The immense talent eThekwini youth possess was showcased during a musical theatre benefit concert hosted by the eThekwini Transport Authority on Monday, 4 July at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre.

The stars from the GO!Durban Academy in Inanda demonstrated why they were selected to represent South Africa abroad. They impressed attendees with their singing, dancing, and acting performances.

The youngsters have all qualified to be part of Team South Africa to represent the country at the World Championships in Los Angeles in July. This comes after they received their national colours at the South African Championships of the Performing Arts (SACOP) competition held in Rustenburg in October last year.

During his address, Deputy Mayor and Human Settlements and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr. Philani Mavundla said: “Further to the training in acting, singing. and dancing; this programme has had an incredibly positive impact on the students as well as their families, schools, and communities. The academy stages bi-annual performances in local communities which uses the language of music and dance to convey important messages on topics such as road safety, environmental awareness, hygiene and nutrition. Each show is an original production, written and composed by the coaches of the programme.”

Participants have been trained and developed by the GO!Durban Musical Theatre Programme, a youth development initiative by the eThekwini Transport Authority. The programme is a branch of the GO!Durban Academy and offers free weekly classes in singing, acting, and dancing in the communities of Inanda, KwaMashu, and KwaDabeka.

Since being established in 2018, the programme has grown from strength to strength, unearthing new talent and producing stars in the performing arts. There are currently 85 youth enrolled across the three locations. The programme employs 20 local coaches, administrative staff, and interns.