MOSSEL BAY — A community-driven talent search brought local high school performers to the stage at Sao Bras High on 8 August, organisers said, as part of an ongoing effort to develop performing arts skills among Mossel Bay learners and to raise funds for underprivileged pupils.
Local schools on show
The audition afternoon filled Sao Bras High’s hall with pupils from Indwe Secondary, Garden Route High, Hillcrest Secondary and Sao Bras High, who presented dancing, singing and rap performances for a panel of judges made up of past and current local performers.
Judges named in event material include Victoria Moodie, Crimson Hozay, Roché Cronic, Faizel Fortuin, Denwin Stuurman, Jaydrin Saayman and organiser Adrian London. The Schools Got Talent initiative began in 2017, organisers said, as a way of identifying and supporting developing talent while teaching young people about the performing arts.
Fundraising and access remain central
Organisers emphasised that a key objective of the competition is to raise funds to help underprivileged learners at Sao Bras High. The collaboration with Canibeat Productions and the school aims to mobilise local talent while directing proceeds towards learners who require financial support.
“Mossel Bay has a lot of talent, although the kids are a bit shy, but we will work hard to get them invested in developing their talent,” Adrian London said.
London described the standard of entries as "fresh and inspiring" and said the participants showed eagerness to learn about performing arts. He added that pupils who missed the live auditions could still enter the competition by submitting video auditions.
- Event: Schools Got Talent auditions (local rounds)
- Location: Sao Bras High School hall, Mossel Bay
- Participating schools: Indwe Secondary, Garden Route High, Hillcrest Secondary, Sao Bras High
- Organisers: Canibeat Productions in collaboration with Sao Bras High
- Entry option: Live auditions and video submissions
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Audition date | 8 August (local round at Sao Bras High) |
| Contact for video entries | 078 245 8681 or 064 319 0104 |
The competition's open entry through video submissions was already bearing fruit: organisers reported receiving at least two video entries after the Sao Bras auditions. That flexibility may allow learners with transport or scheduling constraints to participate without attending live auditions.
Why this matters to Mossel Bay
Local arts initiatives such as Schools Got Talent serve several community functions. They offer a performance outlet for learners, present soft-skill development opportunities, and create modest fundraising channels for schools facing resource pressures. For Mossel Bay — a town with visible inequalities between well-resourced and under-resourced schools — such grassroots projects can help bridge gaps when formal support is limited.
However, sustained impact often depends on follow-through: clear plans to direct funds to learners who need it most, opportunities for continued coaching or mentorship beyond a single contest, and collaboration with schools and parents to ensure participants can access further arts training if they show promise.
Organisers said the talent search is intended to be developmental rather than merely competitive. If that approach is maintained, the contest could become part of a pipeline that helps young performers from Mossel Bay take their first steps into the performing arts while easing some pressure on school budgets.
Further information and details for video auditions are available via the numbers provided: 078 245 8681 or 064 319 0104.
