On Monday, the 23rd of January, the Cape Choral Academy welcomed the first students and parents on campus as their doors officially opened in Stellenbosch. Situated in the Welgelegen Dutch Reformed Church in Dalsig, the CCA promises to offer a picturesque and uplifting scholarly environment to all.
The CCA gives musically gifted learners from across the country the opportunity to not only develop as
musicians, but to thrive within a creative environment that produces leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs,
and problem-solvers. This organization is, however, not a normal music school, nor is it just a choir
school, and it is definitely not a mainstream school.
The CCA is an incubator for young minds that think differently; young minds that will bring sustainable change to our communities.The Academy started with 18 learners, but the long-term vision is to expand this unique scholarly community to accommodate 80 children up to Grade 12.
“Our goal is for learners to have a broad and mindful perspective of life and to develop their cognitive abilities through alternative academic excellence, mentorship, physical and mental fitness, and a focus on the highest standard of music educationāboth instrumental and vocal,” says CCA founder Xander Kritxinger.
An academic program forms the basis for any school of excellence, and this music-focused institution is
no exception. Working with the schooling program, Brainline, students will enjoy online classes as they
receive special support from in-person facilitators that guide their academic progress.
Brainline has been providing home education based on the IEB curriculum to thousands of South Africans for more than 30 years. Apart from the online system and in-person facilitators, the students also receive specialized and volunteered guidance from industry experts, academics, and experienced teachers if they struggle in a
specific field.
Learners who are not from Stellenbosch live in a boarding house near the main campus. Both the girls’
and boys’ boarding houses are situated in Die Boord, a popular residential area in Stellenbosch. Trained
live-in dormitory staff oversee the learners from diverse backgrounds who will grow in a place of
community, benefiting from activities that address physical and mental health, leadership development,
and mentorship.
At the heart of the Academyās philosophy lies the deep-rooted belief that music enriches, unlocks
potential, and is meant to be shared. “This choir will follow the tradition of choral music in its original
form, namely as an ecclesiastical tool to serve communities in the spiritual aspects of society. Ours will
be a choir not for the purpose of entertainment but for spiritual enrichment on a deeper level,” says
Kritzinger.
Lovers of choral music and visitors to Stellenbosch will be able to share in the musical delight as they will
have the opportunity to observe or even participate in the daily morning and evening meditational
services to be hosted by the NG Kerk Stellenbosch Welgelegen, NG Kerk Stellenbosch Moederkerk and
NG Kerk Stellenbosch Kruiskerk. Daily choir rehearsals as well as a weekly choral matin or evensong will
also be open to the public.
The Academy also takes pride in their aspirations to have a positive impact on the communities
surrounding them. Through financial support from various stakeholders, including the schoolās biggest
financial sponsor, Accountability, all students benefit from scholarships. The bursaries range from R40
000 per student to R123 000 per student and are allocated according to the needs of each student.
Many students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds form part of the student body, and we
believe that a schooling career at the CCA can help these children grow out of their circumstances to
establish a brighter future for themselves and their families. Our learners face many difficulties at home,
and their living conditions expose them to parents who are terminally ill, incarcerated, or extremely
poor. Others battle with their mental health and their desire to be accepted.
Just as in society, many socio-economic issues are reflected amongst the pupils at the CCA, and we have
a duty towards these children to uplift and change their futures for the better. Our schooling does not
only focus on music or academics but also on the development of skills, abilities, and insights that would
allow our learners to become active citizens in their communities. We want to give our students as many
chances as possible to grow, learn about themselves, and become independent. This will be done
through internships on fruit farms, in well-known business organizations, and in master classes taught by
experts in different fields.
It is also through various social responsibility programs that we allow our organization and students to
have a great impact on society. Through a partnership with Ranyaka, a social enterprise established to
support towns and communities facing challenges, we tend to increase our social impact footprint.
Children must learn about the importance of giving back to the community through acts of service,
charity projects, fundraisers, and alternative activities. It is not about our hurt, discomfort, or the
challenges we face in our personal lives, but about the fact that we are in a position to give, and as we
receive our blessings to embark on new opportunities and journeys, we must make a dedicated effort to
create opportunities for and help others.
