkling Wits Drama Graduate also used the platform to showcase her best professional self; in a production crafted by industry professionals Jacques Bessenger (Artistic Director) and Dawid Boverhoff (Musical Director).
Managing Director of DALRO, Advocate Nathi Gaisa says: "A competition that is a tough as this one has proven to be has served to highlight the outstanding talent we have in South Africa today. The Arts play a critical role in the fabric of society and these young, aspiring artists represent the very best of that. DALRO is extremely proud to be supporting these artists and offers them congratulations and all the very best for their next step on the road to success."
CEO of the Arts and Culture Trust, Pieter Jacobs thanked the judges for lending their expert opinions to the programme, explaining that: "To sustain a career in the performing arts, it is vital that hopefuls have not only a strong foundation and diverse skills set, but also that 'special something' that allows them to stand out, in what we know is a tough industry".
The 2013 panel of judges comprised: Kgomotso Christopher, perhaps best-known as Katlego Sibeko on SABC3's Isidingo; television and radio personality, Rozanne McKenzie; Manager of Talent Etc, Jennis Williamson; creative entrepreneur, David April; Musical Theatre Performer and Teacher, Nacia Kruger; and Producer, Director and ACT Trustee, Themi Venturas.
The Scholarships Programme was hosted by UJ Arts & Culture at the University of Johannesburg with additional support from ClassicFEEL Magazine and Pink Room Productions. For more information on the Scholarships programme, please visit www.act.org.za
News and photograph supplied by St Anne's.