The power of the arts to inspire the youth was on full display when the Kids Performing Arts Collective (K-PAC) held their performance showcase at Bridgeville Primary in Silvertown on Saturday, 8 August 2026.

K-PAC is a free-to-attend, weekly performing arts programme for children from communities including Athlone, Gugulethu and Manenberg. 

It is one of nine programmes of the Cape Cultural Collective NPO. Through singing, contemporary dance and drama, KPAC provides a structured and supervised environment where children aged between 9 and 13 years can develop confidence, discipline, creativity and performance skills. 

Saturday’s performance showcase gave the children an opportunity to present what they have been learning. They delighted the audience with their dance moves and dedication under the guidance of the programme facilitators: dance teacher Anele Xhali and singing coach Minathi Matoto. 

From a Michael Jackson Medley, complete with moonwalk, to contemporary dance and singing, the more than 30 Grades 4 to 7 pupils from Red River Primary in Manenberg, Xolani Primary in Gugulethu and Bridgeville Primary in Silvertown, showed off their talent.

Two of the young artists were interviewed by MC Vusumuzi Mpofu about being part of K-PAC.

Slindile Ella Mawela from Xolani Primary in Gugulethu said it was beautiful and fun, while Nazier April from Red River Primary in Manenberg said the programme brought people together, they learnt to sing and dance, and it was fun and free.

Aphiwe Magodla, from Gugulethu, who is part of the Cape Cultural Collective’s Music Training and Development programme, performed solo pieces including “Never Give Up” and “Qongqothwane”. 

K-PAC programme manager, Nurene Jassiem, said Aphiwe’s involvement in the performance showcase is particularly meaningful because it demonstrates how the different Cape Cultural Collective arts programmes create opportunities for young people to develop their talents and eventually contribute as performers. 

Aphiwe said he enjoyed performing. “I feel great. I love the energy from (MC) Vusumuzi and the audience.”

He accompanied young Axl-Blayz Hartenberg, from Silvertown, one of three K-PAC mascots aged under 8, who recited the poems “I am an African Child” and “If you should meet a Crocodile”.

Parent Ruth Johnson came to support her daughter, Ashura, a Red River Primary pupil, who danced in the showcase and has been with K-PAC for over a year.

“She has grown alot during her time with K-PAC. I admire the fact that she’s in the show and that will boost her self-confidence.”

Ms Johnson said the show was fun and she was proud to see the children performing even though they were shy; they did a great job and were well-disciplined.

Cape Cultural Collective Board chairperson, Zenariah Barends thanked everyone for attending, especially the parents.

“You could have been anywhere else but you’ve come here to support your children and that is one of the key factors in children becoming confident adults; to know their parents support them in their endeavours.”

She thanked Ward 49 councillor Rashid Adams for attending and handed him a scarf designed with South African flags as a token of appreciation.

“He has seen the value in a programme such as this. This hall is not overflowing with people but it will be one day. These are small beginnings for a programme and you are here as part of the foundation of this programme. To have the support of the community political representative is critical because that voice can echo in other corridors.”

Mr Adams said there was a need to collaborate to support the youth.

“We are living in a time and society where so much is against our children. Arts and culture is one space where we can overcome that.”

He said the City of Cape Town has an arts and culture department within the community services and health directorate and they look for programmes to collaborate with. 

He told the children he was proud of their performances.

“You can be anyone you want to be. You don’t have to be Beyonce, you don’t have to be Michael Jackson, you be yourself and take yourself forward with what has been taught to you.”

The showcase ended with children being presented with certificates.

As programme manager, Ms Jassiem said she was proud of the children. “They were well-behaved and came alive on stage, showing everyone what they had learnt. A performance requires more than artistic ability; the children must work as a team, remember what they have practised, manage the nerves that come with performing and support one another. For me, that is one of the most important aspects of K-PAC. We are not only teaching children to sing, dance or perform. We are helping them develop confidence, discipline, teamwork and a sense of pride in what they can achieve.”

She thanked everyone who contributed to making the showcase possible. Every child who participated received a goodie bag with essential items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap and face cloths. Each child also received a special party pack, and a novelty treat and gift.

“These gift bags are about more than providing children with essential items. They also contribute to their sense of self-worth. When a child receives something that has been thoughtfully put together especially for them, it sends a message that they matter, that their efforts are valued and that the community is invested in them.” 

The K-PAC programme is hosted every Saturday during school terms at Bridgeville Primary School.