Eight Mitchells Plain schools are finalists in the Next Generation musical showcase, to win their share of R 60 000 in cash, and the public are encouraged to vote for who they believe deserves to win the Community Choice Award. This initiative, proudly presented by Liberty Promenade, is now in its tenth year, as part of the mall’s social responsibility initiatives.
The performances can be viewed and votes can be cast on the Liberty Promenade website, https://promenade.co.za/next-generation-musical-showcase/ until 25 November 2021.
Each year, the Next Generation Musical Showcase features a different theme, designed to inspire learners to think optimistically and creatively. The theme for 2021 is “If I Ruled the World” which had to be incorporated into the entry. Through their performance, learners were encouraged to highlight the changes they would make if they ruled the world as well as the qualities and behaviours that they believe leaders should display. Additionally, they could reference their role models or influential figures, past or present, from any field such as social, political, sport, entertainment, science or other, that they admire.
The competition was open to all schools in Mitchells Plain including primary schools, high schools and schools catering for learners with special needs. Schools look forward to this competition every year as the cash prizes are used to improve their facilities or to purchase much needed educational resources.
A panel of judges will select the top performing schools based on the entry criteria. The school with the most public votes will win the Community Choice Award and R 10 000 cash. Teachers and learners from all of the winning schools will receive Liberty Promenade gift cards to acknowledge their participation and enthusiasm.
In the past, this initiative saw a physical event taking place in the mall. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, performances were filmed in a private studio, and voting is taking place remotely.
The performances of the participating schools include dancing, singing and vibrant costumes in an impressive display of talent. The eight participating schools are: Cedar High, Eastville Primary, Eisleben Road Primary, Lentegeur Secondary, Spine Road High, West End Primary, Woodlands Secondary and Yellowwood Primary.
“We look forward to the Next Generation musical showcase every year and this year’s entries are simply astounding,” said Brenda Bibby, General Manager of Liberty Promenade. “We not only see the remarkable talent that these learners possess, but also their incredible thought processes and hopeful vision for the future,” she added.
