The curtain came down in spectacular fashion on Youth Month for hundreds of young people around Khayelitsha, as they gathered at Desmond Tutu Hall, in Makhaza, on Saturday June 23, for a wellness and talent show.
The fun-filled and educational event was organised by Siyayinqoba, a Community Media Trust (CMT) initiative on SABC, TB HIV Care and CAVA, a youth brand encouraging youth to test for HIV, as well as the provincial department of health.
Despite the heavy rains, scores of young people descended on the venue to showcase their talents while others lined up to be screened for various illnesses such as HIV, STIs and TB.
Meanwhile, 14 performers showed off their talent to judges, television personality Vanessa Ntlapo, magician Olwethu Dyantyi and DJ Mocca J. There were also breathtaking performances from Mr Dyantyi, street free styler Mzwandile Mbodlane and juggler, Mosuli Ntshonga.
CMT manager, Ayanda Soboyisi, said the event was aimed at equipping and empowering young people with much needed health awareness. “We decided to do it in a fun way to make sure it does not get boring and we attract as many young people as possible,” she said.
Ms Soboyisi said they worked with at least 10 schools around Khayelitsha, which are visited by 10 health workers who encouraged youth to prioritise their health.
The response to their call for performers had been overwhelming. “We only wanted 10, but we had more than 50, some from as far as Joburg and Paarl. Unfortunately, our focus was on Khayelitsha, this is their event. (So), we eventually settled for 14 groups to compete today,” said Ms Soboyisi.
Ilingomso Lethu won the hearts of the judges with their energetic traditional music and dance.
Ms Soboyisi said the group would be given an opportunity to showcase their talent on television.