Cape Town – Generation Change

Cape Town violinist blasts stereotypes

mueserk — Tue, 02 Jul 2013 11:04:13 +0000

In the townships of Cape Town, playing the violin or the cello has been something for the few people who could afford the expensive instruments and regular lessons. But now one young man, 23-year-old Siyathemba Nteta, is challenging the stereotype that classical music is for rich white people. He teaches children in his township how to play the violin – and even holds lessons in the local language, Xhosa.

Listen to the report by Kim Chakanetsa in Cape Town:

Cape Town violinist blasts stereotypes

Siyathemba Nteta says people were surprised when he started playing the violin – but that didn’t bother him (Photo: K. Chakanetsa)

Siyathemba teaches in Xhosa, the local language (Photo: K. Chakanetsa)

: Siyathemba’s students are discovering the joy he found at age 13 (Photo: K. Chakanetsa)

Siyathemba plays in the Cape Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. Here’s their Facebook page.

Cape Town artist beautifies local quarter

mueserk — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 13:32:01 +0000

The Woodstock neighborhood in Cape Town was once a thriving industrial area, but as the factories closed down it became more known for crime, gangs and drugs. Now the area is changing once again – this time for the better. Responsible for some of the more colorful changes is a young artist known as FreddySam who is working to uplift the area one mural at a time.

Listen to the report by Kim Chakanetsa in Cape Town:

Cape Town artist beautifies local quarter

RickyLee Gordon aka FreddySam in his studio at A Word of Art (Photo: Kim Chakanetsa)

Gamiet Karriem assists with the art tour and has lived in Woodstock for 34 years (Photo: Kim Chakanetsa)

FreddySam painted this mural for a woman who has lived in this house for nearly nine decades – and may be forced out soon (Photo: Kim Chakanetsa)

FreddySam’s large-scale murals leave behind a strong impression (Photo: Ricky Lee)

FreddySam wants to change his neighborhood’s image (Photo: Ricky Lee)

FreddySam has a knack for details (Photo: Ricky Lee)

Opening doors for Cape Town kids

admin — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 12:19:29 +0000

According to Jonathan Jansen, a renowned professor at the University of the Free State, thousands of children fail in South Africa’s poor education system every year. However, 26-year-old Lonwabo and several other young men are trying to counter that with a non-profit organization they founded, called Unako. They provide mentorship to school children and also help schools in poor communities to build libraries.

Listen to the report by Faatimah Hendricks in Cape Town:

Opening doors for Cape Town kids

Children in Cape Town celebrate the opening of their new school library

Kids at Zimasa Primary School did an art workshop with Unako